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Archival description
University of St. Michael's College, John M. Kelly Library, Special Collections
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Drafts of Our greatest gift

  • CA ON00389 F4-1-1-73-1, 73-2, 73-3
  • File
  • [between 1993 and 1994]
  • Part of Henri Nouwen fonds

File consists of a manuscript for "Our Greatest Gift", including notes for the Prologue and Introduction, and a typescript for "The Ultimate Gift: A Meditation on Dying and Caring," with notes by Nouwen. File also includes a floppy disk containing an electronic copy of a draft entitled, "The Ultimate Gift".

Fred Flahiff fonds

  • CA ON00389 F15
  • Fonds
  • 1956-2006

Fonds consists of correspondence, manuscripts and transcripts of archival material and accumulated by Fred T. Flahiff, professor of English at the University of St. Michael's College. Includes research materials and manuscripts related to Flahiff's biography of author Sheila Watson, "Always Someone to Kill the Doves: A Life of Sheila Watson", and his role as executor of her estate and custodian of her personal papers.

Includes five series:

  1. Incoming correspondence
  2. Collected Material after Sheila Watson's death
  3. Collected Material for biography
  4. Material related to publication of biography

Flahiff, F. T. (Frederick Thomas)

Little Sisters of Joy fonds

  • CA ON00389 F19
  • Fonds
  • 1999-2019

The collection documents the Little Sisters of Joy and the part that Gila Margolin plays in it.

It is divided into five series:

  1. Organizational records
  2. Publications
  3. Concerts and Events
  4. Photographs
  5. Gila Margolin, personal

Little Sisters of Joy

Oral History Proposal

File consists of records and correspondence related to the grant proposal submitted by the Henri Nouwen Society to the Louisville Institute to fund 'Completing the Vision: The Oral History of Henri Nouwen'. The primary correspondence is between James E. Lewis and William Brosend of the Louisville Institute and Joe Vorstermans and Sue Mosteller of the Henri Nouwen Society. The file also includes draft versions of work plans, budgets, final reports and the proposal; final copies are also in the file.

Interview with Virginia Birch

File consists of an interview with Virginia (Ginny) Birch (nee Hall) interviewed by Joe Vorstermans at the Henri Nouwen Society offices (Richmond Hill, ON). Birch lives in Bernardsville, NJ and acted as Nouwen's administrative assistant for the final six months of his 1996 sabbatical year. Birch recounts experiences with Nouwen including writing 'Bread for the Journey', typing his personal journals, performing Eucharist, Fruits of the Spirit and meeting his many friends. Birch remembers Nouwen for his honesty, impatience, diligent letter writing and the commitment he demanded of her as his assistant. Themes present in Birch's interview include marital problems, loneliness, learning to stand up for oneself and the exclusivity of the Catholic faith in terms of communion. A copy of a handwritten note from Birch to Joe Vorstermans regarding a poem Nouwen wrote to Birch is also found in the file. The interview is transcribed and is available electronically or in hard copy.

Interview with Tim Bruner

File consists of an interview with Tim Bruner interviewed by Gabrielle Earnshaw at the Henri Nouwen Archives and Research Collection at St. Michael's College (Richmond Hill, ON). Bruner lives in Bloomington, IN and is an eighteen year old student. Bruner met Nouwen as a toddler living at L'Arche Daybreak. Most of Bruner's early life was spent with Nouwen including Thanksgiving dinners, Easter Mass, First Communion and vacations to Cape Cod and Holland. Nouwen helped Bruner grieve for his father, John O'Brien, creating a book of memories and celebrating anniversaries and Father's Day. Themes present in Bruner's interview include the father figure, death, grief, role model, belovedness, fruitfulness, Nouwen's funeral and Nouwen's legacy. The interview is transcribed and is available electronically or in hard copy.

Interview with Phillip Grigsby

File consists of an interview with Phillip Grigsby interviewed by Errol Stein (location unknown). Grigsby lives in Schenectady, NY and is a Ecumenical Minister. Grigsby met Nouwen when Nouwen was a part of the faculty at Yale Divinity School (New Haven, CT). Additional ephemera in the file includes publications from The Capital Region Theological Center (Albany, NY), The Schenectady Inner City Ministry (Schenectady, NY), the Interfaith Community Ministry Network (location unknown), a copy of Nouwen and Grigsby's 'The Mystery of Gratitude' sermon given November 27, 1980 at Centre Church (New Haven, CT), an article about Grigbsy and Nouwen in the September 5, 2002 'The Evangelist' (Albany, NY) and papers related to Nouwen's reflections on Solitude, Community and Ministry. The interview is not transcribed and is only available on audio cassette.

