I come today with a few of the treasure trove of stories about Ed Ryle (all true) particularly about the time and spaces, when and where he ministered; things that had an impact on him and vice versa. However, these are but "tidbits" within a much richer overall story to which each of you have and can contribute. I supply some to the "ancient and distant" events. You are the folks with the more current and local happenings.

It is appropriate we do so within the context of Mass which itself is a story telling event during which we remember, recount and react to and with significant events in the history of God interacting with his/her people. We are refreshed and renewed each time we come as a community to celebrate the Eucharist and each time we add to the story of Salvation history. Ed took particular joy in convening folks around the table of the Lord.

I count myself as a shanachie since I come for brief visit to tell you stories about the life and times of our friend Ed that we might know him a little better and continue his efforts toward a more faith filled, just and caring society. Of course everyone here has Ryle stories so this is but a beginning of an evening of Ryle storytelling.

Our History

My contribution begins in early September of 1961 when Ed and I joined one with some forty other classmates at the National Catholic School of Social Service, a school of Catholic University of America, Washington, DC. The group included ten of us priests, one as bewildered as another, as we began a new, two year journey as students. We were previously largely unknown to one another; from Florida, Arizona, California, Indiana, Ohio, Minnesota, Louisiana, Indiana, New York and even Spain. However in short order a shared clerical culture manifested itself resulting in camaraderie and friendship that in some instances would last a lifetime . . . such was the case of Ed and me.

Social work education involves both classroom and "fieldwork" experiences. Ed distinguished himself in both areas. Along with two nuns and a wonderful Jewish woman we trundled off two days a week (in my car) to St. Elizabeth's mental hospital forming our own small community within a community. St E's as it was popularly known, is a federal institution dating back to Civil War days. It "housed" 8000 patients (before psychotropic drugs). It wasn't long before Ed was doing therapy with the staff as well as with our supposed clients.

It didn't take long, despite or perhaps because of, his smiling, humble demeanor for us all, lay and religious, Catholics and non-Catholics alike, to recognize what a special friend and colleague was in our midst. He was experienced, learned and wise. Among other things we were amazed at the breadth of his reading and amazingly how he not only remembered what he read but where he read it!

We had an obligatory class in ethics whatever our background or our specialty. However the professor who was a lovely, gentle priest was neither in content or style up the task. Ed in his kind but insistent and direct way became ever more frequent in offering suggestions, clarifications and even corrections. It was not long before father professor, humble as he was suggested, that Ed lead virtually every class discussion . . . to the relief of all. But that is not the end of the story. When marks were posted, Ed received a "B" while several of us who learned at his feet got "A"s. After all these years I cannot recall witnessing Ed being so frustrated.

Those were heady days. For most of priests it was the first time we were in class with lay people including women most of whom could more than hold their own. Our peers in the classroom were hardly deferential to any of us. It good learning experience that would serve us well in the future as we would be asked to exercise leadership in a changing Church where are pronouncements hardly would be received.
unconditionally or unchallenged.
The academic world was but one of the formative experiences for us. Edward R Murrow's "America's Harvest of Shame"(CBS Reports 1960) and Michael Harrington's "The Other America" (1962) moved us but more importantly our young president, John F Kennedy, who challenged us all, "ask not our country can do for us but what can we do for our country."

We found ourselves in political vortex involving both national and international affairs. Robert Kennedy invited us to a discussion in his office, Reading the Washington Post was an education in and off itself

It was the time of the cold war in which with the Cuban missile crisis was played out close at hand. I recall us driving by the White House on a beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon with the helicopters taking off from the lawn for Camp David after it was announced the missile carrying Russian warships had reversed course and were heading for home; this after weeks of rumors, particularly rampant and frightening, in the Washington area.

The first White House Conference on Aging was held in 1961. Our nation for the first time formally recognized that demographic and epidemiological changes were afoot that would change the life of every person and every structure of society, at home and abroad. It laid the ground work for the passage of Medicare, Medicaid and the Older American's Act (1965). Little did Ed or I know how these things would influence or future ministries.

These were the days of the civil rights movement and would be only two months after our graduation that Martin Luther King delivered his moving, ever memorable "I Have A Dream" speech at the Lincoln Memorial (I was there on the steps of the memorial with 200,000 persons participating in the March on Washington.)

Vatican Council II October 22, 1962-December 8, 1965

Catholic University was a significant place for religious, men and women, to pursue advanced degrees in virtually every field. As might be expected it became alive with "tales from the Council" and speculation about what might result from it. We were afforded the opportunity to interact with many of the "periti" (advisors to the Council Fathers (no mothers)) though much of the buzz included not only men and women religious but lay persons as well. It was the opportunity to "process" a great deal of information about the Church, both current and past, that would influence us for a lifetime.

Catholic Charities USA, The National Conference of Catholic Charities

One of the "formative" experiences for both Ed and me but particularly for Ed was the introduction to and engagement with what was then known as the National Conference of Catholic Charities (and now Catholic Charities USA). Virtually every diocese has catholic charitable activities. While exhibiting some common characteristics, each has its own particular structure and program activities. On a strictly voluntary basis most have joined in a national organization serving several functions among them advocacy in Washington on both issues of national importance and those indigenous the charities movement. The agency is supported by the dues of its local affiliates and operates with a small but competent and dedicated staff. As such it is also dependent on local leaders to assist in its national activities. Ed almost immediately became an "adopted" staff member and remained so throughout his life.

