August 31, 2018 Come learn about the inspiring and heartwarming story of the L’Arche community, founded by Jean Vanier as a welcoming home especially for persons with developmental disabilities. This 2017 film reminds us of the simple fact of our shared humanity and the beauty of friendship and community. It’s a wonderful kick-off to our new First Fridays series! Screening will be held on Friday October 5th at 7pm in the South Wing at St. Paul Church (2577 Main Street, Glastonbury). Here’s the trailer:
From the producers, we read the following: “Like countless others Philippe, Michel, Andre and Patrick were labeled ‘idiots’, locked away and forgotten in violent asylums, until the 1960s, when the young philosopher Jean Vanier took a stand and secured their release – the first time in history that anyone had beaten the system. Together they created L’Arche, a commune at the edge of a beautiful forest near Paris. A quiet revolution was born.
“Now in his 80s, and still at L’Arche, Jean has discovered something that most of us have forgotten – what it is to be human, to be foolish, and to be happy.
“SUMMER IN THE FOREST invites us to abandon the rat race and forge new friendships. Amid the ancient trees, Philippe, Patrick, Jean and the others welcome us into their lives. If there are rules to break, they will be broken and if there is a truth to be told, they will tell it. Michel reveals his war torn past, Andre is desperate for a date, and young David will prove himself a hero in the fight against the forces of evil.”