Interview with Harvey Cox

File consists of an interview with Harvey Cox interviewed by Rebecca Laird at the Harvard Divinity School (Cambridge, MA). Cox is a professor of Divinity at Harvard Divinity School; he was Nouwen's colleague at Harvard from 1983-1985. Cox recounts Nouwen's experiences with colleagues, administrators and students at Harvard. Cox remembers Nouwen for his personality and deep spiritual insights. Themes present in Cox's interview include Nouwen as unconventional and Nouwen as a professor. The interview is transcribed and is available electronically or in hard copy.

Interview with Peggy Ellsberg

File consists of an interview with Peggy Ellsberg interviewed by Rebecca Laird and Michael Christensen in Ossinging, NY. Ellsberg is a college professor in Ossinging, NY. Ellsberg met Nouwen through her husband, Robert Ellsberg, and subsequently became his editor for 'Gracias' and other work. Ellsberg recounts experiences with Nouwen performing Mass, driving and going to the Catholic Student Centre at Harvard University (Cambridge, MA). Themes present in Ellsberg's interview include Nouwen and academia, Nouwen's good taste, depression and Nouwen's legacy. The interview is transcribed and available electronically or in hard copy.

Interview with Michael Harank

File consists of an interview with Michael Harank interviewed by Joe Vorstermans in Oakland, CA. Harank is a registered nurse living in Oakland, CA. Harank met Nouwen at 1980 Catholic Worker conference (New York, NY) and through Robert Ellsberg subsequently became his assistant while at Harvard (Cambridge, MA) and in South America. Harank recounts handling Nouwen's correspondence, Nouwen's gestures and assisting in the decision to go to L'Arche Daybreak (Richmond Hill, ON). Themes present in Harank's interview include repression, the Vietnam War, conscientious objection, Holy Cross College (MA), the Catholic Worker Movement, Dorothy Day, Vincent van Gogh, sexuality, AIDS, Bethany House, Nouwen's funeral, Adam Arnett and Laurent Nouwen. Two poems Harank wrote after Nouwen's death are also given in the interview. The interview is transcribed and available electronically or in hard copy.

Interview with Jessica Filon

File consists of an interview with Jessica Filon interviewed by Joe Vorstermans at the Henri Nouwen Archives at St. Michael's College (Toronto, ON). Filon is a student at the University of Toronto working at the Henri Nouwen Archives. Filon's interview consists of Filon explaining the types of letters held by the archives that Nouwen received and collected throughout his life and the responses he typically wrote to accompany them. The interview is transcribed and available in hard copy.

Interview with Frank Hamilton

File consists of an interview with Frank Hamilton interviewed by Sue Mosteller in Dallas, TX. Hamilton is a retired Air Force Chaplain and Presbyterian pastor living on the Sheppard Air Field Base, TX. Nouwen was Hamilton's spiritual director from 1982-1993 and they remained friends until Nouwen's death. Hamilton remembers Nouwen for his spirituality, visiting to L'Arche Daybreak (Richmond Hill, ON), traveling to see Nouwen's father in The Netherlands, on retreats to Oakland, CA with Kevin Dwyer and Al Carrasco and to Germany with the Flying Rodleighs trapeze act and editing Nouwen's books. Themes present in Hamilton's interview include the Second World War, brokenness, homosexuality, confession, Nouwen and money and film and television. The interview is transcribed and available electronically or in hard copy.

Interview with John Guido

File consists of an interview with John Guido interviewed by Gabrielle Earnshaw at the Henri Nouwen Archives and Research Collection (Toronto, ON). Guido is the regional coordinator for L'Arche Ontario. Guido met Nouwen at a Faith and Sharing retreat at Catholic University (Washington, DC) in 1985 and subsequently lived with him at L'Arche Daybreak (Richmond Hill, ON). Guido remembers celebrating Easter with Nouwen, Nouwen with Adam Arnett, Nouwen driving, Nouwen's gestures and Nouwen's support to the assistants and core members of L'Arche Daybreak. Themes present in Guido's interview include charity, cancer, death, mutuality, Southdown (Aurora, ON), sexuality, Nouwen's burial, funeral and legacy. The interview is transcribed and is available electronically or in hard copy.

