Dermot Ryan
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dermot J. Ryan (June 26, 1924 - Feb 21, 1985) was the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Dublin from 1972 until 1984. He was ordained a priest on May 28, 1950 and consecrated Bishop on Feb 13, 1972.
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| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Senior posting | |
| See | Dublin |
| Title | Archbishop of Dublin |
| Period in office | 1972 — 1984 |
| Predecessor | John Charles McQuaid |
| Successor | Kevin McNamara |
| Religious career | |
| Priestly ordination | 28 May 1950 |
| Previous bishoprics | None |
| Previous post | Bishop |
| Personal | |
| Date of birth | 26 June 1924 |
| Place of birth | Dublin |
Dr Dermot Ryan was Professor of Oriental Languages at University College Dublin before his appointment by Pope Paul VI as Archbishop of Dublin in late 1971. He was ordained by his predecessor in the See of Dublin, Dr John Charles McQuaid, in February 1972. At the time of his appointment he was seen as a liberal and a reformer in the Church.
During his term he consolidated much of the expansion of the Archdiocese which had taken place during the term of his predecessor. He also oversaw the fuller implementation of the reforms of Vatican II. He was particularly interested in Liturgical reform and encouraged more and more Catholics in Dublin to receive Communion at Mass each day or week. A very approachable personality, he brought the Office of Archbishop to the people and encouraged Lay involvement in parish and diocesan life.
Archbishop Ryan also took a strong stand on social issues, including poverty, family life and pro-life questions. On the Pro Life issue he strongly promoted an Amendment to the Irish Constitution in 1983 giving rights to the life of the unborn.
He was the Archbishop who gave the people of Dublin a public park on a site earmaked by his predecessors for the proposed catherdal and it was named Archbishop Ryan Park, in his honour. The land, at Merrion Square, was a gift from the Archbishop to the city of Dublin. He also served as Pro-Prefect of Congregation for the Evangelisation of the Peoples from 8 April 1984 until his death, in Rome following a heart attack at the age of 60.
| Preceded by John Charles McQuaid |
Archbishop of Dublin 29 December 1971-1 September 1984 |
Succeeded by Kevin McNamara |
