Jean Vanier receives Paul VI award.

The Paul VI Institute of Brescia, Italy, has conferred its International Paul VI Award (worth $168,000) on Mr. Jean Vanier, founder of the Community of L'Arche and the Faith and Life movement. In over 100 L'Arche communities, in 28 countries, men and women live in faith and solidarity with the mentally handicapped. On Thursday, 19 June, the Holy Father received Mr. Vanier in audience, together with the officers of the Paul VI Institute, and praised the work of the Community of L'Arche. Said the Pope:

"I offer my cordial greetings to you all, gathered here for the presentation of the prize awarded by the Paul VI Institute of Brescia. So far this prize has been awarded mainly to outstanding figures in the world of culture and art. This year for the first time it is being awarded to a representative of the Catholic world who is actively involved -- with well-founded inspiration and theory -- in the area of human formation and charity and I am particularly pleased to present it personally to Mr. Jean Vanier, founder of the Community of L'Arche. He is a great spokesman for the culture of solidarity and `the civilization of love', in the fields of both thought and action, in his commitment to encouraging the integral development of every man and the whole man.

"I have already had the pleasure of twice welcoming Mr. Vanier here in the Vatican in 1984 and 1987, together with representatives of the communities he has founded. . . .

"In awarding this year's prize, reference has appropriately been made to the Encyclical Populorum progressio, which Pope Paul VI promulgated 30 years ago, calling everyone's attention to the spiritual and moral demands of authentic development. Today, as an important recognition is conferred on Jean Vanier and the Community of L'Arche, let us thank the Lord for inspiring and fostering in his Church concrete signs of hope which show how it is possible to live the Gospel Beatitudes in everyday life, even in situations that are sometimes complex and difficult.

"In a message addressed to a group of pilgrims of the Faith and Light Association, who came to Rome in 1975 for the Holy Year, Paul VI wrote that attention to handicapped persons is `the most important test of a fully human family, of a truly civilized society, a fortiori of a Church that is authentically Christian.'

"On the path it has followed for more than 30 years. . . L'Arche has become a providential seed of the civilization of love, a true seed and the bearer of an obvious dynamism. This is evident from its remarkable expansion in many regions of the world: it is present in 28 countries on the five continents. However, it is not limited to philanthropy nor even to mere assistance. Despite its growth and expansion, L'Arche has been able to preserve its original style, a style of openness and sharing, of attention and listening which always considers the other as a person to be accepted and deeply respected.

"Doubtless this is due to the spiritual dimension that Jean Vanier has always known how to put at the heart of the Community of L'Arche. It is an eloquent message for our time, which thirsts for solidarity but especially for a spirituality that is authentic and profound.

"In this regard, how could we fail to think spontaneously of Fr. Thomas Philippe, a Dominican who inspired and encouraged Mr. Vanier to take the path to which the Lord was calling him? Subsequently he always accompanied him with his prayer and his presence. Today we pay a fervent tribute of gratitude to him who now lives in the `Arche of heaven.' . . .

"And how could we not remember all those men and women who surrounded the different communities of L'Arche with their silent and generous service? The distinction conferred today is also meant for all these people. It particularly honours individuals with handicaps, from the first two whom Mr. Jean Vanier took into his home, to the great number of those who currently belong to L'Arche. Indeed they are the principal figures of L'Arche, who with faith, patience and a fraternal spirit make it a sign of hope and a joyful witness to the Redemption. . . . As I warmly congratulate Mr Jean Vanier, I hope that the work founded by him -- as a whole and in every community -- will always be accompanied by the light and strength of the Holy Spirit" (OR, June 25, 1997).

Jean Vanier is Canadian born and the son of former Governor-General Georges Vanier.