Interview with Father Don MacNeill CSC

File consists of an interview with Father Don MacNeill CSC interviewed by Joe Vorstermans at MacNeill's house in Chicago, IL. MacNeill is a parish priest and Senior Fellow at the University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, ID). MacNeill met Nouwen when he took a course from him at Notre Dame in 1966. MacNeill also cowrote 'Compassion' with Nouwen. MacNeill recalls using Nouwen's materials in his own teaching career and attending several retreats with Nouwen. Themes present in MacNeill's interview include the United States Army, Holy Cross priests, social activism, Centre for Social Concerns (Notre Dame, ID), the father figure, death and the Eucharist. The interview is transcribed and is available electronically or in hard copy.

Interview with Shirley Lewis

File consists of an interview with Shirley Lewis interviewed by Joe Vorstermans in Lewis' home. Lewis is a college professor in humanities and education at. Nouwen was Lewis' spiritual director during a visit to L'Arche Daybreak (Richmond Hill, ON) and subsequently became lifelong friends. Themes present in Lewis' interview include music, illness, death, spirituality, the father figure, Nouwen's death, Nouwen's legacy and grandparents. The interview is transcribed and is available electronically or in hard copy.

Interview with Judith Kennedy

File consists of an interview with Judith Kennedy interviewed by Kathy Christie at the Gathering Place (Toronto, ON). Kennedy is a former actress and model and founder of Parents in Transition, a self help group for parents parenting troubled teens in Toronto, ON. Kennedy met Nouwen when he counseled her son, Michael Kennedy, and subsequently assisted her entire family when Michael died. Kennedy and her husband, Jim Kennedy, also helped to establish Dayspring at L'Arche Daybreak (Richmond Hill, ON). Themes present in Kennedy's interview include gardening, traveling, music, suicide, Vincent van Gogh, Nouwen's gestures and introduction to the Catholic faith. The interview is transcribed and is available electronically or in hard copy.

Interview with Carl MacMillan

File consists of an interview with Carl MacMillan interviewed by Elisabeth Pozzi- Thanner (location unknown). MacMillan lives and works as the community leader at L'Arche Daybreak (Richmond Hill, ON). MacMillan recalls sharing in spiritual direction with Nouwen, discussing Homes for Growth (Winnipeg, MA) and building the Dayspring chapel at L'Arche Daybreak. Themes present in MacMillan's interview include migration, illness, siblings, institutionalization, homosexuality, Nouwen's accident, Nouwen's sexuality, Nouwen as celebrity, film and television, The National Association of Retarded Citizens, Nouwen's death and Nouwen's legacy. The interview is transcribed and is available in hard copy.

Interview with Francis Martin

File consists of an interview with Francis Martin interviewed by Errol Stein (location unknown). Martin is a social worker living in Toronto, ON. Martin met Nouwen through Nathan Ball and subsequently developed a friendship with him. Martin recalls traveling to Algonquin Park (Algonquin Park, ON) with Nouwen and Nouwen's relationship with Nathan Ball. Themes present in Martin's interview include loneliness, Mennonite culture, the mother figure, the father figure, siblings, music, Nouwen as celebrity, Nouwen's grave and brokenness. The interview is transcribed and is available electronically or in hard copy.

Interview with Father Bill Scanlon

File consists of an interview with Father Bill Scanlon interviewed by Sue Mosteller at the St. Mary Immaculate Church (Richmond Hill, ON). Father Scanlon lives in Richmond Hill, ON and is the Roman Catholic Parish Priest at St. Mary Immaculate Church. Father Scanlon met Nouwen as St. Mary Immaculate Church was Nouwen's home parish when he lived at L'Arche Daybreak (Richmond Hill, ON). Father Scanlon recalls giving pastoral care and the Sacrament of Reconciliation to Nouwen and holding a Priest's retreat in which Nouwen attended. Themes present in Father Scanlon's interview include the Eucharist, Jean Vanier and Nouwen's grave. The interview is transcribed and available electronically or in hard copy; there are two hard copies in the file.

Interview with Lorenzo Sforza-Cesarini

File consists of an interview with Lorenzo Sforza-Cesarini interviewed by Gabrielle Earnshaw at L'Arche Dayspring (Richmond Hill, ON). Sforza-Cesarini is a councilor living in Richmond Hill, ON). Sforza-Cesarini met Nouwen when Sforzi-Cesarini visited L'Arche Daybreak (Richmond Hill, ON) in 1986 and subsequently became a resident; Nouwen was Sforza-Cesarini's spiritual director. Themes present in Sforza-Cesarini's interview include illness, Rome, Southdown (Aurora, ON), Nouwen's death, the Eucharist, praying with Nouwen, writing and Nouwen's funeral in The Netherlands. The interview is transcribed and is available electronically or in hard copy; there are two copies of the transcription in the file.

