Faith & Light
At the heart of every community, people with intellectual disabilities surrounded by their family and friends, especially young people.

A COMMUNITY THAT MEETS TOGETHER
A Faith & Light community brings together between fifteen and forty people (children, adolescents or adults with intellectual disabilities, their family and friends). They meet at least once per month for a gathering of friendship, festivities, religious celebration and prayer. Between gatherings the members of the community continue to build up personal links between each other. They also meet during the course of weekends, holiday camps, pilgrimages and more.

A HOPE
For people with intellectual disabilities, Faith & Light reveals to them their call to share the riches of their heart, their tenderness and their fidelity. For parents, Faith & Light gives them support, helps them to better recognize the inner beauty of their child and his/her unique vocation. For brothers and sisters, Faith & Light allows them to discover that, even if their sister or brother has turned their life upside down, they can also transform their life. For friends, Faith & Light opens up a path of friendship and commitment with the person with an intellectual disability, whereby each discovers in the other the presence of the risen Jesus.

A MISSION
Frequently put aside, people with an intellectual disability have a unique value, a sacred value. They are loved by God and reveal, in a particular way, the values of the heart and of love, which are so greatly lacking in our world. As we walk together with them in their pain, we become bearers of hope and unity.

A BRIEF HISTORY
Faith & Light was born following a pilgrimage to Lourdes at Easter 1971. This pilgrimage was initiated by Jean Vanier and Marie-Helene Mathieu, in response to the call of a couple with two children with intellectual disabilities: Loic and Thaddee. Often living in situations of distress, the pilgrims experienced deep joy and communication in Lourdes. On their return, they continued to meet on a regular basis in small communities, for a gathering of friendship, prayer and festivity. Once you realize you are not alone, your life is transformed. The communities multiplied throughout the world. Today 1500 communities of different Christian traditions, rooted in their parish or their local church are developing in 78 countries.

MORE INFORMATION
To know Faith & Light better:

• Visit the official website of Faith & Light International: www.faithandlight.org
• Documents, brochures, books, and videos are available.
• The magazine Ombres et Lumiére (in French)

To support Faith & Light:

• You can address your contributions to Faith & Light International
• Or Faith & Light in your country with the communication "Forward to International solidarity"

CONTACT
Faith & Light International
3 rue du Laos 75015 Paris France
T. (33) 1 53 69 44 30 Ð F. (33) 1 53 69 44 38
Foi.Lumiere@wanadoo.fr

Faith & Light Central Florida:
Dee Miller (863) 682-7878