This year, Rev. James Kelly celebrated both his 100th birthday and the 75th anniversary in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, writes CBS News Philadelphia.
Over the past seven decades-plus, Rev. Kelly has baptized thousands of people, ministered to countless sick people in hospitals, married thousands, and traveled all over the world.
Despite accomplishing so much over the years and experiencing a serious health challenge that required life-saving emergency surgery last year, Rev. Kelly is still going strong.
“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,” Rev. Kelly said.
His dream of becoming a priest started at a very young age.
Growing up in Roxborough, he loved attending church and even had an altar in his room and pretend like he was giving Communion to everyone.
Rev. Kelly is the longest-serving priest in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, including 19 years of service as pastor of Saint Pius X Parish in Broomall.
When asked about what has kept him going all these years, Rev. Kelly noted two things.
“I drink lots of milk,” he said. “And I say lots of prayers.”
Read more about Rev. James Kelly and his 100 years of adventures at CBS News Philadelphia.
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