Interview with Pat Parry

File consists of an interview with Pat Parry [Sibley] interviewed by Joe Vorstermans at Parry's home in Alfred Station, NY. Parry is a professor of English at Alfred University, NY. Parry met Nouwen while on sabbatical from Alfred University at Yale Divinity School and developed a lifelong friendship with him. Parry recalls meeting Nouwen's parents, celebrating Easter Sunday Mass and visiting in The Netherlands, at the Sibley family and the Nouwen home in Lausanne, Switzerland. Themes present in Parry's interview include racial issues, Hiroshima, traveling, Pendle Hill (Wallingford, PA) and John Mogabgab. The interview is transcribed and is available electronically or in hard copy.

Interview with Marcie Taylor

File consists of an interview with Marcie Taylor interviewed by Gabrielle Earnshaw (location unknown). Taylor lives in Richmond Hill, ON and is a social worker and head of the Pastoral Team at L'Arche Daybreak (Richmond Hill, ON). Taylor was a member of the L'Arche Daybreak community with Nouwen since 1991 and helped to found Spirit Movers. Taylor recalls Nouwen's vulnerability, his many friendships, Nouwen's 60th birthday party, Nouwen's uselessness at regular tasks and praying with Nouwen. Themes present in Nouwen's interview include the mother figure, death, marital problems, homelessness, Habitat for Humanity, Adam Arnett, her decision to go to L'Arche Daybreak and the Dayspring Pastoral Team. A letter from Taylor to Joe Vorstermans is in the file thanking Vorsterman for being able to participate in the project. The interview is transcribed and is available in hard copy.

Interview with Malcolm Street

File consists of an interview with Malcolm Street interviewed by Joe Vorstermans at Street's home in Fort Worth, TX. Street first met Nouwen through the Church of the Saviour (Washington, DC) and subsequently helped him fundraise for the Dayspring Chapel at L'Arche Daybreak (Richmond Hill, ON) through speaking engagements at the First Presbyterian Church (Fort Worth) and other events. Themes present in Street's interview include the John Dafore Center (San Antonio, TX), depression, marital problems, the Ministry of Money, the Eucharist, The Gathering (Mexico), community, brokenness and Nouwen's legacy. The print in the file is a close up photo of Street from the shoulders up in a suit and tie. The interview is transcribed and available electronically or in hard copy.

Interview with Reverend Peter Ruggere

File consists of an interview with Reverend Peter Ruggere interviewed by Joe Vorstermans at Ruggere's office in San Diego, CA. Ruggere lives in San Ysidro, CA and is a Catholic Priest and the Mission Director for the Archdiocese of San Diego, CA. Ruggere met Nouwen when Nouwen traveled through Peru and Bolivia in 1981-82. Ruggere recalls discussing Dutch Catholicism with Nouwen, Nouwen's difficulty learning Spanish and performing Mass and Nouwen's interaction with the residents of Peru. Themes present in Ruggere's interview include Maryknoll priests, South America, Social Activism, Fidel Castro, 'Gracias!', language and Gustavo Gutierrez. Ruggere's business card is in the file. The interview is transcribed and available electronically on in hard copy.

Interview with Mary Alice Santos

File consists of an interview with Mary Alice Santos interviewed by Errol Stein in Plant City, FL. Santos was a program manager at the University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, ID) and now lives in Plant City, FL. Santos first met Nouwen at the University of Notre Dame in 1964. Santos recalls Nouwen as a busy young Priest at Notre Dame, Nouwen's naivety and niceness, Nouwen marrying her son and visiting her family in Mexico. Themes present in Santos' interview include illness, the Department of Psychology at Notre Dame, South America, aging, death and Spanish. The interview is transcribed and is available electronically or in hard copy.

Interview with Errol Stein

File consists of an interview with Errol Stein interviewed by Sue Mosteller at the Greenhouse Loft, L'Arche Daybreak (Richmond Hill, ON). Stein is a retired insurance broker living in Toronto, ON. Stein first saw Nouwen on television as a guest on the 'Hour of Power' with Robert Schuler and was inspired to visit him at L'Arche Daybreak; Stein subsequently became involved with the community. Themes present in Stein's interview include abuse, South African Apartheid, education, racial issues, Gordie Henry, Nouwen's death and Nouwen's legacy. The file includes a letter to Stein from Joe Vorstermans thanking him for his participation and sending him copies of the audio cassettes for Stein's records.

