A priest forever

By LOUISE MERRIE SCHRECONGOST- | Comments: 0 | Leave a comment

One of the greatest blessings in my life has been my friendship with Rev. Edward Ryan. We met in 2012 at Teresian House nursing home in Albany, where he was a resident and I was a volunteer. Father Ryan became like a father to me.

All of our visits were special. We enjoyed praying the Rosary, the Divine Office and other prayers, singing hymns (he loved music), talking and reading from the Bible and Catholic books. Retired Pope Benedict XVI was one of his favorite writers.

Some days, we would pray in the chapel; he had great reverence for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and would look intently at the tabernacle, praying silently in contemplation. Whenever I prayed with Father Ryan, I felt close to God and it gave me great peace.

We went to Mass together sometimes. In April, I was a lector at a beautiful Mass concelebrated by Father Ryan and Rev. Peter Murray, SJ. I celebrated Father Ryan's 66th anniversary of ordination and his 92nd birthday with him; on both days, we went to Mass and out for breakfast with his beloved niece, Kathleen Whimple.

During his priesthood, Father Ryan accomplished many great things for God. He was a hospital chaplain, associate pastor of St. Mary's parish in Troy, pastor of St. Peter's parish in Delhi and chaplain for the SUNY school there and administrator of St. John the Baptist parish in Walton. In his 80s, he assisted at Sacred Heart parish in Troy. He told me his favorite ministries were celebrating Mass, hearing confessions and leading youth and young adult groups - especially coaching basketball and baseball.

Father Ryan continued to serve God as a priest at Teresian House. His faith and love for Jesus, devotion to Our Lady, dedication to prayer, kindness to others, humility and courtesy and his patience and courage in enduring health problems made me admire him.

Although he had wonderful memories from the past, he lived in the present, appreciating a sunset, a concert and a visit with a friend or relative. He was interested in philosophy and theology; he kept up with news of the Church by watching EWTN every day.

He had a good sense of humor, but was quiet and a good listener. He didn't talk much, but gave his friends his complete attention and was interested in everything they told him. He would answer questions about his experiences as a priest, but seldom spoke about himself.

Sometimes, I would ask what he'd like to talk about. He would reply, "Whatever you would like to talk about." He gave great advice: for example, he told me, "Always stay close to your friends." He did this himself: He would tell relatives and friends that he loved them and was praying for them. He was always available to visit with me, even if he was tired.

Father Ryan died June 12. In the last weeks of his life, as his health grew worse, he remained peaceful and joyful. I believe he is now with Jesus, Mary and all the saints, and is praying for us - a priest forever.

(Ms. Schrecongost is a parishioner of St. Mary's Church in Albany.)[[In-content Ad]]