Jean Vanier

L’Arche was founded by Jean Vanier in 1964. The son of a former Governor General of Canada, Vanier served during World War II with the Royal Navy and then with the Royal Canadian Navy. In 1950, he left the navy to study philosophy and theology, and began to teach.

In 1964, Jean became aware of the plight of thousands of people with learning disabilities who were institutionalised in France. In that same year he took the radical step of inviting two men, Raphael Simi and Philippe Seux, to leave the institution where they lived and share their lives with him. Together they began L’Arche in small house in Trosly-Breuil, France.

L'Arche in Trosly grew rapidly and in 1968 the first L’Arche community in Canada opened. Gradually, more communities were founded around the world by people inspired by Jean's work. Jean remained the leader of the Trosly-Breuil Community until 1981 and he lives there to this day.

He has been, and remains, an inspiring teacher. His life is testament to a radically different way of living and being in the world.

Jean’s awards include the French Legion of Honour, Companion of the Order of Canada, the Rabbi Gunther Plaut Humanitarian Award 2001, the International Paul VI Award, and the Templeton Prize. He has furthermore been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Jean Vanier, and those who came to share his vision, learnt two important truths in the early years, which remain at the heart of L’Arche today. People with learning disabilities have a great deal to contribute to society and, by living in intentional community with people with and without learning disabilities - living with diversity and difference - we open ourselves up to be challenged and to grow.

Jean Vanier’s books include Life’s Great Questions, Becoming Human, Community and Growth, Befriending the Stranger and From Brokenness to Community.

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Faith and light

As well as L'Arche, Jean Vanier co-founded the international Faith and Light organisation. The idea was conceived when Jean’s friend, Marie-Helene Matthieu, introduced him to Gerard and Camille, the parents of two boys with severe learning disabilities. Gerard and Camille wanted to take their sons on a trip to Lourdes but were told they would disturb the other pilgrims. In response, Jean and Marie-Helene spent three years planning a pilgrimage for people with learning disabilities and their fam
Thérèse Vanier

Thérèse Vanier established the first L’Arche community in the UK, in Canterbury, in 1974. She is remembered for her determination and drive to affect change in the world, her humour, and her great love of people; especially people with learning disabilities and in the last stages of life.
Henri Nouwen

In the summer of 1985 Henri Nouwen joined the L’Arche community in Trosly-Brueil, France. Henri spent nine months living and sharing in life with people with and without learning disabilities. Today, Henri Nouwen remains a much loved spiritual guide to many for the way in which he so openly wrote about his own struggles, vulnerabilities, frailties and doubts.