Interview with Harold Weinstein

File consists of an interview with Harold Weinstein interviewed by Maureen Wright at Weinstein's home in Markham, ON; Weinstein is a retired jeweler. Weinstein's daughter Ellen lived as a core member with Nouwen at the L'Arche Daybreak community (Richmond Hill, ON). Weinstein recalls celebrating Ellen's Bap Mitzvah and Passover with Nouwen and how Nouwen helped in Weinstein's relationship with his daughter. Themes present in Weinstein's interview include music, Judaism, Glengarda (Windsor, ON), Nouwen's death, Nouwen as a messenger, Nouwen's gestures and the 'Mourner's Kaddish'. Post interview notes from Maureen Wright and a copy of a Jewish prayer are also in the file. The interview is transcribed and is available electronically or in hard copy; there are two hard copies in the file.

Interview with Lon D. Whitman

File consists of an interview with Lon D. Whitman interviewed by Joe Vorstermans at L'Arche Daybreak (Richmond Hill, ON). Whitman is a community leader living and working in L'Arche Erie (Erie, PA). Whitman first met Nouwen at a retreat in Denver, CO and subsequently visited him at L'Arche Daybreak and became his friend in the L'Arche community. Whitman recalls Nouwen in group and personal settings and his interest in the Flying Rodleighs. Themes present in Whitman's interview include migration, L'Arche Trosly (France), South America, L'Arche Harbour House (Jacksonville, FL), corporate life and Madame Vanier. The interview is transcribed and available electronically or in hard copy.

Interview with Sally Tucker

File consists of an interview with Sally Tucker interviewed by Kathy Christie in Richmond Hill, ON. Tucker is a receptionist in Richmond Hill, ON. Tucker met Nouwen through Kathy Brunner and worked as his part time receptionist. Tucker recalls celebrating birthdays and holidays with Nouwen and her kids. Themes present in Tucker's interview include alcoholism, death, the Eucharist, art, grief, loneliness and Vincent van Gogh. The print is of Tucker and Nouwen sitting together, Nouwen is on a couch with his arm around Tucker and Tucker is in a chair beside Nouwen with her arm around him. Nouwen is wearing a blue and white sweater over a dress shirt with blue pants; there are balloons and flowers in the background. The interview is transcribed and is available electronically or in hard copy.

Interview with Alvarro Carrasco

File consists of an interview with Alvarro Carrasco interviewed by Sue Mosteller and Joe Vorstermans in Oakland, CA. Carrasco is an engineer living in Oakland, CA. Carrasco met Nouwen through Michael Harank while working at Holy Redeemer Church and developed a long term friendship with him. Themes present in Carrasco's interview include sexuality, the father figure, death, homosexuality and religion, acceptance and intimacy. Carrasco's interview is a part of an interview conducted with his partner, Kevin Dwyer. The interview is transcribed and is available electronically or in hard copy.

Interview with Mary Bastedo

File consists of an interview with Mary Bastedo interviewed by Gabrielle Earnshaw at the Cedars Retreat House at L'Arche Daybreak (Richmond Hill, ON). Bastedo is an assistant living and working at L'Arche Daybreak. Bastedo first met Nouwen at L'Arche Trosly (France) and subsequently lived and worked with him at L'Arche Daybreak until his death. Bastedo recalls opening Dayspring Chapel with Nouwen and Nouwen's assistance after core member Raymond Batchelor's accident. Themes present in Bastedo's interview include the Unitarian Church, Jean Vanier, social justice, celibacy, introduction to the Catholic Church, Faith and Life, Nouwen's sexuality, Nouwen's death, Nouwen as celebrity, Mary and interfaith. The interview is transcribed and is available electronically or in hard copy.

Interview with Steven Berry

File consists of an interview with Steven Berry interviewed by Sue Mosteller at the Henry Nouwen Society office (Richmond Hill, ON). Berry is from Manchester, VT where he is the Pastor of a small church. Berry first met Nouwen as a student at Yale then becoming his teaching assistant; Nouwen also acted as Berry's spiritual director. Berry recounts experiences of Nouwen visiting with his family, lecturing, performing the Eucharist and teaching him about Philippians 2 1-11 and the recognition that he is servant of Jesus. Themes present in Berry's interview include the death of a child, community, and racial. The interview has been transcribed and is available electronically or in hard copy.

