Rev Dr Thomas Ryan

SM, BA, MA (Hons), STL, PhD.
Adjunct Associate Professor

Email: Thomas.Ryan@nd.edu.au
Phone: 9433 0138

  • Biography

    Rev. Dr Thomas Ryan SM, a Marist priest, was awarded the first PhD at Notre Dame in 2000 for the thesis ‘Comparison and Evaluation of the Moral Significance of Emotions in Aquinas, the Manualists and Catholic Moral Theology 1960-1990.’ He has published in journals such as Theological Studies, Irish Theological Quarterly, Australasian Catholic Record, Australian Ejournal of Theology, Compass and Pastoral Liturgy.

  • Teaching Areas

    His scholarly interests include Christian ethics; virtue ethics of Aquinas; affectivity and the Christian life; the relationship between morality, spirituality and psychology; Thérèse of Lisieux and Evelyn Underhill. He is also an Honorary Fellow of the Australian Catholic University.

  • Research Expertise and Supervision

    2003-4: Supervision of Graham Hill Cybergnosticism? A Study of Contemporary Christian Faith Communities in Cyberspace for the degree of Master of Theology [by thesis] in the College of Theology, University of Notre Dame Australia. Degree awarded

    2002-4: Supervision of Judith Woodward Catholic Church Teaching on migrants and refugees and its application in policy and practice in the Archdiocese of Perth for the degree of Master of Theology [by coursework and dissertation]. This research project was upgraded to one in the Doctor of Pastoral Theology programme in the College of Theology, University of Notre Dame Australia.

    2004-7: Joint supervision with Dr. Gerard Hall SM of Ph.D. by Emma Pierce A Practical Theology of Mental Health” a critical conversation between spirituality, psychology, pastoral care and the voice of the witness in the School of Theology, McAuley Campus, Australian Catholic University. Degree awarded 2008.

    2007 >: Joint Supervision with Professor Anthony Kelly, C.Ss.R. of Ph.D dissertation Marie Crowley Beyond the Fringe of Speech: The Spirituality of Evelyn Underhill and Art at ACU. Degree awarded 2009.

    2010 >: Principal Supervisor of MA [Theological Studies [ research project] of Jane Borg, The Role of the Virtues in Christian Discipleship in James Keenan SJ and William Spohn: A Comparative Investigation, University of Notre Dame Australia. Degree awarded 2012.

    2009 >: Principal Supervisor of Ph.D thesis of Judith Petra Schneider Filial Relationship, Mercy and Limitation in Thérèse of Lisieux: Towards a Thérèsian Theological Anthropology and its Implications, University of Notre Dame Australia. Degree awarded July 2013.

    2008 >: Join Supervision with Professor Anthony Kelly, C.Ss.R and Associate Professor Denis O’Hara [Psychology] of Ph.D dissertation of Ann Crawford at ACU: An Interdisciplinary Investigation into Church-Based Counselling Ministry: Implications for Practical Theology. Degree awarded Feb. 2015. .

    2012-2015: Joint Supervision with Professor Anthony Kelly, C.Ss.R. of Ph.D dissertation Anthony Mellor, New Evangelization, Dialogue and Australian Theologians, Australian Catholic University. Degree awarded 2016.

  • Books

    Thomas Ryan, Shame, Hope and the Church: A Journey with Mary (Strathfield, NSW: St Pauls Publications, 2020).

  • Book Chapters

    ‘Transforming Shame: Strategies in Spirituality and Prayer’ in C-H. Mayer & E. Vanderheiden (Eds.), The Bright Side of Shame: Transforming and Growing Through Practical Applications in Cultural Contexts (Springer International Publishing, 2019), 187-198.

    ‘Aquinas and Theology as Conversation’ in Michael Whelan SM [Ed.] Issues for Church and Society in Australia: The Aquinas Academy Jubilee Lectures (Strathfield NSW: St Pauls, 2006).

    23. ‘Aquinas on Shame: A Contemporary Interchange’ in T. Brian Mooney & Mark Nowacki [Eds], Aquinas, Education and the East (Springer: Heidelberg/New York/London: 2013), 73-100.

