The Christian Catalyst Collection

Henri Nouwen

Before his death on October 2, 1996, a Dutch television crew and close friends accompanied Henri to places of major significance where he candidly reflected on the deep spiritual currents of his life.

The places visited in this program include Harvard University where he gave up a prestigious teaching position; L'Arche Daybreak in Toronto where Henri took up residence to minister to people with developmental disabilities (his special care was for Adam, whom we meet in the program and who became the subject of one of his books); St. Petersburg where Henri relives his life-changing encounter with Rembrandt's "Return of the Prodigal Son" painting; and, of course, Henri's beloved circus where trapeze artists taught him so much about faith and interdependence.

Although Henri speaks in his native Dutch language, the subtitles provide an easy-to-follow translation of his typically high energy comments.

A special supplement (in English) is added at the end of the video that will be treasured by all Henri Nouwen admirers: the funeral eulogy for Henri given by his friend Jean Vanier, the founder of L'Arche.

Time: 57 min | Production Year: 1996