Interview with Bob Buford

File consists of an interview with Bob Buford interviewed by Joe Vorstermans at the Leadership Network Offices (Dallas, TX). Buford lives in Dallas, TX and is the chairman of The Buford Foundation which holds wilderness camps for troubled youth. Buford was introduced to Nouwen through Malcolm Street of Elderly Care Inc (Fortworth, TX). Buford recounts experiences with Nouwen at the Foundation Conference (Toronto, ON) and The Gathering (Mexico) and through his subsequent work 'Mornings with Henri Nouwen'. Themes present in Buford's interview include 'Half Time', 'Finishing Well', Thomas Merton, Peter Drucker, Nouwen's contradictions and Nouwen as tortured. Photocopied pages of Walt Whitman's 'Song of Myself' with annotations and a note from Buford to Joe Vorstermans and a copy of the print created for Peter Drucker's 80th birthday is also in the file. The interview is transcribed and is available electronically or in hard copy.

Interview with Father James T. Burtchaell CSC

File consists of an interview with Father James T. Burtchaell CSC interviewed by Joe Vorstermans at Casa Santa Cruz (Phoenix, AZ). Burtchaell is a Catholic Priest and Theology professor at Casa Santa Cruz. Burtchaell was a colleague of Nouwen's at Notre Dame (Notre Dame, IN). Burtchaell recounts Nouwen performing Mass at Dillion Hall Chapel at Notre Dame, speaking and preaching and visiting Burtchaell at Southdown (Aurora, ON), a therapeutic facility for members of religious communities. Themes present in Burtchaell's interview include Holy Cross Priests, alcoholism, The Menninger Foundation, the departments of Theology and Psychology at Notre Dame, Nouwen as incandescent and Nouwen and academia. The file also includes a letter from Burtchaell to Joe Vorstermans about his interview experience; it includes a passage Burtchaell wrote about Nouwen after his death. The interview has been transcribed and is available electronically or in hard copy.

Interview with Bob Durback

File consists of an interview with Bob Durback interviewed by Sue Mosteller at Durback's home in Cleveland, OH. Durback is a former monk and retired mail carrier. Durback's first experience with Nouwen was through articles in the National Catholic Reporter and 'With Open Hands'; Durback subsequently met Nouwen at the Genesee Abbey (Piffard, NY) and developed a lifelong friendship with him. Durback recounts visiting Nouwen at Yale, watching him perform the Eucharist and lecture at Yale and celebrating the anniversary of his ordination. Themes present in Durback's interview include failure, Trappist monks, Thomas Merton, prayer life, death, spiritual formation, John Eudes Bamberger, Vincent van Gogh, writing and his publications 'Seeds of Hope', 'Henri Nouwen: In my Own Words' and 'A Retreat with Henri Nouwen'. The interview has been transcribed and is available electronically or in hard copy.

Interview with Margaret Farley

File consists of an interview with Margaret Farley interviewed by Michael Christensen in Farley's office at Yale Divinity School (New Haven, CT). Farley lives in Guilford, CT and teaches at Yale Divinity School. Farley joined the faculty at Yale Divinity School the same year as Nouwen, 1971. Farley remembers Nouwen performing Mass, inclusive liturgy and the Eucharist and supporting students involved in activism. Themes present in Farley's interview include racial issues, Detroit riots, the role of women in the Catholic Church, Nouwen's relationship with academic colleagues, Nouwen's tenure at Yale, Nouwen as a spiritual genius and Nouwen's legacy. The interview is transcribed and available electronically or in hard copy.

Interview with John Garvey

File consists of an interview with John Garvey interviewed by Joe Vorstermans at the Garvey home in Queensborough, New York City. Garvey is an orthodox priest and writer/editor. Garvey met Nouwen as a student at the University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, Indiana) from 1963-1967. Garvey remembers Nouwen performing the liturgy in Garvey's small apartment, visiting Nouwen at Yale (New Haven CT), Nouwen visiting Garvey in Springfield, Illinois and their correspondence till Nouwen's death. Themes present in Garvey's interview include papacy, The Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Anthony Bloom, writing, Commonweal Magazine, Nouwen's relationship with kids, Vincent van Gogh and prayer life. The files also includes a handwritten note from Garvey to Joe Vorstermans regarding the deed of gift and a brief chronology of Garvey's life. The interview is transcribed and is available electronically or in hard copy.

Interview with Albert Lewis

File consists of an interview with Albert Lewis interviewed by Sue Mosteller at Lewis' home in Grand Rapids, MI. Lewis is a retired Rabbi with a congregation in Traverse City, MI. Nouwen acted as Lewis' spiritual director during a visit to L'Arche Daybreak (Richmond Hill, ON) and they subsequently developed a lifelong friendship. Themes present in Lewis' interview include Judaism, education, racial issues, grandparents, community, aging and Nouwen's death. The interview is transcribed and is available electronically or in hard copy.

