L’Arche International Turns 50

December 2014

L’Arche Boston North and L’Arche USA have been buzzing with the 50th Anniversary celebrations of L’Arche International. These celebrations won’t actually end until Memorial Day week 2015 in Washington DC when we will gather together with other L’Arche communities to bring attention to the movement that is L’Arche.

On August 4, 1964, Jean Vanier welcomed Raphaël Simi and Philippe Seux into a small home in Trosly-Breuil, France, and planted the seeds of what has become a worldwide movement of 146 L’Arche communities in 35 countries. L’Arche will be celebrating this golden “Jubilee” anniversary across the world from May 2014 – April 2015.

Jean Vanier, the founder of the first L’Arche community, gave his thoughts on the 50th anniversary:

“L’Arche is 50 years old! To be able to celebrate our Jubilee year is an amazing gift. When I welcomed Raphaël and Philippe from a violent institution, little did I know that L’Arche would grow into the worldwide network it is today. So many people over these years have come to L’Arche and discovered the deep value of people with intellectual disabilities, who if accepted, loved, and honored have much to give to our world.

Let us all go forward into the next 50 years with much hope and intentionality, growing but also deepening our vision and letting ourselves be continually transformed by the relationships we share in our communities so that we may become an ever more inspiring presence for our world.”

If you are interested in joining L’Arche to celebrate 50 years in Washington DC, please contact our office at 978-374-6928.