Praying For Members of L'Arche

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L'Arche, a network of communities where people with and without learning disabilities live and work side by side, now numbers some 150 houses in 38 countries around the world, including several in the UK. Faith and Light, founded a few years after L'Arche in 1971 as a project to help the mentally challenged and their families find a place in the Church and society in general, has an even wider reach, with over 1,600 communities spread across more than 80 countries. Small wonder then, given these achievements, that Vanier was a regular nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize, as well as being named a Companion of the Order of Canada and honoured with the £1.1million Templeton Prize in 2015.

Now, however, admirers of Vanier, which include readers of his many books as well as members and friends of L'Arche and other organisations, have been left reeling by the news that a report due for release tomorrow accuses him of inappropriate sexual relationships between 1970 and 2005 with six adult, non-disabled women who had sought spiritual direction from him.

Speaking to The Tablet, Mr Posner pointed out that L'Arche is more than its founder. “We have been shocked, annoyed, disappointed,” he said. “But everyone I know in L'Arche goes back to their own experience, and says, ‘This is not what I have lived; and I still want to get up each morning and work for L'Arche.' This is reassuring. That is all I can say.”

We pray fervently for all members of L'Arche who have benefitted from its work, those who still work and live in its houses and those who are part of its projects. We pray for the Holy Spirit to renew them all, give them new hope and new zeal for good works. We ask for healing for those who have been harmed in any way. Holy Spirit, Come. Amen.

Community prayer

Catholic Voices Prayer

God our Father, Bless and guide all those involved in Catholic Voices. Give us the gifts of the Holy Spirit that we need for this work, especially wisdom, gentleness, courage and joy. Help us to be faithful to Christ and to his Church, and to be open to the questions that people bring us. Help us to love and respect all those we meet. Support us in our difficulties and setbacks. May our words and the witness of our lives give you glory and help others to be more open to you. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Thank you! 39 people prayed

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone. Col 4:6

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