Soon to be Father John Ryan - A Character and a Man of Character

It’s hard to believe the first “year” of seminary life is drawing to a close! Life at the end of the year here has prevented me from posting these last few weeks. But, now, classes are finished and we have about a week left of seminary and outside activities. I’ll write about those next week.

Today as part of the closing ritual for the school year, the seminarians in third year offer testament to the seminarians preparing to be ordained this June. I was asked to offer a reflection about Deacon John Ryan. John is from Our Lady of Lourdes, has become a great friend and a true guide through this first year of seminary life. Here’s the text of my talk:

Many gathered here can tell colorful and lively stories of priestly “characters”. Our churches and parishes are filled with them. The stories we sometimes are even embarrassed to tell or can’t get through without laughing about men called to serve God as priests. I think many today would agree that John Ryan is well on the path to becoming one of the “characters”.

It is not since I started living here this past year that I realized what a true character he is. There have been times when he has said something and I said to myself, “Did he really just say that?” …the various imitations and comedy bits and testimonials he’s been part of (and I’ve only been here a year!)…knowing exactly what button to push (in a good way)…being able to reach out to many segments of our seminary community. Yet he offers me and, I think, all of us here a challenge – that we, too, might be characters.

You see, people who are characters are often some of the most authentic people we will ever meet. It is not that they don’t care what other people think. It is that they have come to know themselves so well they are not easily swayed or influenced by the words or ideas of another. For they have done the difficult work of self-reflection and discernment. Yes, John Ryan is surely a character, but I propose and I think you’d agree, he is a man of character. He is a man who knows who he is and who he is not.

I hope this is not a formation issue, but truth be told, John Ryan is part of the reason I finally came to the Seminary. I'll probably have to talk to Msgr. Swiader about this later. More than once, we would talk during one of his visits to Our Lady of Lourdes or even over this past summer about seminary life and priesthood. In my own anxiety and doubt, he would encourage often with a line like, “Hey, I’m making it there. If I can do it, trust me, you’re going to be fine” or in the midst of the first weeks here at the Seminary, the quick check ins to make sure I was OK or the invitations to go for a walk and sort through a new and life changing experience. I don’t think I would have been and know I cannot be that open and vulnerable with just anyone but I can with a person of authenticity- a character and a person of character like John Ryan.

As many of you may know, John and I have a lot in common - the beautiful red hair, the common hometown of West Islip, strong connections to the same parish. We also both have backgrounds in catering and restaurant work. John and I have often talked that some our best formational experiences, in addition to the seminary, have been our experiences in deli and restaurant work and catering. As you know, John, like most of us, left a lot to come here. He could be running a business or working in restaurant management. I’d even suggest he could be on the concert circuit singing “Bridge Over Troubled Water” with Paul Simon. But that’s another talk. The idea of serving or waiting on others involves emptying, humility, discouragement, joy and frustration. It builds character and comes from people of character. It helps one to realize it is not all about them – but rather bringing something great to others. Good servants, good waiters get out of the way so people can get to the meal, so they can come to the table. Priests of good character do the same with the Meal and the Table.

John Ryan is going to be a great priest because he is man of great character. His humility, gentleness and good humor – all qualities of a good waiter – will call those he serves not to focus on him or themselves. Rather, he will get out of the way and lead them to the Table – to discover the presence of God in their own lives. That’s the kind of priestly character I think we will be talking about for years and years to come when we talk about Father John Ryan.