Autobiographical Note in Father Abram J. Ryan's Poetry

Abstract

For eleven years, it was my privilege to teach in Mobile, Alabama, at the Bishop Toolen High School which is situated opposite historic old St. Mary’s, better known as Father Ryan's Church.

One evening as I was walking in the beautiful convent garden considering a possible subjeot for a thesis, these lines of the poet-priest, Father Ryan, flashed across my mind:

"List! Sanctus! Sanctus! without pause Sounds sweetly out of all creation's heart That hearts with power to love may echo back Their Sanctus! Sanctus! Sanotus! to the hymn."

It was then that the thought occurred to me that the religious inspiration of Father Ryan's poetry would make a splendid thesis subject. I reflected on the esteem in which he is held by the people of Mobile, and at the same time realized that his life was clothed in obscurity. I thought it would be a simple and delightful adventure to collect data from some of his old friends.