BLUE BELL, Pa. (AP) — The Rev. James Kelly, the longest-serving priest in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, recently celebrated two remarkable milestones: the 75th anniversary of his ordination and his 100th birthday. Despite facing a significant health challenge last year that required life-saving surgery, he expresses gratitude for achieving these milestones and feels that God has gifted him more time to fulfill his purpose.
Born on January 7, 1925, in Roxborough, a neighborhood in Philadelphia, Kelly grew up in a devoutly Catholic family. From an early age, he felt called to the priesthood, a desire he fondly remembers from playing "Mass" with his family as his audience. His dedication to the church has led him to baptize thousands, marry many more, and provide comfort to the sick in hospitals throughout his extensive ministry.
Every day begins with dawn Mass at the retirement community where he now resides. In addition to his spiritual duties, Kelly enjoys various personal hobbies, including listening to opera and baking pies. His life story, documented through a photo album, illustrates his journey and significant moments, such as an instance when he saved a man from jumping off a bridge. On that cold day, he climbed to the height of 400 feet to talk the man down, using poignant words to reach him emotionally.
During his 19 years as pastor of Saint Pius X Parish in Broomall, Pennsylvania, just 10 miles west of Philadelphia, he created countless cherished memories, including a parachute jump during a trip to Mexico and visiting the breathtaking Iguazu Falls, a highlight of his travels through over 100 countries.
Imagination plays a vital role in Kelly's life, as he emphasizes its importance in both teaching and preaching. He reflects on his fortunate encounters with great individuals throughout his life, including friendships with celebrated opera singer Joan Sutherland and Mother Teresa, officially known as Saint Teresa of Kolkata. Their bond developed after they met in Philadelphia and later crossed paths in Jerusalem.
These days, Kelly appreciates the small joys of life, whether it be savoring cherries or enjoying a delicious meal of roast chicken, fresh string beans, and corn on the cob. He frequently attends lectures on topics such as music, art history, and Egyptology at the Normandy Farms Estates retirement community in Blue Bell, where he lives.
His apartment is adorned with a chalk drawing of the Virgin Mary, a portrait of his mother, and a signed note from the late Pope Francis. A photograph of Carlo Acutis, the first millennial-era saint, also inspires him. He admires Acutis for his dedication to the Catholic faith and how he utilized his computer skills to document eucharistic miracles.
Waking each morning without an alarm, Kelly begins his day with a prayer, expressing gratitude for any surprises that may come. He celebrates Mass in his apartment for a few residents, emphasizing that even if it's not held in a formal chapel, it's his offering to God. His fellow residents appreciate his faith and the daily blessings he shares.
Despite having ministered to large congregations in the past, he finds equal value and fulfillment in the intimacy of his current gatherings. At the end of each Mass, he expresses his gratitude, celebrating the gift of life and the simple pleasures it brings. Kelly humorously attributes his longevity to drinking plenty of milk and, more importantly, to saying many prayers, illustrating his deep commitment to faith and community.
