JEAN VANIER: A TIME TO CELEBRATE

On September 10, 2008, Jean Vanier turns 80 years old. lt is hard to believe, given Jean's seemingly boundless energy, as he travels the world and continues to inspire us through his words and actions.
          What a gift and blessing he has been for so many! I regularly meet people who tell me that they attended a session with him back in 1979 and they still remember his words, the impact of his person, and his ability to bring life and hope to a broken and divided world. His history with L'Arche illustrates this gift and blessing.
          In 1964, the late Father Thomas Philippe, a Dominican priest, invited Jean Vanier to settle in Trosly, near Paris, to live with two men with developmental disabilities. The group chose a small broken-down home and called it L'Arche. "This later became the name of the International Federation of L'Arche, which today encompasses 130 communities in 30 countries around the globe.
          In 1968, Foi et Portage (Faith and Sharing) was born. This community provides a place where people meet monthly for a day of prayer and everyone is welcome. In 1971, with Marie-Helene Mathieu, Jean founded Foi et Lumiere (Faith and Light), a movement which gathers people with a handicap, their family and friends for sharing, celebration and prayer. There are currently more than 1000 Foi et Lumiere communities in the world.
          Over the years Jean has touched many through his numerous writings. Yet it is not what he has done that stands out—it is who he is, his faithfulness to the call he received, and his ability to remind us of God's love for each of us, particularly those who more readily accept and live with brokenness.
          Jean's greatest gift throughout his life has been his life-giving spirit. People feel drawn to him, want to be close to him and listen attentively to his stories. The themes of his stories remain constant: they are stories of broken people finding their worth in loving relationships that transform. His stories point to the truth that God loves each and every one of us, weak and strong, broken and whole. 
          "The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone." Jean Vanier decided to make his home with the rejected stone and today he continues to share his life with people with developmental disabilities. His gifts of welcome, openness and being young-at-heart are gifts he has received from those who have shared his life. In the midst of those on whom our society places little
value, Jean Vanier's gifts have flourished. Happy birthday Jean! Thank you for being a brother who walks with us and who has the courage to stay on the life-giving path.

Raphael Amato
L'Arche Ottawa, www.larche.ca