Jean Vanier’s Double Life: A Story of Fragmentation

If you’re involved in faith circles, especially those of the Chrisitan variety, you might have heard the news from two weeks ago. Jean Vanier—the founder of L’Arche, a community that served those with special needs—was living a double life. According to reports from his own organization, Vanier used his position and status to sexually abuse no less than six women, some of whom were nuns.

A man some considered a surefire Saint (as in, canonizable by the Pope) had dark secrets, which should surprise approximately no one these days. But in reading and watching YouTube videos on the revelations, I ran across a quote from a letter written to Vanier by Catherine Doherty. Doherty was a fellow justice worker and the founder of Madonna House, an organization serving the poor and marginalized. In 1974, she saw the cracks forming in Vanier’s life. She wrote:

“Please pray for me because I think I should not write this letter; yet here I am writing it. I worry about your fragmentation — another stupid word that doesn’t apply to you at all, my very dear. How can one worry about the fragmentation of a saint, at least one who is on the way to sanctity like you.”*

The Steep Cost of Fragmentation

Fragmentation. It’s a word conjuring images of shattered glass and broken homes. It’s a word used to describe breaking things, and this was the word Doherty used to describe her friend, though there is no indication she knew how deep that fragmentation went. But as I read that quote, I considered my own life. Are there fragmented areas of my own life, areas I’d rather avoid, hide, or otherwise dismiss?

This week, I’d like to delve deeper into the fragmented li(f)e. (See what I did there?) I’m inviting you along for the ride. Begin today with a simple examination.

Life Examined

Is there some area of your life you’d rather avoid, hide, or otherwise dismiss?
When examining the possibility of fragmentation, don’t limit your examination to the more negative aspects. Ask yourself: Is there some gift, talent, or desire I’m hiding away?

*Follow this link for the original source of the Doherty letter.

A Tool for Defragmenting

THE BOOK OF WAKING UP —a book on addiction, attachment, and the Divine Love—launched TUESDAY so order a copy or ten at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookish (my favorite indie bookseller). Then, forward this post to a friend and ask them to read along.