During his seven-month stay in a Trappist monastery, Henri Nouwen had a unique opportunity to explore crucial issues of the spiritual life and discover "a quiet stream underneath the fluctuating affirmations and rejections of my little world." Nouwen participated fully in the daily life of the Abbey of the Genesee in upstate New York -- in work and in prayer. From the early weeks in the abbey -- dominated by conflicting desires and concerns -- to the final days of Advent, when he finds a new sense of calm expectation, Nouwen never loses his critical honesty. Insightful, compassionate, often humorous, always realistic, The Genesee Diary is both an inspiration and a challenge to those who are in search of themselves. "The Genesee Diary beautifully lifts the heart and mind to God." --Christianity Today "This is an extraordinary account of a man seeking inner peace and total commitment to God... a fine portrait of cloistered life, a beautifully written account of one man's soul-searching." --Publisher's Weekly

Report from a Trappist Monastery. 'Just as a whole world of beauty can be discovered in one flower, so the great grace of God can be tasted in one small moment.' This touching observation is central to the probing spiritual journal of Henri Nouwen recorded buring this seven-mopnth stay in a Trappist monastery.

In biblical terms, a mantle is the equivalent of a legacy. A student and friend of Henri Nouwen for over twenty-five years interprets Nouwen's sacred writings and presents one hundred meditations on his words, in the hope that Nouwen's ministry will continue to thrive. Each encouraging meditation is divided into a portion of Nouwen's writings, a reflection on Nouwen's insights, and a brief prayer.