Father Liam Ryan, a priest in Western Australia, has once again demonstrated his bravery by rescuing a father and son from a rip current while surfing. This marks the second time Father Ryan has saved someone from drowning. The incident took place at Cable Beach in Broome, Western Australia. Known for his surfing and swimming skills, Father Ryan quickly noticed the pair struggling and intervened, showcasing his commitment to helping others.
12 days ago
Father Liam Ryan, an Australian priest known as "the surfing priest," has once again made headlines by rescuing a father and son from a dangerous rip current at Cable Beach in Western Australia 1 2. This marks his second ocean rescue, further solidifying his reputation as a courageous and selfless individual 1.
Prior to this recent rescue, Father Ryan was lauded for his heroic actions on July 31, 2020, when he saved a surfer, Phil Mummert, from a shark attack at Bunker Bay 1 2. Father Ryan, who was on vacation at the time, witnessed a great white shark, estimated to be 13 to 16 feet long, attacking Mummert 1 2. He immediately yelled for help, and with the assistance of another surfer, Alex Oliver, they managed to get Mummert onto Oliver's longboard and bring him safely to shore 1 2. Mummert sustained severe bites to his leg and was immediately airlifted to a hospital 1 2.
Father Ryan is well-known in his community for his love of surfing and swimming in the open ocean 1 2. Following the shark attack rescue, Father Ryan spoke about the role of faith in his actions 1 2. "There's something deep inside you that wants to help," he said, adding, "Christianity is built on that principle of someone giving their life for you" 1 2. He also stated that "what gives you strength in that moment is the grace of God" 1 2.
In 2022, Father Ryan received an Australian Bravery Award in recognition of his courageous rescue during the shark attack 1 2. Despite the recognition, Father Ryan remains humble, stating, "It feels like I haven't done anything extraordinary" 1 2. He added, "I thank God for giving me courage in that moment, and I also remember that I was not alone" 1 2.
The Church defines lay vocation and its relationship to charity.
The Catholic Church defines the lay vocation as the call to holiness lived out in the world, particularly through engaging in temporal affairs and ordering them according to God's plan . This vocation is intrinsically linked to charity, as lay people are called to embody evangelical values such as mercy, forgiveness, honesty, and patience in their daily lives .
Here's a breakdown of the lay vocation and its relationship to charity:
Definition of the Lay Vocation:
The Laity in the World:
Charity as a Core Component:
Living out the Vocation:
In summary, the lay vocation is a call to holiness lived out in the world through engagement in temporal affairs, with charity as a guiding principle. Lay people are called to transform society by embodying Christian values and working towards the common good .