Dcn. Ryan Asher
Theology IV
Our Lady of Good Counsel, Plymouth
Pontifical North American College, Rome, Italy
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE?
Baruch 4:22-23: “I have put my hope for your deliverance in the eternal one, and joy has come to me from the holy one because of the mercy that will swiftly reach you from your eternal savior. With mourning and lament I sent you away, but God will give you back to me with gladness and joy forever.”
FAVORITE QUOTE FROM JESUS?
“Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span?” (Matthew 6:26-27)
LITURGICAL TIME?
I like the simplicity and quiet of Advent, yet the joy, surprise, and upheaval caused by the risen Christ in Easter are uncontainable.
MOST BEAUTIFUL CHURCH?
In Detroit, I love St. Bonaventure Monastery at the Solanus Casey Center, a tremendously peaceful place.
FAVORITE OLD TESTAMENT FIGURE?
Whenever we look at the night sky we have an opportunity to contemplate God’s promise to Abraham.
FAVORITE SAINT?
Reading the Epistles of St. Paul after my first year in seminary has changed my life. Mother Teresa of Calcutta has been a mother to my vocation for a while as well.
FAVORITE MARIAN DEVOTION OR APPARITION (I.E. LOURDES, ROSARY, IMMACULATE CONCEPTION)?
Our Lady of Knock, Ireland
PERSON THAT HELPED YOU DISCOVER YOUR VOCATION?
Fr. Steve Mateja, Br. Jim Boynton, S.J., and close friends at my home parish and in college
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO FOR FUN?
Playing guitar and piano and listening to music. I’m becoming more of a book-worm too.
IF YOU COULD GO ANYWHERE, WHERE WOULD IT BE?
Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mexico City
FAVORITE FOOD?
Nothing like a lunch at a Detroit Coney Island
ARE YOU INSPIRED BY ANY AUTHOR, ACTOR, SINGER, OR ATHLETE?
N.T. Wright, a theologian (nerd alert) who has profound insight into the scriptures and his writing jumps off the page.
FAVORITE BAND OR SONG?
Too many, the Beatles, if I had to choose.
WERE YOU AN ALTAR SERVER?
Yes. I served the Easter Vigil alone in fifth grade. That was a learning experience.