TRIBUTE to Jean Vanier

What this episode covers

JEAN VANIER Sept 10, 1928 - May 7, 2019 Philosopher, writer, religious and moral leader, founder of communities for people with and without intellectual disabilities… and above all, a follower of Jesus, a peacemaker… Author of some 30 books, member of the Order of Canada, winner of the Templeton Prize, member of France’s Legion of Honour, member of the Order of Quebec, Jean Vanier was a widely recognized humanitarian, He was the founder of two international organizations dedicated to people with intellectual disabilities: L’Arche and Faith and Light. The 154 L’Arche communities in 38 countries and 1450 Faith and Light communities in 86 countries are places rich in human transformation. Those who live with people with intellectual disabilities leave transformed by what they have received and by the richness of the human relationships they have experienced. Having lived himself over 50 years with people with intellectual disabilities, Jean Vanier has been an ardent advocate for the most vulnerable and marginalized people in our societies. Jean Vanier regularly intervened in public forums, sharing about what he has witnessed and inviting us to acknowledge the gifts and valuable teachings that people with an intellectual disability can contribute to society once they are welcomed and loved. The message of Jean Vanier goes beyond religious and cultural barriers because it speaks to the basic and universal needs of each human being. The message of Jean Vanier redirects our attention to the importance of “being with” others, and most specifically with the most vulnerable. Each person is invited to go beyond personal ambitions to work for the wellbeing of others, attentive to their desires and needs. Only in this way will we discover the hidden treasures and beauty of each human being. L’Arche and Faith and Light are built on the conviction that people who have been judged to be useless and considered to be a financial burden are in fact sources of life who help us to fully embrace our humanity. Sister Sue Mosteller - Former L’Arche Director, Member of the Sisters of St. Joseph (Toronto), Author, Friend of Jean Vanier Dr. Michael W. Higgins, Ph.D. - Distinguished Professor of Catholic Thought at Sacred Heart University, Author of Vanier Biography, Jean Vanier: Logician of the Heart

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