Wow Oldest Priest in the USA Mons. Turro at 104 Celebrates Daily Mass and Reveals His Secret to Long Life!

 Monsignor James C. Turro, the oldest priest in the Archdiocese of Newark and the oldest living alumnus of Seton Hall University, celebrated his 104th birthday on January 26th. Ordained in 1948, Msgr. Turro has spent over 77 years in ministry, including 60 years as a beloved professor at Immaculate Conception Seminary.

Despite his retirement, he remains active at Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Park Ridge, NJ, where he continues to celebrate daily Mass and offer spiritual counsel. Reflecting on his long vocation, he credits his religious family and his aunts—both Sisters of Charity—for his early calling. His advice to others remains simple and steadfast: "Here I am, Lord, do with me what thou wilt."

He said: "I thought I’d like being a priest, but I didn’t know I would like it as much as I did when I actually put my hands to it." 🙏✨

For him, the "winning formula" for a life of peace is simple: complete surrender to God's will. Even after seven decades, he still calls the daily celebration of Mass the "top" moment of his day.

A Century of Devotion: The Joy of Monsignor James Turro

While many look toward retirement as a time to slow down, 104-year-old Monsignor James C. Turro finds his energy in the same place he did in 1948: at the altar. As the oldest priest in the Archdiocese of Newark, Turro’s life is a masterclass in consistency and contentment.

A Life of Scholarship and Service Msgr. Turro is perhaps best known for his 60-year tenure as a teacher at Immaculate Conception Seminary, where the library now bears his name. An accomplished author and columnist, his intellectual contributions to the Church are vast, yet his heart remains that of a humble parish priest.

The Secret to Longevity When asked about the "routine" of a 77-year career, Turro’s response is refreshing. He claims he has never felt the weight of his duties as a "cross." Instead, he views every day as an opportunity to experience "more than he bargained for" in terms of spiritual fulfillment.