Update: The Return of the Prodigal Son

As promised, here is a link to a copy of the study guide for this book that has my own personal notes attached. Don't look for any great wisdom, but it might be helpful in case we don't get around to discussing all of the questions during our group sessions.

I hope you enjoyed the book. Fr. Nouwen was a prolific writer--publishing over forty books, so if you enjoyed this selection and would like to read more of his publications, we now carry several of his titles in St. Patrick's Book Store.

Study Guide for The Return of the Prodigal Son w/Responses

If you would like to learn more about Fr. Nouwen, you may wish to visit the website of The Henry Nouwen Society.

Book Discussion Group Scheduled for May

The book discussion group meetings for The Return of the Prodigal Son by Fr. Henri Nouwen will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2008. A morning session will begin at 9:00AM and an evening session will begin at 6:00PM. Both sessions are scheduled to meet at St. Patrick's Church in Rm 111.

To prepare for our discussion, in addition to reading the book, you may want to review a copy of the study guide that I have prepared as an aid to our discussion.
Study Guide for The Return of the Prodigal Son
Please bring your book, a copy of the study guide, and your own notes and questions to the meeting.

See you then!

The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming

Even though I knew we'd be well into Lent before we would begin to read this selection, I specifically chose this book with this special season in mind. The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri J.M. Nouwen is a story of his personal spiritual journey that is sure to get you thinking about your own. Fr. Nouwen reflects on the well known parable of the prodigal son and how that story is portrayed in Rembrandt's famous painting. His insightful comments will give you a deeper appreciation for this familiar parable, a little lesson on art, and plenty to think about in your relationships with God and those around you.

Copies of this book are currently available in St. Patrick's Book & Gift Store. The accompanying study guide is also available for pick up or can be printed from this link:
Study Guide: The Return of the Prodigal Son

If you use this site to print your study guide, please click on the comments button below and leave me a message to let me know that you have visited the site.

I'm sure that you'll enjoy this book. It's my personal favorite of the four books that we are reading this year. Because this is a small book, you may be tempted to read it quickly, but take your time. Nouwen packs a lot of meaning and insight into a few pages.


This is a copy of Rembrandt's painting of The Return of the Prodigal Son in which all of the surrounding figures are visible. At one point in the book, Nouwen discusses the four figures surrounding the father and son embracing, but the reproductions on the book's cover make this hard to see.