Jean Vanier, Founder of the L'Arche Communities, Dies

Jean Vanier, founder of the L'Arche communities

Photo courtesy: och.fr/

Jean Vanier, a Canadian Catholic philosopher, theologian, and humanitarian-cum-philanthropist, died yesterday, May 7, in Paris, of the thyroid cancer at the ripe age of 90. He was the most ardent advocate for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. He was also the founder of the L'Arche (the ark) communities, where these disabled people live and work in dignity, respect, and love.

Physically a giant of a man with a 6-foot-and-4-inch frame, his heart was full of sympathy, empathy, and love for these disadvantaged people. As a result, he expanded his work of service to these people in 37 countries of the world in different continents.

According to the Globe and Mail newspaper, he wrote 30 books, received numerous awards and honours, was named a Companion of the Order of Canada by the Canadian government, was given the Legion of Honour award in France, and the Templeton Prize in England.

For more on him and his work, please read the following:

• L'Arche founder Jean Vanier dies at 90 (May 7, 2019)
• Jean Vanier, Canadian champion of the developmentally disabled, dead at 90 (May 7, 2019)
• Jean Vanier, Canadian crusader for developmentally disabled, dies (May 7, 2019)
• L'Arche founder Jean Vanier established the unique value of an intellectually disabled life (May 7, 2019)
• Jean Vanier: Founder of L'Arche dies aged 90 (May 7, 2019)
• Jean Vanier (Official Website)
• L'Arche International
• Jean Vanier (Wikipedia)
• The Spirit of Love and Service (An article, by Jean Vanier, published in the September 1997 issue of the monthly 'Liguorian' magazine, U.S.A.)
• A unique quotation of Jean Vanier on loving people
• Quotations of Jean Vanier
• Photos of Jean Vanier
• Videos on Jean Vanier

Some Super Rich Vow to Help the Poorest of the Poor

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(L-R) Billionaires Warren Buffett and Bill Gates
Photo courtesy: www.news.com.au/

A recent exemplary decision by a number of American billionaires sounds the sweetest to the ears of the poor.

Microsoft founder Bill Gates (worth US $ 53 billion), investor and industrialist Warren Buffett ($47 billion), Media owner and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg ($18 billion), CNN founder Ted Turner ($1.8 billion) and 40 other US billionaires pledged to donate half of their fortunes to the cause of the poor, reports the National Post. Their causes vary from art to HIV programmes to brain research.

Bill Gates and Warren Buffet recently gave the "Giving Pledge" challenge to about 80 American billionaires listed in the Forbes list. Forty of them made a pledge for causes of the poor.

This is a good effort in bringing billionaires into a common fold of givers for the cause of the poor.