Chronicling Fr. Ryan’s path to sainthood
Deacon DeGaetano pens book on Servant of God; cause takes important step By Maggie Parsons The cause for sainthood of Servant of God Father Patrick Ryan, whose ministry in the 1800s centered on Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Chattanooga, is advancing as it takes its canonical journey to the next level. In May, the Vatican validated the diocesan inquiry, approving the process performed by the Diocese of Knoxville that serves as an initial, local investigation, led by the bishop, that gathered documents and testimonies about the life and virtues of Father Ryan. With the Vatican determining that the diocesan inquiry was done correctly, Father Ryan’s cause will now proceed to the Roman phase, which involves the historical and theological examinations. Then the final document will be presented to the Holy Father for approval. The next major goal will be to have Father Ryan named “venerable.” As Father Ryan receives... Read more →