Interview with Wayne Muller

File consists of an interview with Wayne Muller interviewed by Sue Mosteller at the San Damiano Retreat Centre in Danville, CA. Muller is an author, psychotherapist and minister living in Fairfax, CA. Muller met Nouwen as a student at Harvard Divinity School (Cambridge, MA) from 1983-1985; Muller took Nouwen's retreat course. Themes present in Muller's interview include alcoholism, AIDS, conscientious objection, war, death, grief, Buddhist mediation, Nouwen's sexuality, fundamentalism and Nouwen's legacy. The interview has been transcribed and is available electronically and in hard copy.

Interview with Claude Pomerleau CSC

File consists of an interview with Claude Pomerleau CSC interviewed by Errol Stein and Sue Mosteller at Joe Vorsterman's home in Richmond Hill, ON. Pomerleau lives in Portland, OR and is a Professor and Director of the Social Justice Program at the University of Portland (Portland, OR). Pomerleau met Nouwen as a student at the University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, ID) in 1966. Themes present in Pomerleau's interview include retreats at Lake Michigan, Holy Cross priests, language, education, the University of Chile, Nouwen's death, the Henri Nouwen Society, South America and Nouwen and drama. The interview is transcribed and is available electronically or in hard copy.

Interview with Elizabeth Porter

File consists of an interview with Elizabeth Porter interviewed by Gabrielle Earnshaw at the offices of the Henri Nowen Society (Richmond Hill, ON). Porter lives and works as an assistant coordinator at L'Arche Daybreak (Richmond Hill, ON); she is also a teacher. Porter met Nouwen on his initial visit to L'Arche Daybreak in 1985 and they subsequently became friends when Nouwen moved to L'Arche Daybreak permanently in 1986. Porter recalls Nouwen's counseling after core member Raymond Batchelor's accident, Nouwen's decision to go to Homes for Growth (Winnipeg, MA) and his relationship with Adam Arnett. Themes present in Porter's interview include spiritual formation, Nouwen's relationship with core members, Nathan Ball, community, Judaism, icon of the Beloved Disciple, writing, Gordie Henry and L'Arche International. The interview is transcribed and is available electronically or in hard copy.

Interview with John Santos

File consists of an interview with John Santos interviewed by Errol Stein in Plant City, FL. Santos is a psychologist, gerontologist and former chair of the Department of Psychology at the University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, ID) living in Plant City, FL. Santos first met Nouwen at the Menninger Foundation (Topeka, KA) and was a member of the Notre Dame faculty when Nouwen came to Notre Dame; they became lifelong friends. Santos recalls meeting Nouwen's parents, Nouwen's relationship with the Santos' children, Nouwen officiating at his son's marriage and Nouwen's uselessness at regular tasks. Themes present in Santos' interview include war, the United States Army, South America, Brazilian Peace Corps, death, Nouwen and academia and liberation theory. The interview is transcribed and is available electronically or in hard copy.

Interview with Jack Stroh

File consists of an interview with Jack Stroh interviewed by Sue Mosteller at the Green House Loft, L'Arche Daybreak (Richmond Hill, ON). Stroh is a retired lawyer and lives in Erie, PA. Stroh met Nouwen through his wife, Sue Stroh president of the L'Arche Erie (Erie, PA); Nouwen counseled Stroh from 1991-96 and they become friends. Themes present in Stroh's interview include transitions, sports, alcoholism, introduction to the Catholic faith, Bill van Buren and praying with Nouwen. The interview is transcribed and is available electronically or in hard copy.

Interview with Gordon Van Amburgh

File consists of an interview with Gordon van Amburgh interviewed by Joe Vorstermans in Fort Worth, TX. Van Amburgh is a family and marriage therapist living in Fort Worth. van Amburgh met Nouwen through Malcolm Street. van Amburgh recalls the enjoyment he got listening to Nouwen speak and perform Mass. Themes present in van Amburgh's interview include grandparents, the Vietnam War, travelling, The Seekers, Gordie Henry and the Menninger Clinic (Topeka, KA). The interview is transcribed and available electronically or in hard copy.

