Father Ryan at Roosevelt's Inauguration
Photo Courtesy of ACUA

Click photo for Ryan-FDR letters

President Roosevelt's gratitude towards Father Ryan for his continuing support was manifested in this letter in which Roosevelt invites Ryan to give the benediction at his second inauguration. Ryan accepted this high honor, hoping that God would bless the efforts of the president and his administration as he sought to make social and economic reforms.

Questions:

As you read the document, reflect on the following questions:

• Why do you think Roosevelt asked Ryan to deliver the benediction at the close of his inauguration ceremonies in 1937?
• What kind of message would the selection of Ryan as the individual that would give the benediction send to the rest of the country? How might Coughlin's followers have viewed Roosevelt's choice of Ryan?