On August 18th the Foundation for Senior Living (FSL) opened the doors of The Monsignor Edward J. Ryle Life Center to serve seniors and adults with disabilities in need of daytime companionship and health services. The center combines two existing adult day health care sites – South Mountain and Central Phoenix - into a state of the art facility affording more space and innovative services including individual and group activities, physical, cognitive and recreational therapy, and personalized care plans. 

FSL is indebted to many organizations and individuals who have made the planning, design and renovation of this 18,600 square foot health and social services center possible. Undoubtedly, however, the greatest contributor to this new center is its namesake, the late Monsignor Edward J. Ryle. A tireless advocate for those unable to speak for themselves, Monsignor Ryle worked relentlessly on behalf of the state's poor, the mentally ill, the incarcerated, the elderly and children.  

Protecting the vulnerable 

An intensely spiritual man with boundless energy, Monsignor Ryle was committed to the cause of social justice and the dignity of all persons. He urged legislators to support KidsCare health insurance, benefits for needy families and programs for foster children. He played a key role in passage of a bill in 2001 to abolish the death penalty for the mentally retarded.  

I am proud to say that Monsignor Ryle’s spirit and his commitment to the essential dignity of every human person has influenced every aspect of the design and building of the Ryle Life Center. His spirit is reflected in details large and small – from the spacious center atrium awash in natural light, to the many individual therapy and activity rooms that permit customized care plans. His influence is also evident in the appealing cafe and breakfast bar that support cooking classes, instruction on senior nutrition and, importantly, a relaxing place for participants to gather and share stories.  

Monsignor Ryle would certainly have taken note of special features designed to maintain participants’ dignity – like the private dining room where staff help clients unable to feed themselves, and the many large bathrooms with individual showers that promote convenience and preserve privacy for seniors and younger adults with physical restrictions. He would have loved the salon and spa center where seniors unable to groom themselves can enjoy hairstyling, foot care and comforting therapeutic treatments. 

Making such commonplace “luxuries” available to those otherwise unable to obtain them would undoubtedly bring an approving smile to the Monsignor’s face, as would future plans to bring medical and dental clinics to the center’s participants. 

Spokesman for the common good 

As I remember Monsignor Ryle’s lifelong commitment to public service and advocacy, I can’t help but think of his devotion to improving the lives of all Arizonans. I can only imagine how energized he would be by the political dialogue of this Presidential Election Campaign season - and by the momentous decisions soon to be faced by AZ Legislators as they confront the stressful decisions of budget and leadership before them.  

Monsignor Ryle was rooted in Church teachings on the dignity and right to life of every human being, the importance of family and community to human and spiritual development, and the Gospel call to alleviate suffering. Eagerly learning, sharing and enlightening, he would today be fully engaged in respectful but lively conversation with political leaders and as well as with average citizens like you and me. 

As seniors and citizens of all ages, we too have an obligation to reflect on our core religious and personal values to examine the large issues confronting us today. As citizens and people of faith, however, we have a fundamental responsibility to listen and learn in order to inform ourselves and best apply the enduring teachings of the Church to the issues we currently face. 

I can hear my good friend and role mode, Monsignor Ryle proclaiming happily and loudly in the background: “Study the issues well, pray harder, and be sure to vote your deeply held beliefs on Election Day!”

Guy Mikkelsen is President and CEO of The Foundation for Senior Living. For more information, visit www.fsl.org.