Celebrating the Long and Remarkable Life of Monsignor James Turro

Monsignor Joseph Reilly, S.T.L., Ph.D., president of Seton Hall University, Monsignor Gerard H. McCarren, S.T.D., rector/dean of Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology, along with several other seminary administrators, visited Monsignor James Turro '44, '48 at his residence in Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Park Ridge, in anticipation of his 103rd birthday.

The visit provided an opportunity to gain wisdom to be integrated as we progress our five-year grant initiative, “Preaching As Hospitality.”

Although we had heard some of Monsignor Turro’s stories before, we listened attentively. They were not redundant; rather, they were heartfelt expressions of gratitude and humility from a remarkable priest who, at 103 years old, continues to radiate an unwavering desire to share the Good News with the world.

Monsignor Turro sat proudly at the head of the table and led us in prayer before we enjoyed soup and sandwiches for lunch. He reflected on nearly 95 years ago when a newly ordained priest visited his first-grade class at Saint Paul of the Cross in Jersey City. Father Charles Lillis offered the children his blessing and gave them a holy card to commemorate his ordination and first Mass. Young Jim Turro held onto that holy card for many years.

Almost thirty years later, Father Turro, who was then a faculty member at Immaculate Conception Seminary in Darlington, received a new assignment as a weekend assistant. Bishop Thomas Boland appointed him to the newly established St. Mary’s in Park Ridge (currently Our Lady of Mercy). It was fortuitous that Bishop Boland had also assigned Father Charles Lillis as pastor. Monsignor Turro continued his weekend ministry there for over 50 years and resides there at the present time. He ended that story with a wide grin, summarizing his journey by saying, “I cannot imagine being in any other profession.”

Blessed with the gift of delivering the Gospel message through homilies that are rarely more than one page—and often only six or seven sentences—Monsignor Turro has earned worldwide admiration. His column of reflections, “Your Word is Your Lamp,” was a beloved feature of Magnificat for many years.

“I never sat down to write based on length. For example, if I was riding in the car and thinking about my homily for Sunday, I would try to find a way to express the essential meaning. It was somewhat inspired.”

Known as an inspirational spiritual leader, Monsignor Turro has led numerous pilgrimages to the Holy Land, Greece, and Turkey throughout his active years of priestly service. Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta invited him to lead a retreat for her Missionaries of Charity.

When asked about his encounter with Mother Teresa, he shared, “I was struck by her prayerfulness. Throughout my time with the Missionaries of Charity, I noticed her kneeling in prayer every time I walked past the Chapel. It was touching.”

“Father Turro does not know how to do anything but be a priest! He will not think of resting as long as he is able to bring Christ to others. He has joyfully invited Jesus, the Good Shepherd, to permeate his life, possess, and transform him!”  said Father Fred Miller, on the 70th Anniversary of the Ordination of his friend and teacher, Monsignor James Turro.

As the oldest living alumnus of Seton Hall University and the longest-serving member of the Immaculate Conception Seminary priest-faculty, Monsignor Turro poignantly identifies his proudest moments as having occurred in connection with this institution. Reflecting on his impact as a teacher, which has shaped the vocations of thousands of priests over more than 60 years, he tenderly remarked, “Being a priest-teacher has been very gratifying… I’ve never felt let down. I’ve never wondered if there was a better career that I might have had. It never even crossed my mind. I can’t imagine a more satisfying experience.”

Categories: Alumni, Faith and Service