Essential Writings [Paperback]

`At first you might not notice it, but gradually you will come to realize that Jean Vanier brings you in touch with a place inside yourself that few people have reached.' --Henri J. M. Nouwen (1985)

`For those of us who read his books or attend his lectures, Jean Vanier is a spiritual friend on the journey of life. His word, perfectly coherent with his life, inspires us to follow and, like him, to become more truly human.'

A prophetic message of compassion and human dignity from the founder of L'Arche.

In 1964 Jean Vanier, a philosopher and former naval officer, moved into a dilapidated house in France with two companions and founded the first L'Arche community. In time this grew into an international network of communities in which people with developmental disabilities and those who assist them share their lives together. Vanier's message of compassion, community, and his stress on the dignity and value of human life, has struck a universal chord.

This collection of Vanier's essential writings, published to mark his 80th birthday, reflects the great discovery of his life: `that we are healed by the poor and the weak, that we are transformed by them if we enter into
relationship with them, that the weak and the vulnerable have a gift to give to our world...they call us together, in unity and peace, to build community.'

Jean Vanier is the founder of l'Arche and co-founder of Faith and Light, communities with and for people with disabilities. He continues to make his home in the first l'Arche community, in Trosly-Breuil (France), and to travel and give formation in anthropology and on the gospel message. His books include Man and Woman God Made Them, Becoming Human and Befriending the Stranger (all DLT).
Carolyn Whitney-Brown, PhD, and her family were part of the L'Arche Daybreak community in Canada from 1990 to 1997. She co-ordinated national projects for the Canadian Council of Churches, the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, and the United Church of Canada before moving to Vancouver Island.