L'Arche: A Community of Brokenness and Beauty

Jean Vanier, C.C., 1988. Photo by Harry Palmer.

L'Arche: A Community of Brokenness and Beauty

August 2, 2007
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Forty years ago in France, philosopher Jean Vanier founded an international movement, L'Arche. The L'Arche community in Clinton, Iowa is part of this movement — people of faith living and worshipping alongside developmentally handicapped adults. There are now over 120 L'Arche communities in 18 countries. The community in Clinton is one of the oldest and most rural of the 14 American communities.

In this "radio pilgrimage," we take listeners into a radically different faith community that confronts our assumptions about service and diversity, and the worth of individuals.

Program Details

» Particulars ¦ an annotated guide to the radio program with readings, images, and links
» Resources
» Books + Music ¦ lists of recommended books and music from the program
» Krista's Journal
» Transcript
» Credits

Special Content

The Charter of L'Arche
Document containing the aims and objectives of L'Arche communities.

Voices of Our Audience
» Reflections ¦ tell us and other audience members what this program meant to you

Hear the Music
» SOF Playlist ¦ hear full-length tracks of each song played in the program

Voices on the Radio

Jean Vanier
Vanier is founder of the L'Arche movement and author of many books, including An Ark for the Poor.

Jo Anne Horstmann
Horstmann serves as regional coordinator of the L'Arche Federation for the central U.S.