Henri Nouwen (1932-1996) is considered one of the greatest spiritual masters of the modern age. Born, educated and ordained in Holland, Nouwen came to America as a professor of pastoral theology. When Jean Vanier invited him to come to join his mission to help the handicapped, Nouwen left the academic world behind to become the pastor of L'Arche Daybreak, a home for the disabled in Toronto. Here he found a home among God's wounded, and it was here that he was most happy. His rich life as a writer, lecturer and priest was cut short by a heart attack in 1996. Nouwen's lectures were standing room only. Students flocked to hear his message that we are God's beloved children, that our God is the One of unconditional love, who loves us now, with no strings attached. All of his books are arrows pointing towards this love, reminding Christians that Christ came into the world not to blame but to love, a message we desperately need today.