Title: Journey to Joy – From Spiritual Rigidity to Freedom (Second Edition)
Author: Ronald (Al) Rauckhorst – with Contributions by Louise Rauckhorst
Publisher: Grant Writers Media
ISBN: 979-8-89175-129-3
Pages: 266
Genre: Memoir / Autobiography / Religion
Reviewer: Carol Davala
Hollywood Book Reviews
Ronald (Al) Rauckhorst’s Journey to Joy – From Spiritual Rigidity to Freedom is an inspiring spiritual autobiography that navigates a journey from a traditional Roman Catholic upbringing restricted by fears and guilt which motivated a man through the first 35 years of life, to embarking on a path of challenge and discovery that ultimately led him to a newfound freedom and spiritual joy.
Through well-written chapters of personal stories and reflections, Rauckhorst reveals the triumphs and sorrows he faces while struggling to reconcile the teachings of the Church with his own free will and personal beliefs. Molested by an older neighborhood boy at the age of 12, Rauckhorst felt a need to repair his relationship with God. The incident fueled his decision to enter the priesthood. Through a heartfelt and honest narrative Rauckhorst describes his 10 yrs. with the Maryknoll Mission Society which he entered to do God’s work on foreign ground. As an ordained priest he was sent to South Korea. Here he details the difficulties of learning the language, hikes to various “end of the world” countryside mission stations, and projects with local parishes.
It was during these years in the early ’60s that the Second Vatican Council was introduced and it clearly had a profound effect on Rauckhorst. Open to changes in the Church, he found that certain aspects remained too restrictive. This led to his rethinking his vocation and finally led to his request for laicization and leaving the priesthood.
Rauckhorst’s story goes on to detail in a sincere and open format, his subsequent 50 yr. marriage and building a family. He speaks lovingly of his wife Louise who became the main breadwinner in the family, his jobs, their moves, and the triumphs of raising their 2 adopted daughters. All amidst reconciling his own personal beliefs he weaves his thoughts and emotions into his daily life and his relationship with the Divine Presence of God. With regards to his wife’s problematic pregnancy, Rauckhorst showcases coming to realize accepting Catholic Doctrine in the abstract was much easier than accepting it in the “concrete of actual personal experience.”
Throughout the book readers learn that while Rauckhorst often questioned the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, the uncertainty did not cause him to lose faith. He eagerly points out that belief and faith are different in that beliefs can change, and we have the right to ask questions and should not feel guilty in doing so. Faith, however, pertains to our relationship with God, and this he would always have.
While Rauckhorst covers topics including progressive theology, mandatory celibacy for the priesthood, inclusivity, abortion, and birth control, he speaks with a quiet voice indicative of a sharing nature rather than one of preaching. He notes that the late Pope Francis made a heroic effort to make the Roman Catholic Church a more merciful and compassionate refuge, though there was still resistance from the hierarchy and Roman Curia. Perhaps with the installation of the new Pope Leo, such possibilities for change will be revisited.
Herein, this second edition of Rauckhorst’s writing includes loving words from Louise Rauckhorst detailing the couple’s retirement years, travels, and family events, as well as her husband’s compassion, kindness, and beliefs. Commentary about his health issues includes the final days of his earthly “Journey to Joy.”
Rauckhorst’s work is an enlightening, well-crafted memoir highlighting a man’s transformative life. The book should prove enjoyable reading for those drawn to gentle, thought-provoking words from an individual who found joy in both life and God, beyond the strict confines of organized religion. A story for seekers of all kinds, this book is both a testimony and a guide toward inner freedom.