I have revealed that Ed had a mistress, each year's proposed federal budget. As soon as it would be released he would pour over it especially each article that might have an impact on vulnerable people. The National Conference would look forward to his insights and share them throughout the field. Ed would then engage with colleagues in the development and execution of federal policy positions for the Conference as a whole. He was a critical actor in the Conference establishing a Code of Ethics. Though he may have wandered far from Washington physically never did so emotionally or intellectually.

We were able to help one another over the years with our activities as Catholic Charity directors. I recall numerous phone calls and several visits assisting in his efforts in developing Catholic Charities of Arizona and the Foundation for Senior Living. He was particularly helpful in Fordham's Third Age Center rather extensive activities on behalf of older religious and diocesan priests. He also was active with the Milbank Memorial Fund's efforts in the field of public policy.

After the Funeral

Ed touched the lives of all here present and those of countless others. In closing I make reference to one special friend the then Governor Janet Napolitano.

After the Communion at Ed's funeral Mass celebrated at Tucson, The governor spoke movingly of her friend and neighbor who not infrequently would leave memos and articles under her door instructing her to read them. She then added "you know Ed and I would go to the movies or theater together occasionally. He introduced me to Igmar Bergman and I introduced him to Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Later that evening at a reception at Joe Anderson/Mary Dewane's home in Phoenix the then Governor and I had a long visit about our friend Ed. As she stood to leave she asked ‘would you please give me a hug; I miss Ed so . . . .a widely shared sentiment to this day.

The Stories End … to be Continued

As I conclude these few stories in the hope the contribute to our personal and community living presence of Ed may I suggest these single words and phrases as "triggers" for conversations and memories

• Person
  
• Family member
  
• Christian
  
• Priest
  
• Teacher
  
• Ecumenist
  
• Social actionist
  
• Policy analyst and developer
  
• Scholar
  
• Educational leader
  
• Pilot
  
• Leader in national affairs
  
• Would be golfer and tennis player

Personal qualities

• Humble
  
• Friendly
  
• Persistent
  
• Smart
  
• Pastoral
  
• Sensitive to the needs of others

Legacy

• Social structures and policies supporting the most vulnerable at the state and national levels

• Agencies and Institutions for those in need, especially in Arizona

• A host of friends, coworkers who have not only admired him but loved him

• Many individuals whose pain; intellectual, emotional, physical, economic and spiritual have been and continue to be assuaged

And so I conclude, at least for moment, until we have the opportunity to raise a glass "to our worthy selves".

I have appended the editorial that appeared in the Arizona Republic Dec 30, 2005 and a wonderful tribute from Guy Mikkelsen, President and CEO of Foundation for Senior Living
God's lobbyist

Our state is better because of Monsignor Ryle and sadder for his passing
Dec. 30, 2005 12:00 AM

Over the past month, Arizona has added thousands of new residents. Holiday spending surely reinforced our already-strong economy. Our colleges produced eager new graduates.

Nevertheless, Arizona today is smaller, poorer, weaker, sadder and less wise. We have lost Monsignor Ed Ryle, the longtime director of the Arizona Catholic Conference, who died Wednesday night after a brief illness.

Ryle was described, correctly, as "God's lobbyist." Or "Arizona's political conscience." He walked easily among the state's most powerful people, called many of them his friends.

But he championed - tirelessly, persistently and in a principled, civil way - Arizona's rejected: the homeless, the voiceless, the poor, disabled, even murderers on death row.

To those of us who knew him, those of us who loved him, the passing of Ryle is an incalculable loss of civility and intelligence in a society that desperately needs much more of both.

His politics were rooted in principle and morality. His personality in kindness and good humor. During a single legislative session, he would oppose practically everybody on one issue or the other.

Pro-choice liberals, public school advocates and anti-government conservatives would find him on the wrong side of their signature causes: He worked to provide vouchers for private schools, end the death penalty, and increase welfare spending in a state where the political establishment felt otherwise. He was revered not for his ideas, but for his kindness.

"Being important is nice," one associate said of him. But Ryle taught us that "kindness is more important."

Ryle was a scholar. He would compile, and share, mountains of research on poverty, religious studies, political philosophy and the American scene. He was one of the early promoters of Bob Putnam's book Bowling Alone, tracing the decline of volunteerism and civic associations in America of the late 20th century.

Ryle was a fierce competitor on the tennis court, an affable dinner companion, a man who loved reporters but was occasionally critical of our coverage and policies, including the time the newspaper dropped Prince Valiant from the comic pages.

Ryle was the cheery, gentle face of the Catholic Church, an ecumenical man of Vatican II, a caring priest who asked about your family and distributed ashes on Ash Wednesday. A handful of Valley residents - Jews, Protestants and Catholics - still mention his homily on an interfaith mission to Israel, when he spoke of the Sermon on the Mount and its meaning in modern times.

