Living L'arche: Stories of Compassion, Love and Disability

This title explores the origins and characteristics of compassionate love in those who care for the disabled. "Living L'Arche" explores the origins and characteristics of compassionate love in those who care for the disabled. It shows that authentic compassion is only distantly related to individual talent or will, and selfless care for others is not evoked on the basis of fair exchange or individual benefit. Instead, the craft of compassionate love is slowly learned from disabled persons living at the furthest margins of modern society. Based on a two-year scientific study of L'Arche communities, founded by Jean Vanier, in which disabled core members and caregiver assistants live together, the book shows that compassionate love involves work, and risk, and commitment, but offers the possibility of transformation. With recognition of our own brokenness comes the realization that we are made for relationships, places of safety where compassionate love enables us fully to know ourselves and God.