Who is Jean Vanier:
Jean Vanier is the founder of L'Arche communities, where a small number of people with and without intellectual disabilities live together in a spirit of conviviality and sharing. This is an expensive biography devoted to him by Anne-Sophie Constant and a nice presentation of a man out of the ordinary. Reading this book, one inevitably feels the friendship that united them …..
The pen of Anne Sophie Constant is crystal clear she paints a portrait of a hero to all people. A man who lived to serve those whom the society rejected: the disabled and those plagued with deformity that would send us running. This is a very religious book that emphasis on how much of the gospel is lived by.
Mr. Vanier worked as a Canadian navy officer and professor before turning to charity work and in 1964 he founded L’Arche and the charity now has 154 communities in 38 countries. Ms. Constant tells us how he managed to reach so many people and travelled the world to encourage dialogue across religions. He was a teacher and moral leader who also helped found a group called Faith and Light now composed of 1500 communities in 83 countries. This is extensive documentation on his life and achievements. On the dark side, L’Arche was not exempt from damaging incidents of abuse in the past. The founder took fast action to expel the abusers and today there is no mention of such incident.
While reading this book I had chills. Right or wrong it brought back memories of communes and sects that were the rage in the 60, 70 and 80 where a charismatic leader lured floc of people to their compound, bringing a great amount of money and free help by the followers. Jean Vanier was like an apostle where he went people floc to his side but the difference is Jean was a leader who grew up in a faith-filled Catholic family and discovered the treasure hidden in those who are intellectually disabled and wanted to help. That was his mission and he held to it till is death. Jean Vanier was a hero to many and loved around the world for his devotion.
Jean Vanier died in Paris, France, May 7th 2019 at age 90 he will be remembered as a pioneer who improved the lives of so many people.
I didn’t know of this extraordinary but simple man and less about his achievements. I had to Google his name and his organisation to know more. Too curious to see if L’arche had residences in my hometown and it does…simple residences that perfectly blend in neighborhoods and are run by caring and loving caregivers.
This book will last in my mind for a long time….well-done Ms. Constant.
My thanks to Plough Publishing and NetGalleys for this ARC
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