When Cinema and Faith Collide
There’s something electric about mixing movies with meaning. A Man for All Seasons isn’t just a historical drama—it’s a powerhouse story about conscience, integrity, and standing firm in faith. Now imagine blending that with the themes from Journey Through Time. Suddenly, it’s not just entertainment—it’s formation disguised as film night.
This mashup isn’t just for movie buffs. It’s for anyone walking the RCIA journey or diving deeper into Catholic life. When scenes from the movie line up with the stages of Christian initiation, it’s like watching faith in action—with dialogue, drama, and moments that hit way too close to home (in a good way).
How the Mashup Works
Start with the Inquiry stage. Thomas More’s early scenes—where he’s quietly discerning and navigating political chaos—mirror the RCIA period of searching and questioning. Pair that with the reflections in Journey Through Time, where the book explores how seekers begin wrestling with big spiritual questions.
Then move into the Catechumenate phase. This is where Thomas really starts taking a stand, knowing it’ll cost him. It mirrors the growing commitment candidates face—learning the faith, accepting the consequences, and stepping deeper into a life of discipleship. The book’s breakdown of this period fits perfectly here.
Finally, the climax of the film—More’s trial and ultimate martyrdom—parallels the Purification and Mystagogy phases. It’s about living faith publicly, no matter the pressure. As Dr. Laurence F. Aucella explains in the book, this is the heart of RCIA: a full surrender to faith, even when the stakes are high.
The Author Who Gets Formation’s Drama
Dr. Laurence F. Aucella may not have written a screenplay, but his work in Journey Through Time reads like a script for real-life transformation. His years spent guiding RCIA groups, teaching, and counseling show in how he breaks down the process of faith formation.
He understands that faith isn’t just a set of facts—it’s a story. A messy, challenging, beautiful story where people wrestle with belonging, truth, and sacrifice. That’s exactly why this movie-book mashup works. Aucella’s pastoral, relatable writing pairs seamlessly with the cinematic storytelling of A Man for All Seasons.
Journey Through Time
The Catholic Church and Christian Initiation
Dr. Laurence F. Aucella
Faith is a story. Watch it. Read it. Then go live it with courage.