In September of 1956, our class of seminarians from Our Lady Queen of the Angels Seminary in San Fernando began our final two years of college at St. John's Seminary in Camarillo. The studies program then consisted of two years of philosophy, followed by four years of theology.
Seating in the Seminary chapel was according to year; we, the youngest, were in back by the entrance. And the fourth-year theology men, about to be ordained deacons, were up in front nearest the altar.
The class of 1957 was an extraordinary group --- some of the brightest and most gifted seminarians I had ever met. A member of that class was Sylvester Ryan, one of the giants of that class and one of the men to whom we looked in admiration and as models for our own lives. They were men filled with the Spirit of Christ, eager to give of themselves for the good of God's People. Our refrain was, "We wish we could be like that group of fourth-year theologians!"
And they did not disappoint. Father Sylvester Ryan began his ministry as associate pastor, but it was not long before his great teaching and administrative gifts were recognized. He served as principal at two Archdiocesan High Schools with great pastoral rewards, and both schools continue to flourish today.
He eventually became pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Tujunga where he was greatly loved for his pastoral guidance, his great sense of humor, and his ability to bring all peoples together with the grace of the Holy Spirit.
It was my unhappy duty to ask him to resign as pastor where he had created so much good will, and to assume a most important position for the good of the Archdiocese: the next Rector and President of St. John's Seminary College. We needed not only an outstanding teacher and administrator, we needed a priest whose heart and soul exuded the qualities of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd. Msgr. Ryan responded with his customary spirit of selfless dedication and generosity, and assumed that important leadership role.
In 1990 Pope John Paul II appointed Msgr. Ryan to serve the church as a bishop, and he began his duties as Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles. His episcopal duties were many and varied, including heading up all of the Archdiocesan offices involving church ministries.
Just two years later, he was given the task of serving as the next Bishop of Monterey in California, beginning his service there in 1992.
He brought to the church and the people of the Monterey Diocese the same enthusiasm, spirit, energy, and commitment which characterized his entire life as a priest and bishop. For some 15 years Bishop Ryan guided the historic Church of Monterey forward. Not only did he help the church meet the demands of growing populations, but also the continuing diversity of Catholics living across the diocese.
It was a joy working closely with Bishop Ryan as a member Diocese of the Province of Los Angeles, thus affording all the bishops of the province his optimistic and hope-filled outlook on the life of the church.
Bishop Ryan was privileged to live at Carmel Mission Parish, close to the burial place of Blessed Junípero Serra, a pioneer California missionary admired and imitated by Bishop Ryan. For both, everything was and is possible with God's grace!
We all look forward to his continuing presence among us here in California as his freedom from administrative and financial concerns permit him to share his priestly gifts ever more fully once again. On Jan. 30, Bishop Richard J. Garcia, previously an auxiliary of Sacramento, was installed as the new bishop of Monterey. |