Ronald Rohlheiser

Ronald Rolheiser is a Roman Catholic priest, theologian, and author widely respected for his thoughtful writings on spirituality, faith, and the human experience. Born in 1947 in Cactus Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada, he grew up on a farm in a devout Catholic family. He joined the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and was ordained as a priest in 1972.

Rolheiser earned graduate degrees in philosophy and theology, culminating in a Ph.D./STD from the University of Louvain in Belgium. His academic work is characterized by its accessibility, weaving together theology, psychology, and contemporary culture to explore how faith can be lived authentically in the modern world.

He is best known for his bestselling book The Holy Longing: The Search for a Christian Spirituality, which has become a classic in spiritual literature. In it, Rolheiser addresses the universal human desire for meaning and connection, offering a vision of Christian spirituality that embraces both the joys and challenges of daily life. His other works, including Sacred Fire: A Vision for a Deeper Human and Christian Maturity and Bruised and Wounded: Struggling to Understand Suicide, continue to guide readers through complex issues of faith, suffering, and transformation.

Rolheiser has served in leadership roles within the Oblates and as President of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas, where he continues to write, teach, and mentor future leaders. A gifted communicator, he also reaches a global audience through his syndicated column, offering reflections on spirituality and contemporary issues.

Through his ministry, teaching, and writing, Rolheiser invites individuals into a deeper relationship with God, emphasizing compassion, community, and the sacredness of everyday life. His work continues to inspire countless readers and seekers around the world.