A Journey Through Belief and Belonging
From its modest beginnings in 1949, when postwar publishers gathered in Frankfurt to rebuild and share new ideas, the Frankfurter Buchmesse has grown into the world’s most important international book fair. Over the decades, it has transformed from a regional gathering of German publishers into a global platform where stories are launched, partnerships are forged, and the future of publishing is shaped. That journey of steady growth, vision, and innovation is what makes the fair so influential today.
Now celebrating its 77th year, the Frankfurter Buchmesse 2025 is set to host more than 7,500 exhibitors from across the globe. It offers far more than book displays: visitors can explore groundbreaking titles, attend insightful discussions with leading authors and thinkers, witness the latest in publishing technology, and discover how books continue to evolve across media and cultures. It’s not just a fair — it’s a creative crossroads where tradition meets tomorrow.
The Imagination Peoples the Air
Frankfurter Buchmesse 2025
Adding to the excitement, the Philippines takes center stage as the Guest of Honour for 2025, presenting the theme “The Imagination Peoples the Air” — a powerful nod to the nation’s storytelling spirit inspired by José Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere. With over a hundred Filipino authors, artists, and events bringing the country’s rich literary heritage and contemporary voices to Frankfurt, this year’s fair celebrates not only books but also the vibrant diversity of global storytelling.
Amid this extraordinary celebration of ideas and imagination, Kravitz & Sons is proud to see Journey Through Time: The Catholic Church and Christian Initiation showcased on this prestigious global stage — a remarkable contribution that unites faith, scholarship, and history into one enlightening experience.
A Scholar’s Heart and a Teacher’s Faith
Laurence F. Aucella, Ed.D., Ph.D., has dedicated his life to understanding and teaching the depth of the Christian Catholic faith. With over four decades as a counselor and college instructor, his career bridges education and spirituality. He has served as an altar server and Eucharistic minister at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and continues to teach Sunday School at Saint Anne’s Todos Los Santos Shrine in Waterbury, Connecticut.
Dr. Aucella holds advanced degrees in education, psychology, and theology, but it is his love for the Church that fuels his writing. His academic precision blends seamlessly with heartfelt devotion, offering readers a grounded yet deeply spiritual exploration of Catholicism. Beyond the classroom, he’s a man of humble passion — one who loves to walk, pray, and reflect on the intersection of faith and everyday life.
A Deeper Look into Conversion and Commitment
Journey Through Time: The Catholic Church and Christian Initiation delves into one of the Church’s most transformative processes — the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Laurence F. Aucella brings both historical context and spiritual reflection, tracing how Christian initiation has evolved through centuries of faith, reform, and rediscovery. This book is not only an academic guide but also a heartfelt resource for those seeking to understand the roots of their faith or contemplating conversion.
Through clear explanations and thoughtful insights, Dr. Aucella offers readers a sense of continuity — showing how ancient traditions still guide modern believers. He highlights the strength of the Church as a living institution: one that grows, adapts, and continues to welcome all who seek spiritual belonging. The book honors the memory of Sister Dorilda Flynn of the Sisters of Saint Anne, whose influence shaped Aucella’s spiritual journey.
Why It Belongs on the Global Stage
At a fair celebrating knowledge, diversity, and dialogue, Journey Through Time stands as a beacon of faith meeting intellect. In a world where religion is often misunderstood or oversimplified, Aucella’s work invites readers to rediscover Catholicism’s depth, resilience, and beauty.
Its inclusion at the 77th Frankfurter Buchmesse 2025 underscores a vital truth — that stories of faith are not just religious artifacts but living conversations that unite people across cultures and generations. Journey Through Time reminds us that belief, like literature, is a lifelong journey — one that continues to evolve, inspire, and connect the human spirit to something far greater.