    ‘The Positive Function of Shame: Moral and Spiritual Perspectives’ in E. Vanderheiden, C-H. Mayer (Eds.), The Value of Shame: Exploring a Health Resource in Cultural Contexts (Springer International Publishing, 2017), 87-105.

    Thomas Ryan, '‘Institutional Moral Failure: Emotional Intelligence and Practical Reason Serving Justice' in E. Vanderheiden, C.-H. Mayer (eds.), Mistakes, Errors and Failures across Cultures (Springer Nature Switzerland, 2020).

  • Journal Articles and Proceedings

    Refereed Journal Articles

    • ‘Wisdom as Loving Knowledge in Dag Hammarskjöld’s Markings’, Spiritus: A Journal of Christian Spirituality, 17:2 (Fall), 2017, pp. 228-245.
    • Daniel J. Fleming and Thomas Ryan, ‘Witness, Pedagogy of Grace and Moral Development’, The Australasian Catholic Record 95:3 (July) 2018, 259-272.
    • 'Ecology' in Judith A. Dwyer [Ed.]. The New Dictionary of Catholic Social Thought [Collegeville MN, The Liturgical Press, 1994], 305-9.
    • 'Positive and Negative Emotions in Aquinas: Retrieving a Distorted Tradition': The Australasian Catholic Record 78:2, April, 2001.
    • 'Aquinas' Integrated View of Emotions, Morality and the Person': Pacifica 14:1, February 2001.
    • '"Speaking For Myself Personally"…Awareness of Self, Of God, Of Others': The Australasian Catholic Record 79:3, July, 2002.
    • 'In God's Image: Towards a Theology of our Emotions,' Compass; Review of Topical Theolgy 37:7, 2003.
    • 'Faith and Culture in Conversation: One Theologian at Work,' The Australian EJournal of Theology, Issue 3, August 2004.
    • 'Psychic Conversion and St. Thérèse of Lisieux': The Australasian Catholic Record 82: 1, 2005.
    • 'Revisiting Affective Knowing and Connaturality in Aquinas,' Theological Studies 66:1, March 2005.
    • 'Evelyn Underhill on Spiritual Transformation: A Trinitarian Structure?', The Australian EJournal of Tbeology, Issue 8 March 2007.
    • 'Holy Spirit, Hidden God: Moral Life and the Non-Believer', The Australasian Catholic Record, 84.4, October 2007.
    • 'A Spirituality For Moral Responsibility: Evelyn Underhill Today', The Australasian Catholic Record 85.2, April 2008.
    • 'Healthy Shame? An Interchange between Elspeth Probyn and Thomas Aquinas,' Australian Ejournal of Theology, Issue 12, July 2008.
    • Co-author with 'Genevieve' and Peter Maher, 'Healing Abortion's Trauma and Rachel's Vineyard Retreat: From Three Participants', The Australasian Catholic Record 85.2, April 2009.
    • 'Aquinas on Compassion: Has He Anything To Offer Today?' Irish Theological Quarterly 75:2, May 2010.
    • Review article 'Faith and Culture in Conversation: Another Theologian at Work': Review of Neil Ormerod, Creation, Grace and Redemption, (NY: Maryknoll: Orbis Books, 2007) and Neil J. Ormerod & Shane Clifton, Globalisation and the Mission of the Church (London and New York: T & T Clark, 2009), The Australian Ejournal of Theology, 16, August 2010.
    • 'By Way of Moral Beauty,' Compass: A Review of Topical Theology 45:1 Autumn, 2011.
    • 'Conscience as Primordial Moral Awareness in Gaudium et Spes and Veritatis Splendor', Australian Ejournal of Theology 18.1, 2011.
