Pilgrim Journeys

Ralph Leo Kleiter priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon Canada shares the unique story of one who experienced the time before the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) and the following years that energized him. With the help of his daily journal files and memory he writes candidly and highlights his steppingstones and turning points.<br /><br />In twelve chapters with meticulous details his narrative outlines his rural Saskatchewan formation and religious institutional education; the background and interesting events in all the parishes he served; and his global experiences and outreach through a Ministry to Tourism he established. In several sections the reader will be able to really feel the author's presence within the narrative.<br /><br />The most compelling and intriguing aspects of the author's story are: <br /><br />-The behind-the-scenes accounts within church ministry from the pre-Vatican II schooling to his faith-related struggles within the structures of the church. Some readers can attain a deeper appreciation of their role in the church and the author hopes that his story might serve as a teaching vehicle for clergy and laity.<br /><br />-His approaches in parish and health-care ministries as well as his visionary personal charism in developing a Spirituality in Travel and a Ministry to Tourism. Most evident is his belief that the sacred is all around making our leisure time matter in a spiritual way. The reader will be especially impressed in a final chapter presenting the richness of his travels and how life-changing they were because of his organization and determination.<br /><br />Fr. Kleiter has written a voluminous Memoir enhanced with over one-hundred and twenty colour photographs in a pleasing volume of classic design. The work is a worthwhile read because it describes a priest with a mission during the challenging years of reading the signs of the times. By understanding the past we can move into the future.