Ms. Karen Pascal

Member, Cabinet of Canadians

Karen Pascal was appointed as the Executive Director of the Henri Nouwen Society in 2014. Having served as a Board member of the Society since its inception, Pascal is passionate about the importance of Nouwen’s contribution to our understanding of Christian spirituality and brings her vision, energy and experience to lead this ministry. 

Karen first met Henri Nouwen in 1993 when she featured him on the television series Cross Currents.  After Henri died in 1996, Pascal produced the award-winning documentary film Journey of the Heart – the Life of Henri Nouwen(Vision/PBS), telling the moving story of this beloved yet restless ‘wounded healer’. 

Henri Nouwen was an internationally renowned priest and author, respected professor, and beloved pastor who wrote 40 books on the spiritual life. Nouwen enjoyed an impressive academic career with positions at the Menninger Clinic, Notre Dame University, the University of Nijmegen, Yale and Harvard University. In later life, he was chose to serve as the chaplain of the L’Arche Daybreak community, where people with developmental disabilities live with assistants. Henri Nouwen died in September 1996.

As Founder and President of Windborne Productions, Karen Pascal brings to her role as Executive Director of the Henri Nouwen Society her extensive background in the arts, her strong business acumen, and her success as a film and television producer. 

Pascal is passionate about extending the legacy of Father Henri Nouwen – one of the most sought after spiritual guides of our time. The Henri Nouwen Society exists so that others can discover the unconditional love of God that Henri discovered in his life.  We recognize that our frailty and brokenness shares common ground with our belovedness.  We aim to promote Henri Nouwen’s life and legacy to existing and new audiences of spiritual seekers worldwide.