Dear friends, it is with profound sadness that we share with you the news that Jean Vanier, founder of L'Arche and co-founder of Faith and Light, passed away this night at 2:10 a.m. in Paris, surrounded by those closest to him.
Jean lived a life of immense fruitfulness. He shaped the history of L'Arche and Faith and Light, and the personal stories of so many among us. We will always be grateful for all of this. Jean sent us on a mission, and we will do our best to fulfill his deepest desire: that the good news be proclaimed to the poor.
The funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 16th at 2:00 p.m.
Jean wished for the funeral ceremony to take place in his community at Trosly. It will be held privately with his community, his family, and select representatives from the L'Arche and Faith and Light federations. Out of respect for Jean's wishes, attendance will be by invitation only.
So that each of you may participate with your hearts and prayers, the service will be recorded and broadcast live on the French television channel KTO (www.ktotv.com), with English translation. On the website JeanVanier.larche.org, you are invited to share a message or a testimony in his memory.
In his final message, just days ago, Jean wrote:
"I am deeply at peace and full of trust. I am not certain what my future holds, but God is good, and whatever happens will be for the best. I am happy and grateful for everything. My deepest love to each of you."
In communion with all of you, in sorrow and in the hope that Jean now rests in the arms of the Lord and "in the joyful company of his poor."
Marie-Hélène Mathieu, co-founder of Faith and Light
Hoda Elturk, president of the board of Faith and Light international
Raul Izquierdo Garcia, international coordinator of Faith and Light
Corinne Chatain, General Secretary of Faith and Light