We recognize Community Living Month this May by celebrating a great Canadian and humanitarian, Jean Vanier, for his advocacy work and reflections on the importance of helping the vulnerable

On March 11, 2015, Jean Vanier was awarded the highly esteemed Templeton Prize.  Created by the mutual fund pioneer and philanthropist John Templeton, the prize honours a living person who has made an exceptional contribution to affirming life’s spiritual dimension, whether through insight, discovery, or practical works.  Past winners of the prize include the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Son of the former governor-general, George Vanier, Jean Vanier resigned his commission as a naval officer in 1950 to find an outlet for his faith and desire to help others.  Mr. Vanier was drawn to the plight of institutionalized people.

In 1964 he invited to people with a developmental disability to live with him in the village of Trosly Breuil, north of Paris, in a house they called L’Arche, after Noah’s Ark.

More than 50 years later, L’Arche has more than 100 communities worldwide.

Mr.  Vanier has long said that one becomes more fully human when living side by side with those who are different. 

VIDEO What does it mean to be fully human, Jean Vanier, Templeton Prizehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZaQuy1ujek

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jean Vanier speaks on the Big Questions (full version) – YouTube
The 2015 Templeton Prize Laureate, Jean Vanier, speaks on the Big Questions – What does it mean to be fully human? – What is God’s dream for humanity? – How …