September 19, 2014

Father James Rogers celebrates 100th birthday

Father James Rogers, a resident of St. Paul Hermitage in Beech Grove, celebrated his 100th birthday on Aug. 25.

He was ordained on May 30, 1939, for the then-Diocese of Indianapolis. He was ministering in southwestern Indiana five years later when the Diocese of Evansville was created and became a priest of that diocese.

Father Rogers was born on Aug. 25, 1914, in Beech Grove, and grew up as a member of Holy Name of Jesus Parish.

He received his priestly formation at Saint Meinrad Seminary.

In addition to ministering at parishes in the Evansville Diocese, Father Rogers served as a missionary in South America from 1969-71. He is fluent is five languages.

After retiring from active ministry, he returned to Indianapolis, where he frequently ministered at St. John the Evangelist Parish and other parishes around the city.

Father Rogers began residing at St. Paul Hermitage in 2006.

“He delights the staff and residents by giving them blessings,” said his niece, Jenny Anderson. “He and his family very much appreciate the many cards and letters he continues to receive from friends and former parishioners.” †

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