On February 22, shocking news broke across social media like lightning from a clear sky: Jean Vanier, the beloved founder of L'Arca and Fede e Luce—whom we had mourned with deep emotion just months before when he died—had committed serious misconduct against women he guided spiritually. After a moment of disbelief, we had to face the truth. It was no fake news, but the result of a lengthy investigation commissioned by the international federation of L'Arca communities.
By chance (or providence?), the San Gaetano community, which I serve as spiritual director, had scheduled a small gathering the very next day—a Sunday—and the theme was… the masks we wear. Not because of COVID-19, which didn't yet seem a threat, but because it was Carnival Sunday, when people put on masks to disguise themselves. Looking back, that theme proved startlingly prophetic for facing the painful question of the dark side of Jean Vanier's life.
Speaking Saturday evening with Huberta, the community's leader, we quickly agreed we had to address it at our gathering. Sooner or later the news would spread, and it was better to present it in the safe space of our small meeting, where we could explain and answer questions, rather than let people learn it from social media. But at the same time, announcing it to the whole community seemed unwise. The young people especially could be deeply troubled. Some might never have heard of Jean Vanier in other contexts; others would need individual explanation suited to their particular situation. Still, it was urgent to speak with parents and friends, especially the young adults.
So we approached the day this way: after Sunday morning mass, we all gathered in the park next to the church and discussed the day's theme—masks. Using two Gospel passages (Matthew 6 on giving in secret, and Matthew 23 on hypocritical Pharisees), we looked at different kinds of masks: good masks, when we hide our good deeds out of humility, and bad masks, when we try to deceive others for our own gain. A rich conversation followed, with some personal sharing.
Then the young people went to help prepare the dining hall in the parish building, along with friends already aware of the news, while the others stayed in the park. In simple terms, Huberta told Jean's story without hiding or downplaying the seriousness of his behavior. She invited us to pray for his victims. At the same time, she asked us not to forget all the good Jean had done in his life, and to continue living the spirit of Fede e Luce. In that spirit, we referenced an email from Father Paul Gilbert urging us to distinguish the message from the messenger.
To be honest, there weren't many reactions after Huberta spoke. Some older parents or friends asked questions or made comments that tended to minimize what Jean Vanier had done. For instance, someone noted that Jean wasn't a priest or religious, so he wasn't bound by a vow of celibacy, and he wasn't married, so he wasn't bound by marital fidelity. Huberta rightfully countered that Jean had abused his position as a spiritual guide to coerce women into acts they did not want.
As the conversation ended, we stressed the importance of continuing to live in the spirit of Fede e Luce—which means caring for and respecting people, especially the smallest and most vulnerable. In other words, we would live by the best of Jean Vanier: the values he had given to L'Arca and Fede e Luce.
Days later, the pandemic and lockdown pushed the revelations about Jean Vanier to the background. Now, as we gradually emerge from that difficult time, it may be worth remembering this painful story.