Date of Birth: January 24, 1932
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Date of Death: September 21, 1996
Biography
Henri Jozef Machiel Nouwen was a Dutch Catholic priest, professor, writer, and theologian, born on January 24, 1932, in Nijkerk, Netherlands. Nouwen was a prolific author, whose works on spirituality and pastoral care have had a significant impact on both religious and secular audiences. He was ordained as a priest in 1957 and later pursued doctoral studies in psychology. Throughout his life, Nouwen taught at several prestigious institutions, including the University of Notre Dame, Yale Divinity School, and Harvard Divinity School. Nouwen’s life took a transformative turn when he joined the L’Arche Daybreak community in Richmond Hill, Ontario, in 1986. This community, which supports people with intellectual disabilities, profoundly influenced his understanding of vulnerability, compassion, and spiritual leadership. His experiences at L’Arche deeply enriched his writings and teachings. Nouwen authored over 40 books on the spiritual life, including notable titles such as “The Wounded Healer,” “The Return of the Prodigal Son,” and “Life of the Beloved.” His works often focused on themes of loneliness, inner healing, and the unconditional love of God. Henri Nouwen passed away on September 21, 1996, but his legacy continues to inspire countless individuals around the world.
5 Interesting Facts about Henri Nouwen
1. Henri Nouwen taught at Yale Divinity School from 1971 to 1981.
2. He spent a year in Peru working with the poor before joining L’Arche Daybreak.
3. Nouwen was greatly influenced by the writings of Thomas Merton.
4. He struggled with his own mental health issues, including depression, which he openly discussed in his writings.
5. Nouwen’s book “The Return of the Prodigal Son” was inspired by a chance encounter with a poster of Rembrandt’s painting of the same name.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Henri Nouwen
1. “The spiritual life does not remove us from the world but leads us deeper into it.”
2. “Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.”
3. “In our own woundedness, we can become sources of life for others.”
4. “Much violence is based on the illusion that life is a property to be defended and not to be shared.”
5. “The greatest trap in our life is not success, popularity, or power, but self-rejection.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Henri Nouwen was not known for accumulating wealth. His highest net worth is not documented, but he lived a life of simplicity and service.
Children
Henri Nouwen did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Henri Nouwen Society](https://henrinouwen.org/
2. [Wikipedia – Henri Nouwen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henri_Nouwen
3. [Goodreads – Henri Nouwen](https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/169203.Henri_J_M_Nouwen
4. [L’Arche Daybreak](https://larchedaybreak.com/
5. [Christian Classics Ethereal Library – Henri Nouwen](https://ccel.org/n/nouwen
