‘Life in community,’ says Jean Vanier, ‘is painful but it is also a marvellous adventure and a source of life.’
But how do we live ‘in community’? How can we live in mutual love with people different from ourselves? Where do we find nourishment and growth? How do we offer ourselves for others while remaining true to ourselves?
In an ever-more divided world, the wisdom and experience of Jean Vanier – founder of the global network of L’Arche communities – is of value to us all. This beautiful little book, presenting a selection of extracts from his bestselling book Community and Growth alongside wonderful illustrations by artist Seán O’Brien, gives invaluable advice on the challenges and joys of living in community.
It can be read and enjoyed by people of all backgrounds and ages, and offers guidance for all forms of communities, whether they be places of living, working, worship, support or friendship.
Jean Vanier is the founder of the l’Arche communities with and for people with disabilities, a much sought-after speaker and writer on issues of community, spirituality and mental health, and recipient of the 2015 Templeton Prize.