LIGHT 

Fr. Ryan Rallanka, S.J. was an amazing light during his seven-year tenure at Seattle Prep. There was very little that he didn’t shine his light on at Prep. Not only was he a wonderful Jesuit priest, presiding at Mass, offering the Sacrament of Reconciliation, counseling those who were lost or grieving. But he was also a board member, theology teacher, and moderator of the Dungeons and Dragons Club and Anime Club. And let’s not forget, Fr. Ryan was a MULTIPLE Gold, Silver and Bronze medalist at Prep’s Olympic Week Spirit competition. He defeated most students at Mario Kart video games, and never missed the opportunity to represent the faculty/staff karaoke team as he danced and sung his way to victory!   

ECHO  

Fr. Ryan was also a gifted singer, pianist, and director of Prep's liturgical choir. My favorite song he taught our community was “There Is a Light” by Fr Cyprian Consiglio. The lyrics are simple, “There is a light, that will overcome the darkness. There is no darkness, that will overcome the light.” Fr. Ryan would teach us this song to emphasize that by trusting in God there is always hope, that no matter what situation a person or a group finds themselves in, goodness, hope and light will conquer all. He demonstrated this faith daily—in his words, his actions, and his relationships. 

HOPE 

Fr. Ryan connected deeply with high school students. He embodied the Jesuits’ goal of offering youth a hope-filled future. This goal is one of the four Universal Apostolic Preferences (www.jesuits.global/uap/) the Society of Jesus has committed to over the next 10 years. Fr Ryan captured what it means to journey with youth. He always took time to listen to them, deeply engage with them, and empower them. At his last all-school Mass our students gave him a heartfelt standing ovation -- shining a light on Fr. Ryan who gave so much of himself to the Prep community.

Always one to say “yes” to an invitation, Fr. Rallanka, S.J. will assume the new role of Provincial Delegate for Formation in August. Ryan will relocate to the Jesuit West Province Office in Portland, Oregon, and be responsible for the oversight and support of Jesuits in Formation (those who have taken their First Vows but are still working towards Final Vows). 

“There is a light, that will overcome the darkness. There is no darkness, that will overcome the light.”  John 1:5