Love God’s Will

It’s not about the time we live on this earth but how we live the time we get—the life of Fr. Ryan Stawaisz proves this. When the cancer he fought during college came back shortly before his ordination, he was ordained anyway. His two years of service as a priest of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston challenged many to follow Christ – and he continues to do so, now thanks to a documentary that will be shown on Sunday, August 25, at B&B Theatres Portland North Shore 8, 251 Buddy Ganem Drive in Portland. Show times will be at 4 pm and 5:30 pm.

Fr. Ryan was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, in August 1989. Though of Polish descendant, he developed a love for the Scottish outdoors and customs, including the bagpipes. His family moved to the U.S., and he studied Petroleum Engineering at Texas A&M University in College Station. During his junior year, he was diagnosed with cancer and spent months fighting the disease, winning the initial battle. When he participated in the “Aggie Awakening Retreat,” he felt called to the priesthood.

After graduation, Fr. Ryan set aside his job offers to discern at Saint Joseph’s Seminary in Covington, LA, and later at Saint Mary’s Seminary in Houston. As he was finishing seminary, the cancer returned. Despite this setback, his desire became not only to do God’s will but to love God’s will. Despite his battle with cancer, Fr. Ryan remained steadfast in his desire to serve others and to share the love of Christ with everyone who crossed his path. Cardinal DiNardo ordained him as a priest on June 1, 2019. His public ministry lasted a brief three years, but Fr. Ryan’s witness continues to inspire people of all ages.

Fr. Richard Gutierrez was a classmate of Fr. Ryan: “We graduated together from St. Joseph’s Seminary in Louisiana, and we went together on an immersion trip to Guatemala,” he shares. He had already left a mark: “His faith was very evident. But first and foremost, he was one of these guys that you meet, and you want to be friends with him.” Fr. Richard remembers that Fr. Ryan got along with all his classmates because of his outgoing nature.

They met again when they were both about to be ordained as deacons: “He was telling me what he was looking forward to accomplishing in his ministry.” When he heard Fr. Ryan was not doing well, he messaged him, “Until the very end, he was answering and embracing his priesthood.”

“Love God’s Will”—the movie’s title—“it’s a very Fr. Ryan thing: he embraced whatever God put in his path as an opportunity to grow closer to God.” Fr. Richard remembers that Fr. Ryan said, “I hope to one day become a saint,” and that he really meant it. He would always do everything 100%.”

Fr. Richard, who helped bring the movie to our diocese, is looking forward to seeing it, “and I heard that you need to take tissues with you.” 

Tickets are sold on a first-come-first-served basis, so secure yours soon. Show times are 4 pm and 5:30 pm, costing $12 per seat. Purchase tickets at diocesecc.org/lovegodswill