Following the death of Catholic philosopher, theologian and humanitarian Jean Vanier, University President Fr. John Jenkins offered his condolences in a statement Wednesday.
Vanier was the founder of L’Arche, a federation of communities for people with developmental disabilities and their caretakers. He received the Notre Dame Award in 1994 for his charity work.
“When the University presented our Notre Dame Award to Jean Vanier in 1994, we paid tribute to a man who ‘animates the worldwide network of L’Arche communities,’ and who taught us that people with intellectual disabilities teach us ‘about the ways of God,’” Jenkins said in the release. “Those words and more resonated throughout his long and inspiring life.”
Jenkins invited the Notre Dame community to remember those involved with the L’Arche organization in the wake of Vanier’s passing.
“In mourning his passing and remembering a life of incredible service to humanity, our prayers are with the members, residents and all from the L’Arche community worldwide,” Jenkins said.
