100-Year-Old Priest’s Longevity Secrets
- James Kelly, a centenarian priest, reflects on a life filled with faith, inventiveness, and gratitude.
- Kelly recalls a time he climbed a 400-foot bridge in Philadelphia to prevent a man from jumping.
- "I told him, 'what's your grandchild going to say one day: Papa, why didn't you take me fishing?'" Kelly said.
Discover the extraordinary life of Reverend James Kelly, a 100-year-old priest, and learn his secrets too a long and fulfilling life. From saving a man from suicide to befriending Mother Teresa, his journey is a testament to faith, inventiveness, and gratitude. This centenarian’s wisdom offers invaluable insights into finding joy in simple things and maintaining a positive outlook, emphasizing the importance of daily prayers and a simple diet. Explore the remarkable story of a life richly lived, filled with adventure and connection.reverend Kelly’s reflections offer a unique outlook on faith and the keys to longevity, offering a heartwarming reminder of the power of human connection and a life well-lived. Read more at News Directory 3. Discover what’s next …
Centenarian Priest Shares Secrets to Long Life, Faith
At 100 years old, the Rev. James Kelly, a centenarian priest, reflects on a life filled with faith, inventiveness, and gratitude. From saving a man from suicide to befriending Mother Teresa, Kelly’s journey is a testament to a life well-lived.
Kelly recalls a time he climbed a 400-foot bridge in Philadelphia to prevent a man from jumping. He spoke to the man, appealing to his emotions by asking him to consider his grandchildren.
“I told him, ‘what’s your grandchild going to say one day: Papa, why didn’t you take me fishing?'” Kelly said.
Imagination, Friends, and Gratitude
Imagination, a favorite word of Kelly’s, played a significant role in his life. He recalls writing his college thesis on the subject and how jesus used imagination in his teachings.
His memories include traveling to over 100 countries and forming a friendship with Saint Teresa of Kolkata, whom he met in Philadelphia and later at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem. he also arranged for blind children to attend a performance by acclaimed soprano Joan Sutherland.
“I’ve been blessed to meet some of the most splendid, good people in this world, and they’ve been most generous and gracious to me,” Kelly said.
Today, Kelly finds joy in simple things like cherries, music, and his favorite meal: roast chicken with mashed potatoes, string beans, and corn. He attends lectures on music, art history, and egyptology at his retirement community in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania.
His apartment features a chalk drawing of the Virgin Mary, a portrait of his mother, and a note from Pope Francis. He keeps an image of Carlo Acutis,the Catholic Church’s first millennial-era saint,on his bedside table,inspired by Acutis’ devotion and use of technology to document eucharistic miracles.
Daily Mass and the Secret to a Long Life
Each morning, kelly wakes without an alarm and prays, “Lord, what surprise do you have for me today?”
Following coffee, he celebrates Mass in his apartment for fellow residents.
Kathleen Quigley, a retired nurse, appreciates having Mass available in the community. “I just love my faith,and he’s such a stronghold of faith that it’s wonderful for me to have,” she said.
Kelly believes this daily Mass is as crucial as ministering to large congregations. “It’s here that I can offer my love and efforts to the Heavenly Father,” he said. He ends each service with gratitude.
“That’s all I can say – two words: thank you,” Kelly said. “It’s wonderful that I have another day, and I might be able to eat some delicious cherries today, and meet people, new friends. God knows what surprises I’ll encounter today.”
His secret to longevity? “I drink lots of milk,” he says, laughing.”And I say lots of prayers.”