Father Ryan reentombed at Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul July 31

The next steps on the path to potential sainthood for former Chattanooga Catholic priest Father Patrick Ryan will include the transposition of his remains in a 5.3 mile motorcade and foot procession from Mount Olivet Cemetery to the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, and will culminate with his entombment and a memorial Mass to be celebrated by Bishop Richard F. Stika at the basilica on Saturday, July 31.

The Cause for Sainthood of Father Ryan was initiated by Bishop Stika in 2016. Father Ryan was a priest who served in Chattanooga and died in 1878 caring for victims of the city’s yellow fever epidemic. He is currently considered a Servant of God by the Catholic Church, the first of four stages in the cause for sainthood.

“One of the necessary events that take place during the official inquiry into Father Ryan’s cause for sainthood is the exhumation and authentication of his remains,” said Father David Carter, basilica pastor and rector, and the episcopal delegate for the cause. “Because this has to take place, it was also determined that Father Ryan should be respectfully returned to a final resting place in a new tomb which has been specially constructed for him at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul.”

Father Ryan was buried in a cemetery near the basilica following his death on Sept. 28, 1878. His remains were moved to the new Mount Olivet Cemetery in 1886.

“Chattanooga historical records show that Father Ryan was given a hero’s procession when he was moved to Mount Olivet,” said Deacon Gaspar DeGaetano, diocesan postulator for the cause. “We hope to replicate that honor when we bring Father Ryan home to the basilica on July 31.”

The exhumation of Father Ryan was approved by Hamilton County officials in early 2019. The private process was done this week under the watchful eyes of Bishop Stika, other Catholic religious officials, an archaeologist, and a medical examiner.

A hearse carrying the remains of Father Ryan from Mount Olivet Cemetery to the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul will begin its procession at 10 a.m. The route will include Donaldson Rd., Gleason Dr., Dunlap Ave., S. Seminole Dr., E. Main Street, Market Street, and E. 8th Street.

Father Ryan’s casket will then be processed on foot from the All Saints Academy parking lot on E. 8th Street and into the basilica. The memorial Mass will begin at 11 a.m. Click here for more about the motorcade procession and Mass.