The Belgian Pontifical College (; ; ) in Rome is a Belgian Catholic educational institution. Founded in 1844, the college is the residence for students sent by the Bishops of the Belgian dioceses to study in Rome.
History The college was established in 1844 by the Belgian bishops, through the initiative of Aerts, aided by Vincenzo Pecci, the Apostolic Nuncio to Belgium,Kühne, Benno (1880), Papst Leo XIII [Pope Leo XIII] (in German), New York & St. Louis: C&N Benzinger, Einsideln. p. 52 with the permission and support of Pope Gregory XVI.
At first it was located in the home of Aerts, rector of the Belgian national Church of San Giuliano dei Fiamminghi. In 1845 the ancient monastery of Gioacchino ed Anna at the Quattro Fontane was purchased. The Belgian episcopate supports the students and nominates the rector.Benigni, Umberto. "Roman Colleges." The Catholic Encyclopedia Vol. 13. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1912. 11 January 2016
It has been home to many famous residents, in particular the young Karol Wojtyla residing here between 1946 and 1948 together with his friend Gustaaf Joos. During his studies in Rome, Leo Joseph Suenens resided at the college and also served as the college librarian. Another famous resident was Yves Congar.
Use The college is the residence for students sent by the bishops of the Belgian dioceses to study in Rome. It is also the main residence of the Belgian clergy when in Rome. The students participate in the Clericus Cup.
Rectors
1844 - 1854: , founder and first president 1851 - 1854: Jozef Sonneville 1854 - 1868: unknown 1868 - 1872: Petrus Sacré 1872 - 1878: Victor Van den Branden de Reeth 1880 - 1927: Charles de t’Serclaes 1927 - 1945: Oscar Joliet 1946 - 1949: Maximilien de Furstenberg 1949 - 1962: Jozef Devroede 1962 - 1972: Albert Prignon 1972 - 1997: Werner Quintens 1997 - 2008: Johan Bonny 2009 - 2024: Dirk Smet 2024 - incumbent: Geert Morlion
See also Roman Colleges
References