We are deeply saddened by the news of Jean Vanier’s passing today. Vanier was a important voice to the power of community and the dignity and value of the poor. His heart and his voice will be greatly missed, but we hope his mission lives on.
To honor Vanier’s legacy, we wanted to share some of his most powerful and memorable quotes with you today.
“Every child, every person needs to know that they are a source of joy; every child, every person, needs to be celebrated. Only when all of our weaknesses are accepted as part of our humanity can our negative, broken self-images be transformed.”
“In the end, the most important thing is not to do things for people who are poor and in distress, but to enter into relationship with them, to be with them and help them find confidence in themselves and discover their own gifts.”
“To love someone is to show to them their beauty, their worth and their importance.”
“We have to remind ourselves constantly that we are not saviours. We are simply a tiny sign, among thousands of others, that love is possible, that the world is not condemned to a struggle between oppressors and oppressed, that class and racial warfare is not inevitable.”
“We work for peace every time we exercise authority with wisdom and authentic love.”
“Look at your own poverty
welcome it
cherish it
don’t be afraid
share your death
because thus you will share your love and your life.”
-Jean Vanier
