Jean Vanier

Jean Vanier was a Canadian Catholic philosopher and theologian, born in Geneva, Switzerland, on September 10, 1928. He is best known as the founder of L'Arche in 1964, an international federation of communities dedicated to people with developmental disabilities and their assistants. He also co-founded Faith and Light in 1971, another international movement focused on individuals with developmental disabilities. Vanier's early life included service in the Royal Canadian Navy and academic pursuits, earning a PhD in philosophy. He taught philosophy before leaving academia in 1964 to focus on his spiritual ministry. His work with L'Arche aimed to create communities where people with disabilities were seen as teachers and sources of wisdom. Throughout his life, Vanier authored over 30 books on topics such as religion, disability, and tolerance. He received numerous accolades, including the Companion of the Order of Canada, the National Order of Quebec, the Legion of Honour, the Pacem in Terris Peace and Freedom Award, and the Templeton Prize. In February 2020, a report by L'Arche concluded that Vanier had sexually abused six women between 1970 and 2005, leading to widespread shock and condemnation. This revelation prompted the renaming of several schools previously named in his honor. Vanier died on May 7, 2019, in Trosly-Breuil, France.