September 17, 2026
SAINT JOHN, N.B. – Presented annually, the Spirit of L'Arche Award recognizes individuals and organizations whose lives and actions reflect the values at the heart of L'Arche: belonging, mutual relationships, service, and the inherent dignity of every person.
This year's recipients have strengthened the L'Arche community in different but equally meaningful ways. One through generations of service, compassion, and community leadership, and the other through years of faithful friendship, presence, and support.
The 2026 recipients are The Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception and Brandon Lanteigne, who were presented the awards at L’Arche Saint John’s annual fundraising dinner, Building Community, last night.
"The Spirit of L'Arche Award recognizes people and organizations who help create a world where everyone belongs," said Rachel Vander Vennen, Executive Director of L'Arche Saint John. "The Sisters of Charity have walked alongside our community since the beginning, while Brandon has demonstrated remarkable dedication through years of friendship and service. Both remind us that belonging is built through relationships, generosity, and showing up for one another."
The Sisters of Charity have been shaping life in Saint John for more than 170 years through their commitment to serving those most often overlooked or marginalized. Their legacy can be seen throughout the region in organizations, ministries, and relationships rooted in dignity and social justice.
Their connection to L'Arche Saint John reaches back to the community's earliest days. Members of the congregation helped nurture the vision of a community where people with and without intellectual disabilities could share life together in relationships of mutual belonging. One Sister served on L'Arche Saint John's original board of directors, helping the organization establish itself and grow.
That relationship has lasted. Most recently, the Sisters of Charity made a significant contribution through the Greater Saint John Community Foundation – an investment not simply in what L’Arche is today, but in what it can become in the years ahead.
Sister Roma De Robertis, Congregational Leader of the Sisters of Charity, shared about the longstanding relationship between the two communities.
"The people of L'Arche show us what it means to be truly human… to be a loving community. We Sisters of Charity cherish our relationship with L'Arche and are grateful to accept this recognition," said De Robertis. "Members of L'Arche bless us all and we're thankful to call them teachers and friends."
L'Arche Saint John also honoured Brandon Lanteigne, whose connection to the community has been built through 13 years of friendship, service, and commitment as a casual assistant at McKim House.
What makes Brandon's contribution unique is that he has maintained this commitment while balancing a demanding full-time professional career. Over the years, he has remained connected to the people and relationships that make up the life of L'Arche, even using vacation time from his day job to attend regional L'Arche gatherings and events.
His dedication reflects the spirit of accompaniment and mutual friendship that sits at the heart of the L'Arche mission.
For Brandon, the impact of L'Arche has been equally profound.
"I want to express my gratitude for the L'Arche Saint John community who strive to live out our mission authentically each and every day,” he said. “I'm certain that I'm not alone in having entered L'Arche with the mindset of helping others, unaware of the extent to which I would experience personal transformation and fulfillment. Much of my adult life has been spent journeying with others who happen to live with a disability, and my life has been immeasurably better because of it."
While their journeys with L'Arche have been different, both recipients embody the spirit of the award through their commitment to relationships, community, and creating a world where everyone belongs.
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PHOTO CAPTION
L’Arche Saint John recognized the The Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception, a long-time supporter of L’Arche Saint John, and Brandon Lanteigne, a L’Arche staff member, at the organization’s annual Building Community Gala, held in uptown Saint John last night. The evening brought together 400 people in recognition of the transformative impact of disability inclusion, community building and service. From left: Rachel Vander Vennen, Executive Director of L'Arche Saint John, Brandon Lanteigne, staff of L'Arche Saint John, Sister Roma De Robertis, Congregational Leader of the Sisters of Charity, and Patrick McGrath of L'Arche Saint John.
Media Contact
Rachel Vander Vennen
Executive Director
L'Arche Saint John
(506) 651-0266
rachel@larchesaintjohn.org
L’Arche Saint John is a community of people with and without intellectual disabilities in Saint John. Founded in 2005, the non-profit operates McKim House on the city’s west side, the Creative Connections art studio and program at 95 Prince William St., and L’Arche Connects, a supported independent living program. L’Arche Saint John is part of an international federation creating homes and day programs with adults with intellectual disabilities. For more information, visit www.larchesaintjohn.org.