In this episode of Now and Then Again, host Wendy VanderWal Martin speaks with Jenna Calabrese, a member of the Henri Nouwen Society’s 30 Under 30 cohort and newly licensed occupational therapist. Jenna shares how her encounter with Henri Nouwen’s writings and her experience at L’Arche shaped her vocation, spiritual life, and understanding of presence and participation in a wounded world. Together, they reflect on mentorship, generational faith, and how young leaders are embodying Nouwen’s prophetic witness today. 

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

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

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Book Discussed:

Adam: God’s Beloved

https://amzn.to/3fsJxiS (US)

https://amzn.to/2MP02tq (CAD)

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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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SIGN UP FOR FREE DAILY E-MEDITATIONS:

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henrinouwen.org/

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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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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)

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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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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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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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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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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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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)

___________

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: henrinouwen.org/donate/

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