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6d ago

Centenarian Philadelphia Priest Marks 100th Birthday and 75th Ordination Anniversary

Having recovered from life-saving surgery last year, he leads daily Mass at his retirement community

The Rev. James Kelly celebrates Mass at his apartment in the Normandy Farms Estates retirement community in Blue Bell, Pa., on Thursday, June 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Luis Andres Henao)
The Rev. James Kelly takes off his Roman collar and gets ready to go to a doctor’s appointment in Blue Bell, Pa., on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Luis Andres Henao)
The Rev. James Kelly points to a portrait of himself during his First Communion during an interview at the Normandy Farms Estates retirement community in Blue Bell, Pa., on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Luis Andres Henao)
The Rev. James Kelly sits in his apartment in the Normandy Farms Estates retirement community in Blue Bell, Pa., on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Luis Andres Henao)

Overview

  • As the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s longest-serving priest, Kelly turned 100 and commemorated 75 years at the altar this June.
  • He recovered from a near-fatal health crisis in 2024 and now celebrates daily Mass at Normandy Farms Estates in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania.
  • Over seven decades, he has baptized and married thousands and provided pastoral care to the sick in hospitals.
  • His ministry extended globally, with missions to more than 100 countries and friendships with figures like Mother Teresa and soprano Joan Sutherland.
  • He attributes his longevity to daily prayers, drinking milk and simple pleasures such as baking pies and listening to opera.