1968 : At this period in time
persons with an intellectual
disability were not considered
as having a place among
participants in pilgrimages.
People thought that they
were not capable of
experiencing this kind of
activity and that their
presence would possibly disturb
other pilgrims. In response to an appeal by the parents of
Thaddée and Loïc, two children with an intellectual disability, Jean Vanier
and Marie-Hélène Mathieu organised a pilgrimage to Lourdes with them.
Three years of preparation ensued, which gave rise to strong reactions of
both enthusiasm and reserve.
1971 : At Easter, 12 000 pilgrims from 15 countries, 4 000 of whom were
persons with an intellectual disability, accompanies by the parents and friends,
particularly young people, assembled again. Carried away by the experience, they
wanted to continue the adventure. Jean Vanier suggested :
“Continue meeting together in small communities, do whatever the Holy Spirit
inspires you to do”. This is how Faith and Light was work,
on that Easter Monday in Lourdes.
1975 : Paul VI welcomed Faith and Light at Saint Peter’s basilica.
« You are loved by God just as you are..”, “You have a chosen place in the Church”.
Faith and Light, which was still a very fragile seedling, received the confirmation
of its vocation from the Holy Father.
1981 : From 23 countries
Faith and Light communities
returned to Lourdes, to give thanks
to Jesus and his Mother who helped
them to discover the hidden beauty
inside their sister, or their brother
with an intellectual disability.
It is her, it is he, who can break
down all the barriers of indifference,
fear and selfishness.
1991 : At Easter, 13 000 pilgrims
came together again in Lourdes,
this time from 60 countries.
Faith and Light has become
ecumenical and continues to
seek more unity around the
small and the weak:
“Father make us one”.
Great programmes has been
achieved in taking care of and integrating people with
intellectual disabilities but their lives are now threatened,
before their birth and even after it. Faith and Light wishes to be present
at the sides of parents who are subjected to doubts, fears and pressure.
2001 : In April more than 16 000 people from 73 countries
stretching across 5 continents came together in Lourdes.
The theme of the pilgrimage was “Come and drink at the Source” in
celebration of Easter. Lourdes 2001 was a great step
taken in great joy and unity, showing that happiness
depends first and foremost on love. Everywhere in the world,
communities who were not able to make to journey to Lourdes,
organised pilgrimages in union with the big international gathering.
Today Jesus invites us:
''Come unto me, any man who is thirsty,
and rivers of living water shall flow
forth from your hearts"
FOUNDERS
Marie-Hélène Mathieu
A special teacher, she created the
Office Chrétien des Personnes
Handicapées (O.C.H.) Christian
Office for disabled people in 1963.
In 1968, she created the Ombres et
Lumière magazine which she ran
until the year 2000.
In 1971, she founded Faith and Light
with Jean Vanier. In 1979, she
became international coordinator
of the Faith and Light movement.
In 1984, she was nominated
member of the Pontifical Council
for laity. In 1988, she was the first
woman to give a Lent conference at Notre Dame
de Paris. She holds two French honors – Chevalier dans l’ordre national du mérite,
and Officer of the Legion of Honour.
Honor by the Holy See, ''Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice'' cross.
Jean Vanier
Canadian, son of the Governor 
General of Canada. In 1950,
he left the Royal Canadian Navy to
study philosophy. After having
obtained a doctorate in philosophy,
he taught at Toronto University.
In 1964 he created l’Arche welcoming
two adults with intellectual disabilities
in a small home at Trosly-Breuil in
Oise, France. Today, 115 communities
belonging to l’Arche are
implanted in 30 countries stretching
across 5 continents.
In 1971 he founded Faith and Light with
Marie-Hélène Mathieu.
In 1988 he was one of sixty
laymen invited by the Pope Jean-Paul II
to participate in the Synod
on laymen in Rome.
In 1997, Pope Jean-Paul II awarded
him the Paul VI prize.
Officer of the Legion of Honour.