Vincent James Ryan

Vincent James Ryan (July 1, 1884 – November 10, 1951) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church who served as bishop of the Diocese of Bismarck in North Dakota from 1940 until his death.

[1] Seeking a career as a missionary, he was accepted by North Dakota's Bishop John Shanley into the Diocese of Fargo.

[3] Following his arrival in North Dakota a month later, Ryan served, until 1936, as chancellor of the diocese and private secretary to Bishop James O'Reilly.

[2] He held a Bachelor of Sacred Theology from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.[1] On March 19, 1940, Ryan was appointed the second bishop of the Diocese of Bismarck by Pope Pius XII.

[3] During his 11-year tenure, Ryan constructed 69 church buildings for a total cost of over ten million dollars.