CLOWNING IN ROME: Reflections on Solitude, Celibacy, Prayer, and
Contemplation by Henri J. M. Nouwen. Image Books, 2000, 109 pp. (Call
no. BX2350.2.N67)
 
Since the death of this very popular writer in 1996, the Henri Nouwen
Library Center continues to promote his thinking and lectures. The St.
Philip's Library Committee hopes to acquire all of the Nouwen works
currently in print and those which will be published in the future.
CLOWNING IN ROME is another inspiring addition. It combines four
lectures by the author at the North American College in Rome in the
1970's.
 
Nouwen confesses that while in Rome it was not the red cardinals, or the
Red Brigade, that made the greatest impact on him, but the little things
that took place between the great scenes. It was the clowns he saw on
the streets that told the real story of life.
 
The clowns are not the center of events. They appear between the great
acts, fumble and fall, and make us smile again. Although awkward and
out of balance, the clowns are on our side because we share the same
human weaknesses. "...whenever the clowns appear we are reminded that
what really counts is something other than the spectular and the
sensational. (p. 109).
 
Other works by Nouwen in our library can be found in the Author or Title
Index in the Ocotillo Room (La Parroquia). You might also check the
Library Link to St. Philip's Web site.
 
 ---The Library Committee

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