The Philosopher

Jean Vanier's philosophy was born in his coming to understand the import of the experience of human suffering.

Jean Vanier on Becoming Human

The universality and centrality of our shared fragility has the potential to unite us in commonality.

An Unusual Theologian

At the heart of Vanier’s theology is the human desire to belong.

A Man of Letters

In both senses of the term, as an author and letter-writer, Jean Vanier is a man of letters

The Philosopher

Jean Vanier's philosophy was born in his coming to understand the import of the experience of human suffering.

Jean Vanier on Becoming Human

The universality and centrality of our shared fragility has the potential to unite us in commonality.

An Unusual Theologian

At the heart of Vanier’s theology is the human desire to belong.

A Man of Letters

In both senses of the term, as an author and letter-writer, Jean Vanier is a man of letters

An extraordinary presence

Jean is a humble role model, mentor and friend who inspires through his respectfully loving each person as they are.

Among the Great Ones of this World

From Mother Teresa to Pope John Paul II, Jean Vanier's life has been profoundly marked by his encounters with the great ones of this world.

Jean Vanier and Mother Teresa

'Friends in the Spirit', Mother Theresa and Jean Vanier are two beautiful human beings who accompanied each other on their respective life-missions.

The Philosopher

Jean Vanier's philosophy was born in his coming to understand the import of the experience of human suffering.

Jean Vanier on Becoming Human

The universality and centrality of our shared fragility has the potential to unite us in commonality.

An Unusual Theologian

At the heart of Vanier’s theology is the human desire to belong.

A Man of Letters

In both senses of the term, as an author and letter-writer, Jean Vanier is a man of letters

The Founder

Jean Vanier' s struggle, started in the small village of Trosly in 1964, continues today. The road to justice and peace demands a lifetime commitment.

L'Arche in the World

The 135 communities of L'Arche bring together men and women with or without an intellectual disability.

Faith and Light

An international network of mutual care and community support for people affected by intellectual disabilities

“The longer we journey on the road to inner healing and wholeness, the more the sense of belonging grows and deepens. The sense is not just one of belonging to others and to a community. It is a sense of belonging to the universe, to the earth, to the air, to the water, to everything that lives, to all humanity.”
Jean Vanier

Jean Vanier, humanist, philosopher, theologian, man of letters is first and foremost described by his companions as a man with heart, a man of compassion.

Here, in one place, we present the man, the message, and the work of this passionate advocate for humanity and truth. In Jean Vanier, these three aspects of the person are really one. To know one side of him is to better understand the others.

Through this site, we invite you to discover the wisdom of this surprising man, who discovered how to bring a totally new light to our collective humanity by becoming supremely attentive to people affected by severe functional or intellectual disabilities.

 

Jean Vanier Told by His Friends

Life loving

''Jean gave a conference in Compiegne and afterwards a man came to him requesting that Jean sign the book the man had written, about Jesus. As Jean signed the book he asked: What do you do when you are not writing about Jesus? The man replied: I am a long haul pilot. Jean asked: I am going to India this year, do you fly there?, and gave the pilot the dates. Sure enough, a few months later, as he was sitting in the airport in India at 2 a.m. waiting for his return flight, along came the pilot! Mr. Vanier, I will be your pilot tonight! During the flight Jean was invited to the cockpit, as delighted as a young boy by the adventure, the controls and the view. Jean is capable of delight and awe at very worldly realities.''