Pic courtesy of Catholic Voices
Cardinal Nichols, president of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, has commented on the death of Jean Vanier, CC, GOQ, a Canadian Catholic philosopher, theologian, and humanitarian who has died aged 90. In 1964 Vanier founded L’Arche, an international federation of communities spread over 37 countries, where people with and without disabilities live together as equals. His last words were: “I am deeply peaceful and trustful. I’m not sure what the future will be but God is good and whatever happens it will be the best. I am happy and give thanks for everything. My deepest love to each one of you.”
Cardinal Nichols commented:
“At our gathering in Valladolid, we heard with deep emotion of the death of Jean Vanier. For over half a century he has inspired an entirely new appreciation of the gift of people with learning disabilities and revealed the most profound heart of human community. We pray for him and his beloved L’Arche communities at this moment of loss. May he rest in peace. ”