Friday, June 25, 2021

Henri Nouwen Society 2021 Summer Newsletter

HNS NEWSLETTER / SUMMER 2021
Greetings from the Executive Director...
Dear Friends,

As many of you know, 2021 is the 25th anniversary of Henri Nouwen’s death. Rather than mourn his loss, we have chosen to celebrate Henri’s life throughout the year.

Already we have had the pleasure of hosting three stellar online events, including the acclaimed Henri Nouwen and the Art of Living conference, a virtual two-day gathering that connected, encouraged and blessed Nouwen readers from around the globe. Twenty-five years later and Henri’s life is still bearing fruit!

One of the great joys of my work is seeing how the words of Henri Nouwen continue to influence lives through our many outreaches and initiatives. It’s an enormous delight to see new and younger audiences discover Henri Nouwen through our various social media platforms. Henri would be amazed to see the extent of his reach on a daily basis.

It’s somewhat ironic, given his decision to abandon the prestige of Harvard and Yale to live a life of “downward mobility” at L’Arche Daybreak, that Henri is more widely known and read today than he was during his own lifetime. I suspect if Henri knew he shared a common destiny with Van Gogh and Rembrandt, the two artists whose lives most influenced his own life and spirituality, he would be very pleased indeed.

Please check our website for details of our next online event on September 21 as we continue to celebrate Henri Nouwen – Remembering Henri: The Gifts of a Fruitful Life. I wish you all a blessed and safe summer!

I wish you all a blessed and safe summer!
Sincerely,

Karen Pascal, Executive Director, Henri Nouwen Society

An Encouraging Word from Henri...
"Every time you feel hurt, offended, or rejected, you have to dare to say to yourself: “These feelings, strong as they may be, are not telling me the truth about myself. The truth, even though I cannot feel it right now, is that I am the chosen child of God, precious in God’s eyes, called the Beloved from all eternity and held safe in an everlasting embrace.” – LIFE OF THE BELOVED

Reasons for Monthly Support
Over the past few months, you have likely received an invitation from us asking you to consider becoming a monthly supporter. While these “asks” might be a tad irksome to some, many readers of Henri Nouwen will recognize that we are actually adhering to his advice. “Fundraising,” said Henri, 
“allows others an opportunity to participate in your organization’s vision and mission.” Read More

Talk About An Impact!
It’s during stressful times such as these that Henri Nouwen’s words often have the most impact. Here are a few of the poignant comments we have received from our Daily Meditation subscribers this year. Read More

Thank YOU for sharing our Daily Meditations with your friends and family. Even better, invite them to subscribe at henrinouwen.org.
Books that Speak to the Heart
Henri Nouwen wrote eloquently and persuasively about the benefits of cultivating a fruitful life. “We have been called to be fruitful – not successful, not productive, not accomplished. Success comes from strength, stress, and human effort. Fruitfulness comes from vulnerability and the admission of our own weakness.”  Read More
“As always, Henri’s comments on hope and faith
provide an anchor during this turbulent time.”
Henri Nouwen Society | www.henrinouwen.org

No comments:

Post a Comment