L'Arche founder finds value of life in relationships

Published: 2006-06-07

CHICAGO (CNS) -- Jean Vanier spoke slowly, gently, with measured cadence. His tall figure was stooped at the shoulders, as though he was bending down to hear the whispered words of a child. His words, too, were full of gentleness, as he spoke of the need for love in the world, his main topic of a talk at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Vanier, who founded the L'Arche community of homes where mentally disabled adults live with nondisabled associates, came to Chicago from his home in France to accept the theological school's Blessed are the Peacemakers Award May 3. He spoke to the school's faculty and students the same day, before having lunch with members of the media. Vanier, who is 77, started L'Arche by inviting two mentally disabled men to share his home in France in 1964; there are now 126 L'Arche communities in 31 countries. In his lifetime, he said, he has noticed that people who have mental disabilities often have great faith, but they never speak of "Christ" or "the Lord." "They always talk about Jesus," Vanier said. "It's a personal relationship."

Copyright (c) 2006 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .