Gratitude as a discipline involves a conscious choice. I can choose to be grateful even when my emotions and feelings are hurt.
Henri Nouwen
1932-1996
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Henri Nouwen was a Dutch Catholic priest, professor, writer and theologian. His interests were rooted primarily in psychology, pastoral ministry, spirituality, social justice and community. He served as professor at Notre Dame, Yale, and Harvard. He wrote many books, all touching deeply on emotions.
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Henri Nouwen was a Dutch Catholic priest, professor, writer and theologian. His interests were rooted primarily in psychology, pastoral ministry, spirituality, social justice and community. He served as professor at Notre Dame, Yale, and Harvard. He wrote many books, all touching deeply on emotions.
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Over the course of his life, Nouwen was heavily influenced by the work of Anton Boisen, Thomas Merton, Rembrandt, Vincent van Gogh and Jean Vanier. Though extremely gifted in many ways, Nouwen suffered from life-long bouts of depression, which caused him to be more introspective, and see the world from a deeper understanding.
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Nouwen wrote over 40 books on spirituality and the spiritual life that have sold millions of copies and been translated into dozens of languages. His vision of spirituality was broad and inclusive, and his compassion embraced all of humankind.
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In his later years, Nouwen gave up his prestigious teaching career to go live with developmentally disabled folks at L’Arche Daybreak Community in Ontario, Canada. He lived at L’Arche for the last 10 years of his life. He died in 1996, at age 64.
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The Henri Nouwen Society, whose motto is “Fostering the spirituality of solitude, community, and compassion” keeps his teachings alive for anyone interested.
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Book by Henri Nouwen include:
- A Letter of Consolation (letter written to his father following the death of his mother)
- The Genesee Diary (intimate chronicle of Nouwen’s thoughts while living at the Abbey of the Genesee monastery)
- The Inner Voice of Love: A Journey Through Anguish to Freedom
- The Way of the Heart
- The Wounded Healer: Ministry in Contemporary Society
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