Park Ridge, NJ – Monsignor James C. Turro, the Archdiocese of Newark’s oldest priest, reached a remarkable milestone, celebrating his 102nd birthday on January 26. The joyous occasion was marked with a special “Happy Birthday” serenade during the 11 a.m. Mass on January 28 at his home parish, Our Lady of Mercy Church in Park Ridge.
The celebration saw a heartwarming surprise visit from Father Stanley Gomes, a former student of Monsignor Turro, alongside numerous friends who either called or visited him throughout the week. Adding to the festive spirit, students from Our Lady of Mercy Academy presented the centenarian with handmade cards and cookies.
Reflecting on his long life and service in the Church, Monsignor Turro shared his feelings about reaching such an advanced age. Despite never placing much emphasis on his birthdays, he expressed profound gratitude for the fulfilling life he has led as a priest and educator, stating, “Being a priest-teacher has been very gratifying… I’ve never felt let down.”
Born and raised in Jersey City, where his faith journey began at St. Paul of the Cross Elementary School and continued at St. Peter’s Prep, Monsignor Turro was inspired to enter the priesthood in 1948 by his two aunts, who were Sisters of Charity. His dedication to his vocation took him from serving at Holy Trinity Church in Hackensack to earning advanced degrees in theology and sacred scripture in Washington, D.C., and Rome, before teaching at the Archdiocesan Immaculate Conception Seminary.
Over six decades, Monsignor Turro has significantly influenced the lives of thousands of priests through his teaching, leaving a lasting legacy that includes the naming of the seminary’s library at Seton Hall University in his honor. Known for his concise homilies, he has also served as Our Lady of Mercy’s weekend assistant, engaging deeply with his community in Park Ridge.
Even in his centenarian years, Monsignor Turro remains an active figure in ministry, from concelebrating Mass and hearing confessions to counseling. He regularly visits Our Lady of Mercy Academy, preparing second graders for their first reconciliation and Communion. Reflecting on his service, he stated, “I have no regrets… Looking back, there’s nothing in my priesthood that I would live out differently than I did.”
