Ryan

Stories of St. Edward

Father Michael G. Ryan, of St. James Cathedral in Seattle, is a former student at Saint Edward Seminary and part of the Archdiocese’s strategic team that negotiated the preservation of the land and building as a state park. He is now our Honorary Historian at The Lodge at St. Edward.

Father Ryan was born in Seattle and attended St. Anne's grade school. He graduated from high school at Saint Edward Seminary and received a Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy from neighboring St. Thomas Seminary. Between 1966 and 1977 Father Ryan served in pastoral roles at St. Patrick's Parish in Tacoma and St. Francis Parish in the San Juan Islands. Later he was appointed Director of Vocations for the Archdiocese of Seattle and a member of the theology faculty at St. Thomas Seminary. He also served as the founding director of the Archdiocese's program for the training of Permanent Deacons.  In 1977 Archbishop Raymond G. Hunthausen appointed him as Chancellor for the Archdiocese of Seattle. He served in that capacity until 1988 when the same Archbishop appointed him Pastor of St. James Cathedral where he continues to serve. 

We sat down with Father Ryan to hear stories about his time as a student here, and to learn more about the iconic bell tower. We'd like to thank Father Ryan for his foresight over 40-years ago in being a driving force behind the preservation of this historic building, and for continuing to share his memories with us today. 

The Story Behind The Bell from Daniels Real Estate on Vimeo.