File 105 - Letters from Vincent Masi

0.3 cm of textual records

File consists of photocopies of nine letters from Henri Nouwen to Vincent Masi. These letters reflect Nouwen's friendship with Masi, a former administrative assistant. Letter contents consist of the following:

1. Letter to Vincent Masi from Henri Nouwen. It is typed, 1 page, and dated July 7, 1995. Nouwen is writing from L'Arche Daybreak (on Daybreak letterhead). Nouwen thanks Masi for his letter, and says he has been aware of Masi's struggles, and hopes they will lead Masi to "a deeper knowledge of God's love for you." He says he went through a similar struggle at the beginning of his time at L'Arche, but it led him to a new freedom and new abilities to share his love. He concludes by saying he is looking forward to his sabbatical, and hopes to be able to visit Masi in September [1995]. Letter is signed.
2. Letter to Vincent Masi from Henri Nouwen. It is typed, 1 page, and dated May 31, 1995. Nouwen is writing from L'Arche Daybreak (on Daybreak letterhead). Nouwen writes to remind Masi of his prayers and support. He says he is sorry he will not see Masi at the AIDS Conference in Chicago, but hopes to see Masi in the future. He concludes by saying he is sending Masi some booklets just published using articles originally published in Weavings [articles not included]. Letter is signed.
3. Letter to Vincent Masi from Henri Nouwen. It is typed, 2 pages, and dated February 1, 1995. Nouwen is writing from L'Arche Daybreak (on Daybreak letterhead). Nouwen thanks Masi for his letter, and telling him about his relationship. He says that "in order to develop a circle of friends we have to be aggressive and explicit. Often people do not realise how much you value their friendship and it is always important to be open, direct, and quite explicit about your affective needs. I am sure that many people will give you what you need when you ask for it." He says that L'Arche is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and are going to put on a big musical. He concludes by saying that he spent his Christmas making a film on the Flying Rodleighs, and hopes that he will be able to have a sabbatical in September. Letter is signed.
4. Letter to Vincent Masi from Henri Nouwen. It is typed, 1 page, and dated May 25, 1994. Nouwen is writing from L'Arche Daybreak (on Daybreak letterhead). Nouwen thanks Masi for his letter, and says he was grateful for Masi's openness on the phone. He says he cannot write a long letter, as he is only at L'Arche for a few days and then is going to Europe. He concludes by saying he will see Masi at the Chicago conference. Letter is signed.
5. Letter to Vincent Masi from Henri Nouwen. It is typed, 1 page, and dated July 30, 1992. Nouwen is writing from L'Arche Daybreak (on Daybreak letterhead). Nouwen thanks Masi for his letter, and says it was easy to read, whereas Masi's handwritten letters in the past have been difficult to read. He says he is grateful to Masi for sharing so openly with him, and that he was moved by Masi's honesty. He says he says he knows the experience of deep loneliness, but hopes Masi is embracing his loneliness and allowing friends to enter it with him. He says he is soon leaving for a month's vacation, and hopes they will be able to talk on the phone before he leaves. Letter is signed.
6. Letter to Vincent Masi from Henri Nouwen. It is typed, 1 page, and dated February 6, 1989. Nouwen is writing from L'Arche Daybreak (on Daybreak letterhead). Nouwen thanks Masi for his call and card. He says he is sorry they haven't been in closer contact, but his desire to talk with Masi grows as the months go by. He then talks about his accident, "The accident was a blessing in disguise. I am still in hospital recovering, but I am really in good spirits and feel grateful to God for giving me this unexpected interruption to draw me closer to His heart." He concludes by saying being in the hospital has given him respect for the nursing profession, and he hopes Masi's nursing training is going well. Letter is signed.
7. Letter to Vincent Masi from Henri Nouwen. It is typed, 1 page, and dated July 19, 1988. Nouwen is writing from L'Arche Daybreak (on Daybreak letterhead). Nouwen thanks Masi for his letter, and says he has been unable to reach Masi by phone. He says he would like it if Masi could come for a time to Daybreak and live in one of the houses, as they would have time to pray together and reflect on Masi's vocation. He says that he has a feeling that L'Arche should be one of the places for Masi to consider while he explores where the Lord is leading him. He says he will soon leave to go to Europe for a month, and hopes to talk with Masi beforehand. Letter is signed.
8. Letter to Vincent Masi from Henri Nouwen. It is typed, 1 page, and dated July 27, 1987. Nouwen is writing from L'Arche Daybreak (on Daybreak letterhead). Nouwen writes that he has been frustrated because he has been unable to write Masi a long letter, and so was glad to speak with him on the phone. He reassures Masi, and says that he shared his struggles with Masi as a sign of deep friendship, and did not want to upset him. He says "facing my struggles and sharing them with you and a few other friends has been a source of great hope and joy for me. I am in quite a good place right now and the Lord has really blessed me with many graces." He says he is surrounded by people who love and support him, and that "Daybreak is the best place I could have gone to. It is also the best battleground for the spiritual battle and the best place to grow in holiness." Letter is signed.
9. etter to Vincent Masi from Henri Nouwen. It is handwritten, 4 pages, and dated September 1986. Nouwen thanks Masi for his letter. He says he cherishes Masi's love, and goes on to give Masi advice. Letter is signed.

Access is restricted to the ninth letter, as content is personal.

Title based on contents of the file.
See 1.2. Henri Nouwen fonds - General Files (3870a, 4961, 5380, 5833, 6359, 9927, 10782, 11433), for correspondence from Masi (1983-1996).

Revised by T Wong, 3 September 2021