    • 'Christian Ethics: Moral Dilemmas or Something More' Compass: A Review of Topical Theology 46:1, 2012.
    • 'Reflections on the Two Eucharistic Prayers of Reconciliation and Moral Conversion', Pastoral Liturgy, Vol 42, March 2012.
    • 'Moral Conversion, Liturgy and The Preface to Eucharistic Prayer for Reconciliation II,' Australian Journal of Liturgy, 13:1, 2012.
    • 'Covenantal Ethics, the Church and the Royal Commission on Sexual Abuse', Compass: A Review of Topical Theology 47:1 (Autumn), 2013, 4-13.
    • 'Liturgy, Ethics and Reconciliation: Learning from Abraham Lincoln's Rhetorical Art', The Australasian Catholic Record 90:3, July 2013, 311-328.
    • 'Does Liturgy Always Mean Being On A "High?"', Liturgy News (43:4), December 2013, 6-7.
    • 'Christian Ethics Today: Is the Ground Shifting?' Compass: A Review of Topical Theology 48:1, Autumn 2014. 14-19.
    • 'Abortion Before Marriage, Marriage Tribunal Jurisprudence and Moral Theology', The Australasian Catholic Record 91:1, 2014, 58-72.
    • 'Second Person Perspective, Virtues and the Gifts in Aquinas's Ethics', Australian eJournal of Theology 21.1: (April 2014).
    • Commentaries for Holy Week in Pastoral Liturgy 44.2, March – June 2014, 20-29.
    • Commentaries for Sundays 28-30 & All Souls to Christ the King, in Pastoral Liturgy 44.3, June-November 2014, 65-69, 74-81.
    • Reflection 'If I were God for a Day, What Would I Do?' Compass: A Review of Topical Theology 48:2, Winter 2014. 43-4.
    • 'Drawn by Desire,' Compass: A Review of Topical Theology 48:3, 2014.
    • * ‘Our Pathway to God: Sight’ (plus Guest Editorial), Compass: A Review of Topical Theology 48:4, 14-20, Summer 2014.
    • Commentaries for Australia Day & Weeks 4-6 of Ordinary Time for Pastoral Liturgy 45: 1, 2015.
    • Commentaries for Ascension, Pentecost, Trinity and Corpus Christi for Pastoral Liturgy 45: 2, 2015.
    • ‘Liturgy, Spirituality and the Moral Life: Learning from Evelyn Underhill’, Pastoral Liturgy 45:2, 2015, 8-13.
    • ‘Our Pathway to God: Hearing’, Compass: A Review of Topical Theology 49:1, Autumn, 2015, 21-7.
    • ‘Our Pathway to God: ‘Touch’, Compass: A Review of Topical Theology 49:2, Winter, 2015, 2-9.
    • Our Pathway to God: ‘Scent’, Compass: A Review of Topical Theology 49:3, Spring, 2015, 25-30.
    • Commentaries for Sunday and Feasts June – July 5, Pastoral Liturgy 45: 3, 2015.
    • Commentaries for Sundays of Advent and Christmas Day, Pastoral Liturgy 46: 1, Nov. 2015 – Feb. 2016.
    • Our Pathway to God: ‘Taste’, Compass: A Review of Topical Theology 49:4, Summer, 2015, 37-41.
    • ‘”Yes!’ And ‘Thou’ in Dag Hammarskjöld’s Markings: A Theological Investigation’, Irish Theological Quarterly, 81 (2), 2016, 119-137.
    • ‘“Jesus-Our Wisest and Dearest Friend”: Aquinas on Moral Transformation’, New Blackfriars 97: 1071 (Sept), 2016, p. 575-510.
    • ‘The Positive Function of Shame: Moral and Spiritual Perspectives’ in E. Vanderheiden, C-H. Mayer (Eds.), The Value of Shame: Exploring a Health Resource in Cultural Contexts (Springer International Publishing, 2017), 87-105.
    • ‘Weakness, and Wounded and Troubled Love in Pope Francis’ Amoris Laetitia’, The Australasian Catholic Record 94: 2 (April) 2017, 131-147.