And that's how he lived his life, comforting the afflicted and feeding the hungry. And enriching the lives of everyone he met.

Ryle doesn't need our prayers. If he isn't already in heaven, there's not much chance for the rest of us. He would prefer for us to pray for ourselves and our country. And live by the example he set.

Monsignor Ryle's legacy in death would be what he strived for in life: a better Arizona.

Monsignor Edward J. Ryle

Good Afternoon,

We gather today to pause for an hour to honor the life of Ed. As we look around the room, we represent many different walks of life, unique backgrounds and so many of life's stories that it would be hard to catalog them with modern technology, and yet, as Ed walked through these halls, and in the community, he knew each and every one of us. He knew your families story, spoke with joy of your accomplishments, often focusing on your children or grandchildren, and was also there when something wasn't going so well.

Our stories of Ed would sound familiar to all of us, He knew you as a person, your interest, when you were with him he focused on you and you alone. He moved about saying hello to everyone, seemingly having an infinite amount of time, seldom rushed, but always somewhere to go. He could stand here today, and look up at all of you, call you by name and speak to something only you and he knew of. Ed gathered people together, all people, despite societies labels, and stereotypes, Ed saw goodness in everyone, and encouraged all of us to be kinder with one another.

He would drop suggestions with you, provide commentary and observation, sowing the seeds of new and different ways of viewing issues and creating opportunities to improve the lives of everyone. He was so subtle, gentle, that you began to think that this new view was the product of your own thinking. Recently I had an opportunity to speak to issues impacting seniors at our national Catholic Charities Convention held here in Phoenix in September. I spoke not of specific programs, but the overall impact of the federal deficit and debt on future funding for programs like Medicare and Medicaid. Ed put his arm around me, said what a great paper, and then gently stated, next time add tax policy to the document.

His social titles included:

• Priest for 49 years
  
• Holder of several advanced academic degrees
  
• Professor and College Dean
  
• Author
  
• CEO of Catholic Social Services
  
• Lobbyist

Ed believed in and was consistently guided by the teachings of the Catholic Church, but most often spoke of Catholic Social Teaching. In short:

• The Dignity of the Human person, all life is sacred
  
• Common Good
  
• Preferential Option for the Poor and most Vulnerable, including physical, social, moral and financially vulnerable.
  
• Rights and Responsibilities of the community to its members, and its members to the community
  
• Role of Government as an instrument to promote human dignity and build the common good
  
• Economic Justice
  
• Stewardship of the earth
  
• Promotion of Peace
  
• Participation of all in the life of the community
  
• Global Solidarity

As you think of any conversation with ED, these themes and bases for his views were clear and consistent.

Sometimes we refer to really gifted people as encyclopedias, but an encyclopedia is a collection of facts. This man, with his sweet unassuming gentle face, this lovable and humble appearing cherub of truth, charity, justice, and peace was a true intellect. In a single conversation he felt at ease referring to Socrates, Plato, Nietzsche, Greenspan, or Church encyclicals, letters, the scripture, and integrated the highest thinking over the centuries in a coherent, rationale, and positive way, providing historical tidbits, and word origins from Greek, and Latin.

His memory was keen and he could become the professor within a moment. You knew when the hands went up and his head went back, it was time to listen. These were great learning moments for those of us he engaged.

We all broke bread with Ed and how many times during those meals, just as you thought you were staying up with him in conversation, you suddenly realized that he was being kind and waiting for you to catch up. You were glad he was on your team as you listened to his in-depth knowledge on your areas of expertise, and he connected your issues in logical and practical ways with so many others you hadn't begun to imagine. He listened to every word, read your body language like a golfer sizing up a putt, and knew everyone in the room no matter where you were. He was a brilliant writer, and yet, no one could read his hand writing. And finally, how many times did any of us have the courage to say no to him.

Ed was my friend, my priest, my mentor for twenty years, we spoke almost daily, had our own traditions where he patiently tried to educate me. Twenty years ago, when my youngest son Timothy, who is experiencing Down's Syndrome, was born Kathy and I were in the ICU with him. Ed was the first one there, when my mother passed, Ed was there, when our kids were married, Ed was there, when Tim was baptized, Ed poured the water and said the prayers. Tim prayed for Ed at the hospital and told him how Jesus loved him and how happy he would be in heaven and how he looked forward to being with him again. And I know your stories of Ed's presence in your life are similar.

I never heard him speak ill of any person, sometimes he did wonder how we came to some of the conclusions and decisions we made, and "What are they thinking" he would say with that crackling voice and knowing innocent smile.

From a State Capital perspective let us reflect about the reality of the so called "9th floor."
Governors come and go, 9th floor chiefs, advisors, and cabinet officers, come and go, but since Bruce Babbitt, Ed Ryle has been on the 9th Floor welcoming each administration in his own unique way. He was in fact the only permanent staff on the 9th floor for portions of the last four decades. Governor, you face uncharted waters ahead.

In closing, my heart is heavy but my soul rejoices for this dear man who gathered us all to table, who loved each of us, and wanted us to be all that God intended for us. As Ed would often say "Pray Harder."

Guy Mikkelsen