(I am happy to introduce you to Jean-Louis Munn, the creative force behind L’Arche Canada’s Communications function. He has lived and worked with L’Arche for many years. He is the author of today’s blog post.)
Asking for the Moon?
I just learned that ‘’The Boy in the Moon’’ by Globe and Mail journalist and author Ian Brown is on the list of the New York Times Best 10 Nonfiction Books of the Year for 2011. After winning two of the most prestigious awards for non-fiction literature last year in Canada the moving story about Ian’s relationship with his severely disabled son Walker has now conquered the American public. If you have not read this book, put it on your holiday reading list.
’’As long as someone loves him every day’’
Is it at all possible to turn a professional care-giving operation, a group home, into a true home that is full of love and friendship? Brown was obsessed with this question. Although his son Walker eventually moved into a home run by a thoroughly professional organisation, it wasn’t really his family. Brown’s wish for his son was a home occupied by a group of friends and measured by the collective inner life created by its residents, a home where not only his body would be well treated but where his spirit would be comforted. When he first visited L’Arche, Brown thought that he had found the unthinkable community he was looking for.
But Brown cannot help but think that this is too idealistic. In his view the world is not ready for L’Arche, although for him it remains the best model.
In some ways, Brown is right. L'Arche cannot be replicated thousands of times. But L'Arche, I believe, is crucial to the future of our society. It is a laboratory. It is living proof that it is possible to live differently, to gather around our most vulnerable citizens and allow them to help us create a new kind of community of love.
On December 6th, the eight L’Arche communities of Quebec held a press conference attended by many politicians of all parties at the National Assembly. The provincial financial subsidies for our L’Arche homes in Quebec have not been increased since 1992. Meanwhile L’Arche has grown and welcomed more people. But the situation today is precarious and under-funding by the provincial government is now threatening our very survival. Philanthropy and donor support is crucial. It is also essential that the government’s role and commitment be maintained.
Yes, it is possible to turn a professional group home into a place of love and service. And, yes, there is a crying need for it.
We need our governments to recognize and support our communities. It is vital that L’Arche does not disappear in Quebec or anywhere else in the world. It transforms the lives of thousands of people and is a powerful symbol and a model, as described by Jean Vanier, of how the world might co-exist more effectively and compassionately.
Is this asking for the moon?
Jean-Louis Munn
Director of Communications
L'Arche Canada
