Bert Daelemans

Bert Daelemans is a Belgian Jesuit (SJ) and Professor of Systematic Theology at both Comillas Pontifical University (since 2013) and KU Leuven (since 2023). He serves as an Assistant Collaborator - Doctor Level 2 within the Faculty of Theology's Department of Dogmatic and Fundamental Theology. His academic journey culminated with a Doctor of Theology (PhD) from KU Leuven in 2013. Daelemans offers a distinctive mystagogical-sacramental theology through the lens of paradox, exploring themes such as vulnerability, the embrace, art, the Holy Spirit, and sacred space, where art and theology continuously inform one another.

Daelemans' research focuses on the intersection of theology, art, and space. His work examines how mystagogical theology of the sacraments, philosophy and theology of aesthetics, pneumatology, and the mystagogy of liturgical space create meaningful connections between contemporary culture and religious experience. He has particular expertise in Jesuit architecture and 17th century art and images. His approach is characterized by exploring vulnerability as a theological concept, especially through artistic expression, and how sacred spaces function as bridges between culture and faith.

His publication trends reveal a consistent focus on contemporary church architecture, art as spiritual practice, and the theological implications of vulnerability. Daelemans frequently analyzes how contemporary artists engage with religious themes and how these can be integrated into spiritual exercises. His work demonstrates how sacred spaces function as 'mystagogical bridges' between contemporary culture and religious experience, with increasing attention to vulnerability as a theological concept.

Daelemans serves on the scientific committee of CIARC (International Congress of Contemporary Religious Architecture) and is part of the international research group on liturgical space 'Rothenfels.' He previously served on the scientific committee of the Liturgical Congress in Bose, Italy (2013-2020).

As an educator, Daelemans has over 11 years of teaching experience at Comillas Pontifical University, offering courses on Christianity and World Religions, Introduction to the Religious Fact, Liturgical Praxis, Pneumatology, Art and Theology, and various aspects of Ignatian spirituality. He is particularly known for offering Spiritual Exercises through the contemplation of works of art, including the monthly meeting Orarconelarte.

His research activities extend to international collaborations, with recent teaching engagements in Paris, Bogotá, Córdoba (Argentina), and various locations across Spain. He has also served as a priest in parishes across Oakland (USA), Alaska (USA), Leuven and Antwerp (Belgium), Paris (France), and Madrid.