Henri Nouwen's Words Have Long-Lasting Effect by Richard Schulzetenberg

"I'll never forget Henri's words. . ."

June 14th, 2007

This column is reprinted with permission from the May 24, 2007 edition of the St. Cloud Visitor, official newspaper of the Diocese of St. Cloud, Minn.

“The stories you tell may save someone’s life,” is a sentence the Asheville Citizen Times used to acclaim its praise of the book Henri Nouwen: The Spirituality of Imperfection [by Wil Hernandez]. It gives me pause about telling stories. Stories are not to be just meaningless ramblings.
Several stories I wish to recount are from Monica’s and my friendship with the late Henri Nouwen. Yale Divinity School recently dedicated a small chapel to Henri and gave a symposium on the Influence of Henri Nouwen at Yale Divinity School.
I first met Henri while I was a student at the North American College (NAC) in Rome. I had just decided to leave the seminary and return home to the United States. Henri was giving a retreat to the NAC students. I went to see him with the intention of getting advice for my new transition back home. I was very nervous at the time with the difficult wrenching decision.
I’ll never forget Henri’s words. He did not say I should get counseling or see a psychiatrist. Another harsher Jesuit counselor had done as much already.
Henri’s simple words were: “Let life heal you.” So open-ended, compassionate and kind. They were the most supportive words I could ever have received. And indeed it was life and the passage of time that did the most to heal.
Another time, Henri reached out to Monica and me was when I had lost my job at the parishes in Sauk Centre and was doing some work at the public library.
Henri called me by phone at the library. Our conversation was sincere and very serious about my all-important hope for continuing in some kind of ministry.
Then I mentioned to him, “Yes, and by the way, we are also expecting a baby.”
Henri’s voice suddenly changed and became very excited and very joyful. He was very pleased with the news, which I, at the time, did not nearly as intensely sense.
But Henri opened my life once again to the greatest gift we ever had — our son, Paul — which I at the time only dimly sensed.
Henri had a way of really getting to the deepest experiences of the human heart and soul. I say these things not to brag about Henri and us but to lift up to others the wonder of Henri Nouwen’s life and writings and person. Henri truly continues to reach out to a wounded, seeking world through his writings and his legacy. Maybe these stories will reach someone suffering a similar mental illness, or struggling with a life transition or a new life in their family.
Maybe reading Henri Nouwen will give some comfort, solace, or new life.
(Editor’s note: Public Broadcasting Service plans to air Karen Pascal’s film “Journey of the Heart: The Life of Henri Nouwen” in July. Check local listings for additional details.)
***********************************************
Richard Schulzetenberg, a graduate of St. John's University, earned his master's degree in religion from Yale Divinity School. He and his wife, Monica, live in Sauk Centre, Minn.

< Return to news headlines