Faith and Light

Discovering the presence of the risen Jesus in the faces of God's 'special people'

By David Myers

Southwest Kansas Register

A little boy sat with his dad at a large, round table at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe Feb. 17.

His infectiously bright smile and equally infectious laugh -- which immediately lifted the spirits of anyone within earshot -- quickly achieved one goal of the Faith and Light Community, to discover in others the presence of the risen Jesus.

There it was, clear for everyone to see: the risen Jesus in the face of this little boy.

It was the first gathering of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Faith and Light Community. Faith and Light is a world-wide organization formed in 1971 by Jan Vanier and Marie-Helene Mathieu. It was designed to bring together people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families and friends, in a fun and faith-filled atmosphere of mutual support. It is intended to allow people the chance to feel empowered, to grow, and to build a circle of friends in an atmosphere where they can feel safe.

In welcoming those attending the first of the monthly gatherings, Bishop Ronald M. Gilmore told the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin, and how the piper promised to rid the town of rats. When the mayor refused to pay the piper after the task was completed, the Pied Piper led the town’s children to a mountain, locked within which the children found "‘a joyous land … where waters gushed and fruit-trees grew, and flowers put forth a fairer hue, and everything was strange and new.’

"I tell you that story because John Vanier was a little like the Pied Piper," the bishop said. "He had a charm that could bring people together and drive out the rats," the rats that divide, such as bigotry, the bishop said, "and create something strange and new. I hope this will be that for your families, something strange and new."

Gathering into a large circle, each person was invited to share a few words about themselves, and then the 30 or so in attendance sang songs and watched as Deacon Dwaine Lampe, chaplain for the cathedral Faith and Light Community, portrayed Jesus in a skit about the Widow’s Mite. At his side was his grandson, Trevor, portraying one of the apostles.

After a "scarf dance," in which everyone waved colorful scarves as they paraded in a line around the room, the group took part in a series of games that left participants laughing and cheering.

Deacon Lampe, with his grandson again at his side, then led the group to the worship area where the deacon held a scripture reflection. After Deacon Lampe shared a message about the importance of being kind to one another and treating others with dignity and respect, the group met in the social hall where a table full of cookies, cake, cheese, crackers and fruit stood in wait.

The group will continue to meet at the cathedral the third Sunday of each month from 3-6 p.m. Coordinator Sharon Tompkins said she hopes not only that more people will begin coming to the cathedral gathering, but that other parishes will be moved to start their own Faith and Light Community.

"It’s a terrific opportunity that we have in our diocese to come and celebrate together, to make friends and develop relationships," she said. "I think it will be a wonderful thing."

Other members of the coordinating team include Sister Veronice Born, Deacon Lampe and his wife, Louise, Norma Alvarez, Tom Patterson, Edie Loughmiller, and Rondo Switzer.

For information about starting a Faith and Light group, call Sister Veronice at (620) 408-8322.