From September 22 to 29, 250 delegates from Faith and Light communities around the world gathered for an international meeting at the "Better World" center in Rocca di Papa, near Rome. They came from 75 countries, representing approximately 1,700 communities, drawn together by a shared desire for an extraordinary experience of faith. Over the week, delegates engaged in dialogue and spiritual formation, guided by a passage from the Gospel of John: "I have chosen you to go and bear fruit." Jean Vanier, who founded Faith and Light together with Marie Hélène Mathieu, expressed the gathering's first purpose: "We are here to give thanks to Jesus for having transformed our tears into joy."
"We are here to give thanks to Jesus for having transformed our tears into joy."
"We are here to give thanks to Jesus for having transformed our tears into joy."The week unfolded at a brisk pace. There were catechetical sessions, presentations—including Marie Hélène Mathieu's opening address on the meaning of Faith and Light today and Jean Vanier's closing remarks on the movement's mission—an interfaith celebration in the Catacombs of Saint Domitilla, the election of a new international coordinator, Vivianne Le Polain, regional meetings, and a celebration on Saturday, September 28, when Roman communities welcomed the delegates.
"The Marked Person Is Often Rejected"
For many delegates, the Faith and Light gathering in Rome was their first chance to leave their own country and visit the birthplace of Christianity. On September 26, the emotion ran deep when delegates in colorful traditional dress were received by the Pope at Castel Gandolfo. This was "an encounter between sufferings," in which the reciprocal "tenderness of God" became visible.
Jean Vanier opened the papal audience by recalling that "the person marked by disability is often a source of division, scandal, conflict, and sorrow. Often rejected, even before birth. Yet at Faith and Light, through Jesus and his Good News, we discover together that these persons can become a source of life and unity. They awaken compassion in our hardened, fearful hearts. They transform us and call us to live in community—a community built on friendship and solidarity."
The Holy Father thanked the delegates for their "witness in our society," which is called to recognize the dignity of people with handicaps, to welcome them, and to integrate them into social life—though much remains to be done to truly respect the dignity of all human beings and to protect the gift of life. He also offered words of encouragement to parents of children with intellectual disabilities: "I think of those parents," he concluded, "who, through Faith and Light, find themselves supported in their suffering, and whose sadness is transformed into hope—so that they may welcome their handicapped children with humanity and faith."
Touched and Freed
Marie Hélène Mathieu, Jean Vanier, and Enza Gucciardo (the Italian coordinator) spoke to the international press on Friday, September 27, about the Faith and Light movement. Their words were grounded in personal stories—the only true witness to Faith and Light's message of love.
"A mother once told me," said Marie Hélène Mathieu, "that before joining our communities, she was ashamed of her severely disabled son and believed his disability was a curse. Now she takes him with her everywhere—to church, to the market. Her life was transformed the moment she understood that the boy was loved by God and she accepted him."
Enza Gucciardo emphasized that friends of people with disabilities can feel touched and liberated by them, because they relate at the level of the heart rather than efficiency or logic. The universal power of this message has made it possible for Faith and Light to become an ecumenical movement, because, as Jean Vanier explains, suffering is common to all. "Faith and Light is bound to the suffering that comes with the birth or presence of a disabled child or friend—the same suffering experienced by Catholics, Protestants, and Orthodox." Mutual respect is the second step: "Our fundamental ideal is respect for diversity, so naturally it opens the door to encounter with other traditions." Faith and Light communities celebrate common liturgies: "If the celebration is Anglican, Catholics also attend but do not receive communion. The same applies when the celebration is Catholic."
Diversity, then, unites and strengthens ecumenical and interreligious dialogue—as lived out in the roughly 1,700 Faith and Light communities scattered across the world. The movement has been present in Italy since 1975. At the beginning there were 7 groups; now there are 62 recognized communities, plus others in formation or developing, according to Enza Gucciardo.
"In some parishes, we even serve on the pastoral council," reported Cristina Tersigni, one of three coordinators for central Italy. She also acknowledged real obstacles: sometimes rejection or suspicion toward people with disabilities and their families stems from "a lack of understanding or from fear."
"Often," Marie Hélène said, "after Mass we invite parishioners to join us for a drink, because when people meet face to face, it breaks down prejudice and changes attitudes." For parents and friends of people with intellectual disabilities, participation in the communities offers both comfort and richness: "It is a path of faith lived in fullness. To have the chance to share your suffering with others helps you carry the difficulties of each day, strengthened by the power of the Gospel."
Edited by the Redaction, 2002