henrinouwensociety

In this episode of Now & Then… Again, Wendy VanderWal Martin sits down with Matthew Vaccaro, a Divinity student, youth minister, and member of the Henri Nouwen Society’s 30 Under 30 cohort. Matthew reflects on his journey from an anxiety-filled rapture theology to the spacious, compassionate spirituality of Henri Nouwen. Together, they explore loneliness, community, Gen Z’s exhaustion with productivity culture, and the healing power of rest, ritual, and belovedness—offering a hopeful vision of what it means to find “home” in a wounded world.
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Resources & Links

2026 Conference Website - https://www.conference.henrinouwen.org/
Sponsor 30 under 30 https://www.henrinouwen.org/give
https://www.retreathousecommunity.org/
https://www.gilmont.org/

Book Discussed:

Reaching Out
https://amzn.to/37BuyjZ (US)
https://amzn.to/2AxxCBJ (CAD)
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SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: henrinouwen.org/donate/

SIGN UP FOR FREE DAILY E-MEDITATIONS:
henrinouwen.org/meditation/

MORE FREE RESOURCES:
henrinouwen.org/

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/henrinouwensociety/
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/nouwensociety/

In this episode of Now & Then… Again, Wendy VanderWal Martin sits down with Gavin Cogburn—a Texas-based spiritual director-in-training, retreat leader, and member of the Henri Nouwen Society’s 30 Under 30 cohort. Gavin shares her surprising journey from early childhood education to interfaith spiritual formation, her deep connection to Henri Nouwen’s writings, and her vision for creating retreats that speak to an overstimulated, longing generation. Together, they explore silence, safety, belovedness, and the ache for “home” in a wounded world—offering a hopeful glimpse of how Nouwen’s wisdom is being reimagined by young leaders today.
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Resources & Links
2026 Conference Website - https://www.conference.henrinouwen.org/
Sponsor 30 > 30 https://www.henrinouwen.org/give
https://www.retreathousecommunity.org/
https://www.gilmont.org/
Book Discussed:
Way of the Heart
https://amzn.to/2MZHLcX (US)
https://amzn.to/2AxEi2y (CAD)
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SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: henrinouwen.org/donate/

* SIGN UP FOR FREE DAILY E-MEDITATIONS:
henrinouwen.org/meditation/

* MORE FREE RESOURCES: henrinouwen.org/

* FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/henrinouwensociety/
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/nouwensociety/

In this episode, Gaby Salib shares how Henri Nouwen’s spiritual wisdom shaped her faith, vocation, and sense of belovedness amid the pressures of academia and early adulthood. Drawing from her Coptic Orthodox roots and participation in the 30 Under 30 cohort, Gaby reflects on ecumenical friendship, mentoring across traditions, motherhood, and her creative project of children’s books inspired by Life of the Beloved. Together with Wendy VanderWal Martin, the conversation explores longing for home, hospitality, and finding freedom and identity as God’s beloved in a wounded and divided world.

2026 Conference Website - https://www.conference.henrinouwen.org/

Sponsor 30 > 30 https://www.henrinouwen.org/give

Register For January’s Book Club for Reaching Out https://henrinouwensociety.ticketspice.com/january-book-club-reaching-out
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Book Discussed:

Reaching Out

https://amzn.to/37BuyjZ (US)
https://amzn.to/2AxxCBJ (CAD)
___________

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: henrinouwen.org/donate/

* SIGN UP FOR FREE DAILY E-MEDITATIONS:
henrinouwen.org/meditation/

* MORE FREE RESOURCES: henrinouwen.org/

* FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/henrinouwensociety/
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/nouwensociety/

In this rich and intimate conversation, four of Henri Nouwen’s former Harvard Divinity School assistants—Jim Smith, Barbara Prey, Peter Weiskel, and Michael C. O'Laughlin—reunite to reflect on a formative era in Henri’s life and work. Together, they open a window into the daily rhythms, challenges, joys, and spiritual depth of accompanying Henri during his influential Harvard years.
With warmth, humor, and candor, they share what it was like to support a world-renowned spiritual writer whose brilliance was matched only by his vulnerability. Their stories illuminate Henri’s creative process, his pastoral heart, and the personal struggles that shaped his teaching and writing. Listeners will hear how each assistant’s journey was impacted by Henri—and how his presence continues to ripple through their lives today.
This episode offers a treasure trove of personal insight for long time admirers and newcomers alike. It reminds us that behind every great spiritual guide is a community of people helping to carry the work forward—often quietly, faithfully, and with deep love.
Tune in for a rare, behind-the-scenes portrait of Henri Nouwen, told by those who knew him best during a pivotal chapter of his life.
2026 Conference Website - https://www.conference.henrinouwen.org/
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Book Discussed:
Henri Nouwen: His Life & Vision
https://a.co/d/2hu2bnu (USD)
https://a.co/d/0yw2dhE (CAD)

The Return of the Prodigal Son
https://amzn.to/3z5WDya (US)
https://amzn.to/3vexKiN (CAD)

Lifesigns
https://a.co/d/7YZnYok (US)
https://a.co/d/05BfJPc (CAD)

¡Gracias!
https://amzn.to/2YZfTvl (US)
https://amzn.to/3db5RvW (CAD)

Jesus: A Gospel
https://amzn.to/3dFGliE (US)
https://amzn.to/2Do8NJr (CAD)
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SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: henrinouwen.org/donate/

* SIGN UP FOR FREE DAILY E-MEDITATIONS:
henrinouwen.org/meditation/

* MORE FREE RESOURCES: henrinouwen.org/

* FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/henrinouwensociety/
TWITTER: twitter.com/nouwensociety
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/nouwensociety/
PINTEREST: www.pinterest.ca/henrinouwen/

As the noise of the holiday season rises, how can we recover the stillness, peace, and joy at the heart of Advent? In this deeply moving episode of Now & Then, host Wendy VanderWal Martin welcomes pastor and author Rich Villodas to explore his new devotional, Waiting for Jesus: An Advent Invitation to Prayer and Renewal.

Rich shares how the rhythms of the church calendar have reoriented his life and ministry in New York City — “the city that never sleeps” — toward waiting, peacemaking, rejoicing, and beholding. Together, Wendy and Rich reflect on how these ancient Advent themes offer an antidote to our culture’s frenzy and distraction, inviting us into a slower, more attentive way of being with God.

Listeners will be drawn into stories of how prayer sustains community, how true peace begins within, and how joy and lament can coexist in the same heart. Rich also opens up about the lasting influence of Henri Nouwen — his honesty, vulnerability, and insistence that we are all the beloved of God.

Whether you’re longing to rediscover the sacred meaning of Advent or simply seeking renewal in a weary world, this conversation offers a compassionate and contemplative guide to centering your life on Christ amid the clamor of December.

“Waiting is not despair — it’s dependence.” — Rich Villodas

Listen now to be inspired, refreshed, and reminded that even in a restless world, the invitation to behold beauty and live as God’s beloved still stands.
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Resources:
https://www.richvillodas.com/

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/776021/waiting-for-jesus-by-rich-villodas/9780593602607
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SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: henrinouwen.org/donate/

* SIGN UP FOR FREE DAILY E-MEDITATIONS:
henrinouwen.org/meditation/

* MORE FREE RESOURCES: henrinouwen.org/

* FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/henrinouwensociety/
TWITTER: twitter.com/nouwensociety
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/nouwensociety/