    Book Reviews

    • C. Curran & Richard A. McCormick, SJ [eds.] John Paul II and Moral Theology: Readings in Moral Theology No. 10. Reviewed in The Australasian Catholic Record, 77:3, July 2000.
    • Damien Casey, Gerard Hall & Anne Hunt (Eds). Foundations of Christian Faith: an introduction for students (Southbank, Vic: Social Science Press, 2004) in The Australian Ejournal of Theology Issue 3, August 2004.
    • James T. Bretzke. A Morally Complex World: Engaging Contemporary Moral Theology (Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2004) in The Australian Ejournal of Theology Issue 4, Feb. 2005.
    • Louis Roy, Self-Actualization and the Radical Gospel [Collegeville MN: The Liturgical Press, 2002], The Australasian Catholic Record 81:4, October 2004.
    • James Woodward & Stephen Pattison, eds., The Blackwell Reader in Pastoral and Practical Theology [Oxford, UK: Blackwell, 2002], The Australasian Catholic Record 82:2, April 2005.
    • Jane Anderson, Priests in Love: Australian Catholic Clergy and Their Intimate Relationships (Mulgrave, Victoria: John Garrett Publishing, 2005). The Australian Ejournal of Theology Issue 5, August 2005.
    • Kathleen A. Cahalan, Formed in the Image of Christ: The Sacramental-Moral Theology of Bernard Häring, C.Ss.R. (Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2004) in The Australian Ejournal of Theology Issue 5, August 2005.
    • Alan Jacobs, Shaming the Devil: Essays in Truthtelling. (Grand Rapids, Mich.:Cambridge UK.: Eerdmans, 2004) in Pacifica 19:2, June 2006..
    • Anthony Kelly, C.Ss.R., Eschatology and Hope (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2006) pp. 242, in Australian Ejournal of Theology Issue 8, October 2006.
    • Review Article: Attending the Word: Doorways through Philosophy, Theology and Literature. Reviews of Rupert Shortt, God's Advocates: Christian Thinkers in Conversation (London: Darton, Longman and Todd, 2005); Rudi Te Velde, Aquinas on God: The 'Divine Science' of the Summa Theologiae (UK: Aldershot: VT: Burlington: Ashgate, 2006); D.Z. Phillips, From Fantasy to Faith: Morality, Religion and Twentieth Century Literature (London: SCM Press, 2006), Pp. 240, Rrp. $69.45 The Australian Ejournal of Theology Issue 9, March 2007.
    • Anthony J. Kelly, C.Ss.R., The Resurrection Effect: Transforming Christian Life and Thought. (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 2008) in The Australian Ejournal of Theology Issue 12, July 2008
    • Angela Shier-Jones, Children of God:Towards a Theology of Childhood (Peterborough UK: Epworth, 2007) in The Australian Ejournal of Theology Issue 12, July 2008.
    • Robin Gill (Ed), Reflecting Theologically on Aids: A Global Challenge (London: SCM Press, 2007) in The Australian Ejournal of Theology Issue 13, March 2009.
    • Marcella Althaus-Reid & Lisa Isherwood (Eds.), Controversies in Feminist Theology ( London: SCM press, 2007) in The Australian Ejournal of Theology Issue 14, August 2009.
    • Sandra Lynch, Philosophy and Friendship (Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 2005) in The Australian Ejournal of Theology Issue 14, August 2009.
    • Matthew Del Nevo, The Valley Way of the Soul (Strathfield: St. Pauls, 2008), The Australasian Catholic Record 86:4, October, 2009.
    • Neil Ormerod, Creation, Grace and Redemption, (NY: Maryknoll: Orbis Books, 2007) The Australasian Catholic Record 86:4, October, 2009.
    • Francesco Compagnoni, OP & Helen Alford, OP, Preaching Justice: Dominican Contributions to Social Ethics in the Twentieth Century, (Dublin: Dominican Publications, 2007). The Australian Ejournal of Theology, 17: 1, 2010.
    • Brian Trainor, Christ, Society and the State, (Adelaide, SA: Australasian Theological Forum, 2010), The Australian Ejournal of Theology, 17: 1, 2010.
    • Robert Gascoigne: The Church and Secularity: Two Stories of Liberal Society, (Washington, DC: Georgetown University Press, 2009), The Australasian Catholic Record 87:3, July 2010.
    • Neil Darragh (Ed), A Thinker's Guide to Sin: Talking about wrongdoing today. (Auckland, NZ: Accent Publications, 2012). The Australian Ejournal of Theology, 18: 3. 2011.
    • David Kirkhhoffer, Human Dignity in Contemporary Ethics (Amherst, NY: Teneo Press, 2013) in Australian EJournal of Theology (2013).
    • David Kirkhhoffer (Ed) with Robyn Horner & Patrick McArdle, Being Human: Groundwork for a Theological Anthropology For The 21st. Century (Preston, Vic: Mosaic Press, 2013). Australian EJournal of Theology 22:1, 2015.

