Meet Monsignor James Turro, Believed to be the Oldest Catholic Priest in the U.S.

At 104 years old, Monsignor James C. Turro is the oldest priest in the Archdiocese of Newark, and is believed to be the oldest Catholic cleric in the United States. A week-long celebration was held in his honor earlier this month, with family, churchgoers, and locals gathering to celebrate his life and ministry.

A Lifelong Calling

Born January 26, 1922, Monsignor Turro felt drawn to the priesthood from a young age, influenced by visits with his aunts, who were nuns. He shared with JerseyCatholic.org that his aunts “were very much a factor in my formation.” He never questioned his vocation, stating, “This is a lifelong commitment. I was never put off by that. I felt as though God wanted me to be a priest, so I went ahead with it.”

Years of Service

Monsignor Turro was ordained a priest in 1948 and began his ministry at Holy Trinity Church in Hackensack, New Jersey. He continued his education, earning a certificate in sacred theology from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and a certificate in sacred scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome.

A Beloved Presence

Currently, Monsignor Turro is a beloved presence at Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Park Ridge, New Jersey . He continues to inspire those around him with his dedication and faith.

Recent Recognition

News of Monsignor Turro’s age and long service has garnered attention recently, with reports appearing in OSV News and on Facebook. Religion Unplugged also highlighted his story on February 10, 2026.