Jean Vanier
 Jean
Vanier was born on September 10, 1928, and is the son of the late Pauline Vanier
& Major General the Right Honorable George P. Vanier, who was Governor
General of Canada from 1959-67. At the age of 13 he joined the Navy where he
served for nine years. He then went on to study & teach philosophy &
theology, pursuing his education in England, Canada & France. He ultimately
received his doctorate in Philosophy from the Institut Catholique de Paris,
focusing on the thought of Aristotle.
In 1964, with the support of his spiritual director Father
Thomas Philippe, O.P., Jean invited two men with intellectual disabilities, Raphael
Simi & Philippe Seux, to live with him. Thus L’Arche was born.
While L’Arche grew up around the world in the 60’s and 70’s,
Jean founded two other international organizations: Faith & Sharing, and
Faith & Light. Faith & Sharing is an annual retreat where people from
all walks of life are welcome to gather in their communities to share the
Gospel. Faith & Light, which Jean founded with Marie Helen Mathieu, is a
network of groups comprised of people with intellectual disabilities, their
parents and friends. These groups meet regularly to discuss hopes and
difficulties, and to pray together.
Having stepped down a number of years ago as head of the
International Federation of L’Arche, Jean now spends much of his time
counseling, encouraging & accompanying members of L’Arche in their
journeys. He continues to write and to spread the message of L’Arche in film
documentaries. He also travels a great deal, visiting L’Arche communities all
over the world, encouraging projects for new communities, and giving lectures
and retreats.
Video
of Jean Vanier Speaking at St. James Cathedral, Seattle
Video of Jean Vanier being interviewed on National Public Radio
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