  • Conference Papers

    'Recent Research on the Use of Pornography and its Effect on Marriage Consent', Proceedings of the Annual Conference of Canon Law Society of Australia and New Zealand, Sept. 2019.

  • Professional Affiliations

    Sept .2010: Appointed Honorary Fellow of the Faculty of Theology and Philosophy, Australian Catholic University: renewed till September 2016.

    March 12, 2012: Appointed Adjunct Associate Professor, School of Philosophy and Theology, Fremantle Campus, in the University of Notre Dame Australia for 3 years. Renewed March 2015 for 3 years.

    Judge NSW Regional Marriage Tribunal Sydney

  • Community Engagement

    Seminars, Workshops, Retreats

    • January, 1997, Summer Schools – Albany & Bunbury, Bunbury Diocese.
    • 1997-8: Principal presenter on behalf of University of Notre Dame, Australia for The Mustard Seed Ministry Programme: Bunbury diocese WA.
    • May 2000, Reception of Holy Communion and Public Life-Style Issues: Pastoral Considerations. Paper given to the Priests of the Bunbury Diocese,
    • Paper on 'Aquinas and the Emotions', Annual Meeting of the Catholic Moral Theology Association of Australia and New Zealand, July 2000.
    • September 2004: Seminar: Two Deaneries of Priests, Brisbane
      The Changing Face of Moral Theology
    • October 2004 Keynote Speaker, Dominican Schools Conference, Perth
      Regarding the Conversations of One Dominican
    • May 2005: Seminar: Catholic Priests of Perth Archdiocese: 1. The Changing Face of Moral Theology.2 Encouraging Moral Growth in Parish Ministry.
    • June 2005: Staff of St. Lucy's School, Wahroonga: Towards a Theology of God and Disabilities
    • August 2005: Staff St. Lucy's School Wahroonga: Retreat Weekend at St. Joseph's Spirituality Centre, Baulkham Hills.
    • August 2005, Aquinas Academy Jubilee Lecture [part of series of 8]
      Aquinas and Theology as Conversation
    • September 2005: Cenacle Retreat House Ormiston, Q'ld. Retreat: Walking Five Pathways in our Desire for God. Scripture's use of the five senses to describe our search for, and relationship with, God.
    • November-early December 2005: NEW VOICES PROGRAMME: St. Joseph's Spirituality Centre, Baulkham Hills.
      Seminar: Towards a Theology of Diminishment and Aging
      Retreat: Walking Five Pathways in our Desire for God. Scripture's use of the five senses to describe our search for, and relationship with, God.
    • July 2006: Catholic Education Office, Perth.Seminar Principals: Who are You?: Disability, Diversity and the God of Evolution
      Seminar for Catechists: Learning and Pondering with Jesus: Nourishing ourselves in Parish Ministry
    • April 2007: Two Guided Retreats: St. John of God Retreat House, Shoalwater, WA: 'You Fill up My Senses': Our Five Pathways to God
    • July 2007: Seminar Principals etc. CEO Perth: 'Doing the Right Thing' –Is that All There is? Holy Spirit, Reconciliation and Hope in the 21st. Century
    • July 2007 Faith Development and RE Team CEO Perth: Retreat on Nourishing Our Hope.
    • January 2010: Summer Schools Bunbury Diocese on the Theme Holy Spirit and Hope in the 21st. Century.
    • December 2009 –Jan 2010, Retreat for Marist Brothers Melbourne Province in Adelaide.
    • Paper on 'Emotions, Affectivity and the Christian Moral Life: An Update on the Past Decade', Catholic Moral Theology Association of Australia and New Zealand [CMTAA] Conference Jan 28, 2010.
