THE GIANT OF GOD'S KINDNESS

"If each person opens their heart to the weak, a source of goodness and compassion awakens in them and forms their core identity. To bring joy to those who are suffering or who are isolated directs our lives towards serving others.” Jean Vanier

Jean Vanier passed away ten days ago. One of is friends, Father Bill Clarke SJ, reflects on his privileged association with this 'man for others'. If you have the time, click on the podcast at the end of this piece for a deeper insight into life and work of this modern day saint.

May 9, 2019 — On May 7, the founder of L'Arche, Jean Vanier, passed away in Paris. This “giant of God’s kindness,” as the Vatican stated, touched the heart, among others, of several Canadian Jesuits. Here is more about his life and his work which influenced others all over the world.

Fr. Bill Clarke, SJ, (left) with Jean Vanier

Jean Vanier, L'Arche and the Jesuits of Canada

The Jesuits of Canada had solid ties to Jean Vanier and L'Arche, including through years of collaborative work, such as the Gesù’s Christmas Crèche, which was created by members of L'Arche-Montréal. But also personal relationships such as with Fr. Bill Clarke, SJ, who knew him for over 50 years:

“As so many others, I was deeply saddened by the passing of Jean Vanier. I met Jean for the first time at a conference in Montreal in 1966, the year I was ordained a priest. This meeting led me to go to Trosly in 1968 where I stayed for nearly 3 years. Jean and L'Arche certainly shaped my life. I had the privilege of speaking briefly with Jean on May 2, thanks to Christine McGievy, the person in charge at Trosly, who was with Jean at the hospital in Paris. The L'Arche and Foi et Lumière communities continue to bring Jean’s fortifying influence to several individuals, communities and countries.”

You can learn more about Fr. Clarke's experiences with Vanier in this podcast recently released by the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States.