Jean Vanier - was born in 1928. In 1950, he left the Canadian Navy to study philosophy and to live in a Christian community near Paris.

After finishing his doctorate in philosophy, Jean Vanier taught at the University of Toronto. Then, in 1964, he began L'Arche, by welcoming two mentally handicapped men into a little home in Trosly-Breuil, Frnace. This community has grown and other were created in different countries. to include Canada, USA, Belgium, Denmark, Scotland, Ireland, India, Haiti, Honduras, Upper Volta, Ivory Coast and Australia. The goal of L'Arche is to create homes where handicapped people and "assistants" share their lives in a community life inspired by the beatitudes.

In 1971, "Faith and Light" communities betgan which bring together handicapped people, parents and friends for a time of meeting, celebration and prayer.]

Jean Vanier was also called forth to animate "Faith and Sharing" retreats in Canada, The United States, and Great Britan. Many of these retreats have been published.