Oral History Project

Series consists of materials from the 'Completing the Vision: The Oral History of Henri Nouwen' project that was undertaken by Sister Sue Mosteller, Executrix of the Henri Nouwen Literary Centre in partnership with the Henri Nouwen Society and The Henri Nouwen Archives and Research Collection. The project was funded by grants from the Louisville Institution, the Nouwen Society and gifts in kind. The project intended to capture the personal and intimate nature of Nouwen's life and works by interviewing people from Nouwen's extensive network of intellectuals, clerics, lay ministers and ordinary citizens including those from all socio-economic backgrounds, cultures, faiths and traditions who were influenced by Nouwen or influenced him. The interviews were meant to paint a multi-coloured canvas of Nouwen in his many roles and give us a perspective not available in his own writings. Further, the project was a contribution to the ongoing study of religious experience in the 20th century. The project had three specific goals:

  • Fill in historically significant gaps in the present record of Nouwen's life
  • Gain an understanding of why and how a man of such enormous contradictions touched the lives of so many people and drew criticisms of others
  • To give an opportunity for the wide variety of people who were impacted by Nouwen and who in turn contributed to his theological and pastoral vision to give expression to their experience and understanding

From these goals it is hoped this project would act as a resource for contemporary ministry and be an inspiration for ministers, teachers and lay people alike. Further, the project would compliment the writings of Henri Nouwen and the dozen or so newly published books that have explored his legacy since his death.

The interviews conducted for this project relate to four specific periods in Nouwen's life:

  • Early Seminary/University Years 1951-1964
  • Menniger and Notre Dame Years 1964-1967
  • Yale and Harvard Years 1971-1985
  • Final ten years at L'Arche Daybreak 1986-1987

The interviewees range in age, occupation and geographic location but all had a significant relationship with Nouwen at some point in his life. The methodology of the project involved asking each interviewee to spend 30-40 minutes of their interview naming the influences that formed them, their primary relationships, their mission/profession and how their life crossed with Nouwen's.

Over a 24 month period, 93 interviews were conducted, each averaging two hours in length, providing more than 180 hours of multi-textured content regarding Nouwen's theological vision and its impact. The interviewees also recount events of their personal lives and other significant influences unrelated to their relationship with Nouwen. The interviews took place all over North and South America, Europe and Asia and were documented in audio and/or video format. Some of the interviews have been transcribed and a hard copy and/or electronic copy of the transcription are available. Most the interviews and transcriptions are available in English while some are only available in Dutch.

Henri Nouwen Society

News from the Henri Nouwen Society newsletters

File consists of the official publication of the Henri Nouwen Society in Canada and the United States, providing information and updates regarding retreats, study groups, lecture series and other activities. During publication, the Henri Nouwen Society was considered a separate organization from the Henri Nouwen Society in Canada and the Henri Nouwen Literary Centre. In 2003, efforts were made to join the two groups together. As a result, publication was discontinued. The last edition of "News from the Henri Nouwen Society" was published in Winter / Spring 2003. In addition to hard copies of the newsletter, the file includes a 3.5" diskette of electronic files for the Fall 2001 newsletter.

Interview with Jutta Ayer

File consists of interview with Jutta Ayer interviewed by Gabrielle Earnshaw at the office of the Henri Nouwen Society. Ayer is a retired Chaplain from St. Andrew's Episcopal Church (Marblehead, MA). Ayer first met Nouwen at an 1983 lecture at Cambridge and subsequently became his student at Harvard and remained his close friend until his death in 1996. Ayer recounts experiences with Nouwen at Harvard, L'Arche Trolsy (France) and L'Arche Daybreak (Richmond Hill). Themes present in Ayer's interview include the Second World War, Jewish persecution, marital separation, the relationship between Catholics and Protestants, performing the Eucharist, the mother figure, rejection, the role of women in the Catholic church and Nouwen's sexuality. The interview has been transcribed and is available electronically and in hard copy.

Spirituality and education: Henri Nouwen's inspirations to parenting

File consists of a five page presentation by Astrid Gilles-Bacciu which was presented at the 2006 Conference "Turning the Wheel : Henri Nouwen and Our Search For God", and outlines her application of Nouwen's writings about children and child rearing to secular institutions and parent education settings.

Notes from Bowen conference

File consists of a typescript and electronic version of notes taken by Sydney Louise von Lehn at the Bowen Conference (Kanuga) in March 1993 at which Nouwen spoke on the Beloved Community. Von Lehn took these notes while in attendance. The typescript includes von Lehn's personal commentary as well as verbatim passages from Nouwen's talk, as well as that of Sue Mosteller and Bill Van Buren, who also attended the conference.

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