Monsignor John Augustine Ryan (1869-1945): Economist,
Theologian, Writer, Social Reformer By: Michael Barga
Introduction: Msgr. Ryan wrote a number of influential works
including his Ph.D. dissertation “A Living Wage: Its Ethical and
Economic Aspects.” In 1909 he published “A Programme of Social
Reform by Legislation.” Other works included: “Distributive
Justice” in 1916; “Bishops’ 1919 Plan for Social
Reconstruction;” and “A Better Economic Order” in 1935. In the
1920’s, Msgr. Ryan worked to have the 1919 bishops’ plan enacted
throughout the country in addition to teaching at Catholic
University. His theological writings utilized natural law by
highlighting man’s rational nature, and Ryan considered his
thoughts an application of Pope Leo XIII’s encyclical Rerum
Novarum. In 1933, Pope Pius XI named Ryan a domestic prelate,
and he re-appeared in the public eye by giving the speech
Roosevelt Safeguards America in 1936. Ryan directed the Social
Action Department of the National Catholic Welfare Conference
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