by Danielle Durner
July '99

Raphaël was born in 1928 in Marseilles where he lived with his father who was a grocer, his mother, a brother and a sister. He was greatly cherished by his family.

In 1931 the family settled in the south of Paris where they continued to live until the death of their parents. During his childhood Raphaël suffered from polio and probably also from a neurological illness which might explain his problem with his vocal cords and his hemiplegia. With the death of his mother Raphaël was placed in an institution since his brother and sister were already married. He was very unhappy there, being cut off from his family, the outside world; having no occupation. He saw his universe being reduced to the four walls of the institution. He remained there from 1962 until 1964 at which time Jean Vanier welcomed him and Philippe Seux to live in l’Arche where he worked in a sheltered workshop. He resumed contact with his brother and sister until their deaths but today he is no longer in touch with his nephews and nieces.

In 1975 shortly after the opening of the "Rose des Vents" community, Raphaël asked to move there as l’Arche in Trosly had become too big and he needed a quieter place to live. He first lived in the "Grande Maison" until 1982 when he moved to the "Petite Maison".

Raphaël retired in 1988 but still helps out in the community by picking up the mail and delivering it to the homes or by emptying the garbage pails. Several afternoons a week he attends an occupational workshop to paint or work on collages.

Over the past few months he has had to cut back on some activities due to his health. Raphaël loves the community but he also loves to have time alone in his room to smoke his pipe, listen to the radio, pray, or have a rest.

Raphaël has an excellent memory and recalls many of the assistants who have passed through l’Arche often praying for one or the other of them. He is a man of great sensitivity and tenderness particularly towards children. We have been privileged here at "La Rose des Vents" to walk with Raphaël in the evening of his life and to enjoy with him the fruits of his journey: his wisdom, his goodness, his sense of humor and teasing spirit, his gentleness and affection.

Art by Ian Thompson, L'Arche Daybreak