The international L'Arche movement was founded in 1964 by the Canadian philosopher Jean Vanier (1928-2019), son of the Governor General Georges Vanier. After his death, L'Arche initiated an independent enquiry into allegations of sexual misconduct by Vanier; the summary report of the enquiry determined that Vanier exercised inappropriate power and engaged in emotional abuse with at least six adult women. The resources on this website have not yet been fully or adequately rethought in light of these revelations. Our desire is to preserve the important witness of L'Arche for Catholic liberal education, while also recognizing the damaging counter-witness of Vanier and his mentor, Father Thomas Phillipe.
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Claire De Miribel “Rapport Coord-inter.”
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Claire de Miribel looks at the evolution of L’Arche’s structures and its projects. Identifying L’Arche’s four pillars: the board, directors, assistants, and spiritual guides. In doing this, de Miribel argues that L’Arche must rediscover its vision in order to move forward.
De Miribel, Claire. “Rapport Coord-inter.” Translated by unknown female. Recorded in 1993. L’Arche International Collection, Federation Meetings Series, Box 17 SR2004 05 48 v2 -A1. Audio cassette. Find item at the University of St. Michael's College, L'Arche International Collection, Fonds |
Pere Philippe and Jean Vanier. Tape 5.
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In this recording, Pere Philippe and Jean Vanier discuss the spiritual roots of L’Arche as they explore the importance of Mary and the Holy Spirit in the discernment process. Later, in discussing the importance of adoration, Philippe and Vanier reveal how L’Arche draws the human person into a mysterious union with God through personal offering and divine abandonment.
Philippe, Pere, and Jean Vanier. Tape 5. English translation. Recorded on April 8, 1981. L’Arche International/Internationale Audiovisual Collection, Covenant Retreats Series, Box 3 SR2004 05 08 v5 c1. Audio cassette. Find item at the University of St. Michael's College, L'Arche International Collection, Fonds |
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Jean Vanier, "Commitment and responsibility"
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In this tape, Jean Vanier discusses the collective effort within L'Arche to be responsible and the need to “put roots down” by making a commitment to the greater community. Vanier discusses the process of discernment and the need to make a commitment that is firm and faithful to the covenantal relationship at the heart of L’Arche.
Vanier, Jean. “Commitment and Responsibility.” Recorded in 1979. Erie: L’Arche International Collection, Federation Meetings Series, Box 17 SR2004 05 50 v c3. Audio cassette. Find item at the University of St. Michael's College, L'Arche International Collection, Fonds |
Jean Vanier and Sue Mosteller. “Questions and answers.”
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Jean Vanier and Sue Mosteller respond to several questions on topics ranging from financial stability and shortage of assistants, to celibacy, compassion, and dynamism. Vanier and Mosteller then reframe these questions in light of L’Arche’s values to foster a mindset that is embedded in creativity and life.
Vanier, Jean, and Sue Mosteller. “Questions and answers.” Recorded in April 1984. Boston: L’Arche International/Internationale Audiovisual Collection, Covenant Retreats Series, Box 3 SR2004 05 06 v4. Audio cassette. Find item at the University of St. Michael's College, L'Arche International Collection, Fonds |
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SUE MOSTELLER, FOR THE SPIRITUAL LIFE COMMITTEE
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In this material, Mosteller makes recommendations to the Daybreak community on fostering togetherness in prayer, in response to the separation felt by the members and recognised by Ecumenism magazine writers. She highlights that daily presence is key to the life of the Dayspring as well as affirmation of common beliefs and common missions.
Mosteller, Sue. For the Spiritual Life Committee, Feb 25, 1988. Series 2007 03 46: Dayspring. L’Arche Daybreak Fonds: Director- Community Files Series. (Box 07, File 46) Find item at the University of St. Michael's College, L'Arche Daybreak, Fonds |
