John A. Ryan, 1898

Fr. John A. Ryan (1865-1945)

John A. Ryan was the fist of eleven children born to William and Maria (Luby) Ryan, Irish Catholics who had recently immigrated to Vermillion, Minnesota. Ryan spent his early years working on the family farm and taking part in the devout religious life established by his parents. After graduating from the Christian Brothers School in 1887, Ryan entered St. Thomas College in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was the valedictorian of his graduating class at St. Thomas College in 1892. He then entered St. Paul Seminary, graduated in 1898, and received his holy orders from Archbishop John Ireland the same year. Following his ordination, the young priest moved to the District of Columbia and began graduate studies at The Catholic University of America. He received his licentiate in theology in 1900 and a Doctorate in Sacred Theology from CUA in 1906. Returning to Minnesota, Ryan taught at St. Paul Seminary between 1902 and 1915. In 1915 he moved back to Washington to serve as a Professor of Political Science at The Catholic University of America; in 1916, he was made a Professor of Moral Theology as well. Ryan retired from teaching at CUA in 1939. He continued to teach occasionally at nearby Trinity College, which he had done since returning to the District of Columbia. Ryan was also the Director of the National Catholic Welfare Council's Social Action Department during its first 25 years, from 1920 until his death in 1945. In 1933 the Catholic Church made Ryan a domestic prelate (Monsignor). Monsignor John A. Ryan died on September 16, 1945. This item is part of the background to the 1919 Bishops' Program of Social Reconstruction section.

"Pictorial Review: First Half Century, Diocese of St. Paul," Vol. 1 (1901)

ca. 1898

Courtesy of the Office of Archives and Records, Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis