In this insightful episode of Henri's Bookshelf, host Wendy VanderWal Martin is joined by her daughter Renate Carson to dive deep into Henri Nouwen's powerful work Peacework. The episode explores how Nouwen’s teachings on peacemaking—rooted in prayer, resistance, and community—remain relevant in today's divided world. Renate, a theology and culture student at St. Stephen University, shares her personal journey of connecting with Henri's ideas and how they resonate with her generation's search for meaning in a fractured society.
From her own reflections on peacemaking, including the role of prayer in daily life and how small acts of hospitality, like cooking with intention, can affirm life and resist harmful systems, Renate brings a fresh perspective to the timeless wisdom of Henri Nouwen. The conversation also touches on the complexities of interfaith relationships, especially in a time of polarization, and how living out one's vocation as a peacemaker requires both courage and humility.
This episode challenges listeners to rethink what it means to be a peacemaker in a world that often feels increasingly divided. Henri’s call to "move out of the house of fear toward the house of love" is a message that resonates now more than ever. Whether you're familiar with Henri Nouwen’s work or encountering it for the first time, this episode will inspire you to consider how prayer, resistance, and community can shape your own path to peace.
Tune in to discover how simple yet profound actions can contribute to a world of healing and reconciliation.
Check out St. Stephen's University: https://www.ssu.ca/
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Book Discussed:
Peacework
https://amzn.to/3hGh1w2 (US)
https://amzn.to/2zHjnd3 (Canada)
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32:23
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32:23
Love, Henri Podcast | From Control to Compassion: How Love Transforms Power
Bruce’s guest today is Stacey Campbell. Stacey serves as the President & CEO of Prison Fellowship Canada, a national ministry organization that prepares and mobilizes the Church community in response to the issue of crime and the restoration of offenders. Stacey and HNS ED Bruce Adema discuss Henri Nouwen’s letter that talks about power. How do spiritual power and worldly power manifest themselves? How do they get corrupted, and how can they be restored? It’s easy to become cynical, but we are called to a better way.
Prison Fellowship Canada
https://prisonfellowship.ca/
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Book Discussed:
Love, Henri
https://amzn.to/3fpnolF (US)
https://amzn.to/2C2lqcD (Canada)
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SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: henrinouwen.org/donate/
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henrinouwen.org/meditation/
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41:57
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41:57
Love, Henri Podcast | Beloved on Both Sides: Conversations on Death and Faith
Bruce’s guest today is Father Dr. Ron Rolheiser. Father Ron is a Roman Catholic priest and a member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. He’s a community builder, lecturer and writer. He now serves on the faculty of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonia Texas, where was President for 15 years. Ron speaks with HNS ED Bruce Adema about a letter of Henri Nouwen in which he reflects on his own near-death experience, and how it affected him.
Oblate School of Theology
https://ost.edu/
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Book Discussed:
Love, Henri
https://amzn.to/3fpnolF (US)
https://amzn.to/2C2lqcD (Canada)
With Open Hands
https://amzn.to/2UMpR1G (US)
https://amzn.to/2XUtSTw (Canada)
Reaching Out
https://amzn.to/37BuyjZ (US)
https://amzn.to/2AxxCBJ (Canada)
Beyond the Mirror
https://amzn.to/3fAkDhv (US)
https://amzn.to/30RUHcV (Canada)
Book: The Structure of Waiting (Vanstone) -
https://www.amazon.ca/?ref_=cb_interstitial_us_ca_desktop_unrec_location_unk_dp_gw
Book: A Severe Mercy (Vanauken) - https://www.amazon.ca/Severe-Mercy-Sheldon-Vanauken/dp/0060688246
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SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: henrinouwen.org/donate/
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henrinouwen.org/meditation/
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41:29
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41:29
Henri’s Bookshelf | Reaching Out
Welcome to Henri’s Bookshelf, a podcast brought to you by the Henri Nouwen Society — where timeless words spark fresh conversations.
In this episode, host Dr. Wendy VanderWal Martin is joined by Rev. Dr. Kyle Norman for a rich and reflective dive into one of Henri Nouwen’s most enduring works: Reaching Out. Together, they explore Nouwen’s spiritual vision of the inner journey — from loneliness to solitude, hostility to hospitality, and illusion to prayer.
Whether you're a longtime reader of Nouwen or discovering his wisdom for the first time, this conversation invites you to pause, reflect, and reach out — to God, to others, and to your own heart.
Let’s open the book… and begin the journey.
Check out the 2025 Week 4 Adult 19+: The Spirituality of Henri Nouwen: 4 ways to live as God's beloved With Ver. Rev. Dr. Kyle Norman Here:
https://sorrento-centre.secure.retreat.guru/program/2025-week-4-the-spirituality-of-henri-nouwen-4-ways-to-live-as-gods-beloved-copy/
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Book Discussed:
Reaching Out
https://amzn.to/37BuyjZ (US)
https://amzn.to/2AxxCBJ (Canada)
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SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: henrinouwen.org/donate/
* SIGN UP FOR FREE DAILY E-MEDITATIONS:
henrinouwen.org/meditation/
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51:14
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51:14
Love, Henri Podcast | Finding Light in a Dark World
Bruce’s guest today is Dr. Adriana Bara, the National Director of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association, which works in the Middle East, northeast Africa, India, and Eastern Europe. She speaks with HNS ED Bruce Adema about Henri Nouwen’s 1991 letter to Sister Marcia Hobart, an Anchoress who had written to Henri about the Persian Gulf War that was happening at the time. Considering what’s happening in the world today, this is a very relevant topic.
Catholic Near East Welfare Association Website
https://cnewa.org/
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Book Discussed:
Love, Henri
https://amzn.to/3fpnolF (US)
https://amzn.to/2C2lqcD (Canada)
Ukraine Diary
https://amzn.to/3LpMHGO (US)
https://amzn.to/3ogjyFi (Canada)
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SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: henrinouwen.org/donate/
* SIGN UP FOR FREE DAILY E-MEDITATIONS:
henrinouwen.org/meditation/
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In these engaging podcasts, our guests share their encounter with Henri Nouwen and his writing and his influence on their spiritual lives. Our conversations reflect the ways that his ideas continue to resonate and be relevant today.
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