A “Journey Through Time” Playlist on Faith, Conversion, and Community
Some movies just stick with you—not because they’re loud or flashy, but because they hit something deeper. They tell stories of people searching, stumbling, growing, and finding something bigger than themselves. That’s basically the same vibe you get when reading Journey Through Time. It’s not a movie, but it’s packed with the same kind of transformation and spiritual depth that makes a great film feel personal.
So here’s the fun part: what if you created a movie playlist to pair with the book? One film per chapter, or even just a lineup of films that echo the themes of conversion, community, and spiritual growth. Whether you’re running an RCIA group, doing personal reflection, or just love meaningful cinema, this is a creative way to see the book’s core messages play out on screen.
Pairing Stories with Screens
Let’s start with conversion. The Way (2010), directed by Emilio Estevez, is a perfect match for the spirit of RCIA. It follows a father walking the Camino de Santiago after the death of his son, and along the way, he meets strangers who slowly become something like a spiritual family. The film doesn’t preach—it simply shows how grace unfolds in community. You could easily watch this alongside Chapter I of Journey Through Time, where Aucella dives into why people are drawn to the Church in the first place.
Next up is Of Gods and Men (2010), a quiet, powerful film about Trappist monks in Algeria facing violence, faith, and brotherhood. It ties in beautifully with the book’s themes of commitment and spiritual formation, especially in the chapters that talk about the early Church’s catechumenate. That process wasn’t just about learning doctrine—it was about learning to live differently, even when it costs you something.
For community and belonging, Les Misérables (any version, but especially the 2012 one with Hugh Jackman) is a classic. Jean Valjean’s transformation after a single act of mercy reflects the deep interior change that RCIA hopes to guide people through. He finds a new life, but not without struggle. That tension—grace and effort, failure and forgiveness—is right at home in Aucella’s research on spiritual growth over time.
The Author Who Understands the Power of Story
Dr. Laurence F. Aucella might not be a filmmaker, but he understands storytelling at a soul level. In Journey Through Time, he doesn’t just report statistics—he shares the journey of people finding their faith through RCIA. He’s spent years watching that process up close, attending sessions, guiding candidates, and witnessing their Easter Vigil moments. That’s real-life drama. That’s real transformation.
And like any good director, Aucella knows that the power is in the details. His experience in counseling and theology gives him the lens to see the quiet breakthroughs—the “aha” moments that aren’t loud but last. That’s why his book connects so well to these films. Each one, like his research, shows the long, sometimes messy, always meaningful road toward faith and belonging.
Journey Through Time
The Catholic Church and Christian Initiation
Dr. Laurence F. Aucella
Journey Through Time: The Catholic Church and Christian Initiation
The Catholic Church and Christian Initiation regards the process of RCIA, the process by which one becomes a convert to the Roman Catholic Faith. It also contains valuable history about Christianity and how it has evolved over the centuries that will aid in nourishing the faith and increased the knowledge of both new converts and […]