    • August 25th, 2010: Keynote speaker Catholic College Bendigo: Theme Holy Spirit, Living Hope and the 21st. Century. Plus two workshops on Nourishing Hope as a Follower of Jesus.
    • August 29th. 2010, Shepparton for Adult Faith Education: Workshop on theme Who are you Jesus and Who am I?
    • 13th Sept. 2010.Research in Theology: Presentation to Research students and faculty, Faculty of Theology and Philosophy, Australian Catholic University, Banyo Campus,
    • March 2, 2011,Seminar for Priests Redland / Bayside Deanery, Brisbane,: What's happening in Moral Theology? Trends and Developments
    • June 30, 2011, Seminar for Priests and Catechists on Living Hope, Catholic Education Office, Perth.
    • July 5-6, 2011.Paper on 'Marriage Tribunal Jurisprudence and Moral Theology: Some Reflections', Catholic Moral Theology Association of Australia and New Zealand [CMTAA], Conference, Shoalwater, Perth,
    • March 2012, Lenten Talks St. Stephens Cathedral Brisbane.
    • October, 2012, Retreat on 'Holy Spirit: The Quiet Achiever', Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, Spring Hill, Brisbane.
    • October 2012: Three x 3 hour seminars on 'Sacrament of Reconciliation and Pastoral Practice' for ordinands and newly ordained priests, Holy Spirit seminary Banyo.
    • October 2013: 3 day retreat on 'Holy Spirit: the Quiet Achiever', Marist Brothers community, Ashgrove, Q'ld.
    • May 20- 24, 2013,.Retreat / conferences on 'Holy Spirit: The Quiet Achiever', Presentation Sisters, Herston, Brisbane,
    • July 16-17, 2013., 'Abortion before Marriage, Marriage Tribunal Jurisprudence and Moral Theology': a presentation for the Staff Development Days, Regional Tribunal, Brisbane,
    • October 2014: 3 day retreat 'Our senses: five pathways to God', Marist Brothers Community, Ashgrove, Q'ld.
    • October 2014, 4 day retreat 'Holy Spirit: the Quiet Achiever' Senior Marist Brothers, Mittagong, NSW.
    • Nov. 18th, 2014,Seminar, Ordinands and Newly Ordained, 'Reconciliation: Pastoral practice and the sacrament, Holy Spirit Seminary, Banyo, Q'ld.
    • April 18, 2015, Seminar: The ‘Yes’ and ‘Thou’ of Dag Hammarskjöld’s ‘Markings’: Seminar at University of Notre Dame Australia.
    • October 8 and 15th and three Thursdays, 2015, Seminar: ‘You are our Hearts’ Desire: Thinking about Prayer, and Deepest Yearnings – God’s and Ours’, St Mary of the Angels’ Parish, Wellington NZ.
    • Nov. 15 and 22, 2015: Seminar: ‘Dark Nights – For an Elite or for Everyone‘, Centre for Faith Enrichment, Perth.
    • May 17, 24, 31, 2016, ‘Dark Nights – For an Elite or for Everyone‘, 3 x 2 hour seminars Aquinas Academy Sydney.
    • July 27, 2016, 2 hour Seminar: ‘It’s All Happening!’ What’s the Trinity Doing in Us?’ Centre for Faith Enrichment, Perth.
    • July 31 and Aug. 1, 2016: 2 x 2 hour seminars: ‘Who are you Jesus? Where are you Jesus?’ Centre for Faith Enrichment, Perth.
    • Aug. 3, 2016, 2 x hour seminar: Prayer, Humour and Humility: Learning from The Velveteen Rabbit’, Centre for Faith Enrichment, Perth.
    • Aug. 23, 30, Sept 6, 2016, 3 x 2 hour Seminars: ‘Who are you Jesus? Where are you Jesus?’ Aquinas Academy Sydney.
    • October 17, 2016, Seminar 10.30 am - 1pm, on Developments in Marriage Tribunal Jurisprudence, Parramatta Diocese clergy.
    • Oct. 26, 2017, Seminar: Regional Marriage Tribunal NSW and ACT, 10.30-12.30pm.: on Ch. 8 AMORIS LAETITIA: ‘Accompanying, Discerning and Integrating Weakness’