Vincent James Ryan

Vincent James Ryan (July 1, 1884 – November 10, 1951) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church who served as bishop of the Diocese of Bismarck in North Dakota from 1940 until his death.

Biography

Early life The fourth of five children, Vincent Ryan was born on July 1, 1884, in Arlington, Wisconsin, to Thomas Ryan and Ann Welch Ryan. He was raised on the family farm, and attended high school in Lodi, Wisconsin, for two years. In 1902, Ryan entered St. Francis Seminary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. From 1906 to 1912, he studied at Saint Paul Seminary School of Divinity in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Following his arrival in North Dakota a month later, Ryan served, until 1936, as chancellor of the diocese and private secretary to Bishop James O'Reilly. During his 11-year tenure, Ryan constructed 69 church buildings for a total cost of over ten million dollars. Among these buildings was the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, which was dedicated in August 1945. Ryan founded the diocesan newspaper, Dakota Catholic Action, in 1941. He opposed the 1948 "anti-garb" law passed by the North Dakota Legislative Assembly, which prohibited nuns from wearing their religious habit while teaching in public schools in North Dakota.

Death and legacy Ryan died on November 10, 1951, at age 67 in Bismarck. His burial was at the city's St. Mary's Cemetery.