Jean Vanier

In 1964 Jean Vanier founded L'Arche by welcoming two men with developmental disabilities from an institution to live with him in Trosly-Breuil, France. From that simple beginning L'Arche today has over 120 faith-based communities in 30 countries throughout the world. Jean continues to live in the L'Arche Community in Trosly-Breuil. L'Arche has been called one of the most significant Christian ministries of the 20th Century. In fact Jean Vanier recently received the Paul VI International Prize for his lay ministry work. In recognizing Jean 's work, Pope John-Paul II stated, "Over the past 30 years L'Arche has grown to become a dynamic and providential sign of the civilization of love."