Faith & light
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Every person, even the most handicapped, is called to be a source of grace and peace for the whole community,for the Church, and for humanity. Jean Vanier, cofounder |
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What is Faith and Light? Faith and Light is an international, ecumenical, Christian movement consisting of small "communities" all over the world. These communities are bound together by a common charter and constitution. At the heart of each community, people with developmental disabilities are surrounded by their families and friends. A Faith and Light community is a place of welcoming and belonging. It is not a residential community, but rather a place of gathering where members meet regularly. At each community gathering there is a time for sharing hopes and difficulties, a time for celebrating, often over a meal, and a time for prayer. Between gatherings, members are encouraged to stay in contact with each other to live and deepen their friendship. |
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Why is Faith and Light Important? Faith is Light is founded on the conviction that each person is loved by God, no matter how severe their handicap may be. We also believe that persons with developmental disabilities bring Jesus' presence to the Church in a special way, and can become a source of peace for the whole community, for the Church, and for humanity. |
What is the Spirituality of Faith and Light? The spirituality of Faith and Light helps us see that we become closer with God and with one another through embracing that which is weak, little, poor or wounded, in ourselves and others. In this embrace of acceptance, a mystery is revealed in which we discover Jesus and transformed into agents of unity and peace. In community we become sources of life for each other by mutually sharing our needs and our gifts in loving friendship. |
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What
does Faith and light have to offer?
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For Persons with developmental disabilities: Faith and Light reveals to them their call to share the riches of the heart, their tenderness and their fidelity. |
For Families: Faith and Light gives a sense of hope, and supports them with understanding and friendship. It can help parents to better see their child's inner beauty and to discover that their son or daughter can be a source of life.
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For friends: Faith and Light opens up the path of friendship and commitment with persons with developmental disabilities, whereby each may discover in the other the presence of the risen Jesus. |
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For the church: Faith and Light encourages the inclusion and participation of persons whose gifts are essential to the full life of the Body of Christ. |
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Faith and Light was
founded by Jean Vanier and Marie-Helene Mathieu in France in 1971.
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For more information contact: Brian and Danka
Berg |
From the needs of one
family, Faith and Light has now grown to more than 1350 communities
in 75 countries on 5 continents.
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