In the peaceful community of Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, a remarkable priest has lived an extraordinary life. The Rev. James Kelly, a centenarian and the longest-serving priest in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, recently marked a momentous occasion: the 75th anniversary of his ordination, coupled with his 100th birthday. His journey has been one filled with profound experiences, including baptizing and marrying thousands, attending to the sick, traveling extensively, and forging friendships with notable figures, including a saint.
Kelly, who nearly didn’t make it to these celebrations due to a health scare last year requiring surgery, views each day as a gift. “The Lord was wonderful to me to give me the health and the strength and the energy to travel, to meet beautiful things — God was always giving me surprises,” Kelly reflects with gratitude. Born on January 7, 1925, in the Roxborough neighborhood of Philadelphia, Kelly’s path seemed destined for the priesthood from an early age. While other children fantasized about becoming athletes or firefighters, young Kelly was reenacting Mass in his room.
Living in a retirement community now, Kelly rises early for Mass, indulges in his love for opera, and relaxes by baking pies. Fondly looking through a photo album, he shares memories of his life’s significant moments, from his ordination to a dramatic occasion where he climbed a bridge to save a man from jumping. “I was able to talk to him and break him down emotionally, so he wouldn’t jump. I told him, ‘What’s your grandchild going to say one day: Papa, why didn’t you take me fishing?’” he recounts.
Kelly reminisces about his leadership roles, including serving as pastor at Saint Pius X Parish and exhilarating moments like parachuting in Mexico or witnessing the splendor of Iguazu Falls. “Everywhere you turned, there was a rainbow, there was a mist … the water gushing forth,” he recalls with evident awe.
His interactions with people of renown, like Mother Teresa, whom he befriended over years, add to his treasured memories. Kelly has met exceptional individuals worldwide and reflects on their generosity. Despite his illustrious past, he revels in simple joys now — the taste of cherries, a lovely melody, or a comforting meal of roast chicken. He enriches his mind by attending lectures in art and history at his retirement home.
Among his cherished possessions are a Virgin Mary artwork he crafted, a portrait of his mother, and a note from the late Pope Francis. An image of Carlo Acutis, a modern-day saint, graces his bedside table, symbolizing a source of inspiration through Acutis’ innovative spirit and faith.
Kelly begins his mornings without an alarm, offering a prayer for the surprises that await. “Lord, what surprise do you have for me today?” he asks, embracing each new day with optimism. After savoring a cup of coffee, he conducts a Mass for a few residents. The private service holds as much significance to him as those he once led for larger congregations.
Kathleen Quigley, a fellow community member, finds comfort in these intimate gatherings, appreciating Kelly’s steadfast faith and generosity. “I just love my faith, and he’s such a stronghold of faith,” she expresses. Gratitude permeates Kelly’s days. After each Mass, he offers thanks for life’s simple blessings, even the prospect of tasting sweet cherries or meeting new faces. “God knows what surprises I’ll encounter today,” he muses.
And what is his secret to such a long life? “I drink lots of milk,” he says with a chuckle, adding, “And I say lots of prayers.”