Alumni Spotlight: Fr. Ryan Rojo
Fr. Ryan Rojo is a priest of the Diocese of San Angelo, currently serving as diocesan Vocation Director and Director of Seminarians. Fr. Rojo is an alumnus, a 2011 graduate of Conception Seminary College and a member of the Alumni Board. He attended Mundelein Seminary in the Archdiocese of Chicago and was ordained a priest in 2015; he returned there to complete a Licentiate in Sacred Theology (STL) at the Liturgical Institute. He went on to earn a Master’s of Science in Church Management from Villanova University in Philadelphia. Fr. Rojo served as Parochial Vicar at Sacred Heart Cathedral in San Angelo for two years and as Parochial Vicar at St. Ann’s Parish in Midland for two years. He is a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre and recently served as one of 50 preachers for the National Eucharistic Revival, speaking at parish missions around the country.
—Br. Thomas Sullivan, OSB, Alumni Director
What books are on your nightstand?
The Bible and the Liturgy of the Hours, of course, since I am a priest! I’m rereading the New Testament letters. And the Imitation of Christ. Back in high school, when I first became interested in the faith, a priest recommended it as a “primer” for spirituality. I turn to it in those moments when I need spiritual encouragement.
What books might people be surprised to find on your shelves?
Multiple editions of the Harry Potter series. Aside from the stories, which have defined millennials and others my age, I appreciate its creative approaches to their illustrations and cover art.
What’s the best book you’ve ever received as a gift?
For the last three years, we have received copies of The Word of the Lord by Scott Hahn, which have proven valuable for homily preparation. The most inspiring and beneficial book I recently received is Kevin Well’s Priest and Beggar: The Heroic Life of Aloysius Schwartz, a holy priest who lived priesthood well. We gave this title and his The Priests We Need to Save the Church to our seminarians.
What subjects do you wish more authors would write about?
First, grief and death. Then, the “horizons” of priestly life and ministry such as Ronald Knox’s The Priestly Life. In these conferences—delivered at a priests’ retreat—he meditated on the theme of acedia, the temptation to think that life is “greener on the other side.” I found his practical suggestions to remedy this spiritual condition in the life of a priest instrumental in helping me get through a rough patch in priestly work.
You’re organizing a literary dinner party; which three guests would you invite?
First, C. S. Lewis. His A Grief Observed was instrumental in my healing and understanding of death when my brother died. His Mere Christianity was also instrumental in my own understanding of faith against the rising tide of secularism. Secondly, John Henry Newman: his An Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine saved my faith in Catholicism. And, finally, Ronald Knox, as I’m now reading more of his books.
