It is with great sadness that the world learned of the death of Jean Vanier on May 7. Vanier, a Canadian who lived in France for most of his adult life, was the founder of L’Arche, a worldwide movement that creates communities where people with and without intellectual disabilities share their lives together (“L’Arche” means “ark” in French).
In 1964, Vanier wanted to live a life of service, so he bought a small house in France and invited two men with intellectual disabilities to share this home for the rest of their lives. From those humble beginnings, Vanier’s vision saw L’Arche grow to include 154 communities and 21 community projects around the world. The newest of these community projects is L’Arche Long Island, located in downtown Riverhead.
His death follows on the death of two of our own local heroes, Jean Lanier and Michel Berty, longtime residents of Wainscott who were the principal founders of L’Arche Long Island. Due in large part to the tireless efforts of Jean and Michel, our Riverhead home opened its doors in 2016 to four people with intellectual disabilities (called “core members”) and the assistants who share life with them. They hoped that this would lead to other L’Arche communities being established on the East End.
L’Arche, grounded in the spiritual values of welcome, celebration and forgiveness, is committed to recognizing the importance of every person and the gifts of friendship we can offer each other. Jean Lanier and Michel Berty believed in this vision and made L’Arche a reality right here on Long Island.
On July 7, 2019, the L’Arche Long Island community will honor these two remarkable men at a wine reception at the Jackson Carriage House in Amagansett. Proceeds from this event will go to support L’Arche Long Island and help us realize our vision of creating new homes and programs on the East End.
Robert Pine
East Hampton
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