02/03/2026
Requiescat in pace!
ONCE AN ALTAR SERVER,
ALWAYS AN ALTAR SERVER!❤
Peter Joseph Reilly, or 'Uncle Peter', is the world's longest serving altar boy, from the St. Mary Parish of the Diocese of Galloway. He was born on February 11, 1915, and started serving at age 12. He was able to serve both the Tridentine and Novus Ordo Masses from the long career of being an altar server.
Ageing had not concerned Bro. Peter, but he had to deal with issues regading balance. At his centenary year, he told his friends, "I was frightened I’d fall on the steps of the altar. But I haven’t given up. I hope to resume if I get these bally knees going again.”
In an estimation by Fr. Graeme Bell, Bro. Peter was able to assist in a total of 30 priests during the long course of his duty. In this 100th year, which was his [Bro. Peter's] last day of service, the same parish priest praised the aged altar boy and has set him as "a great example of service to St. Mary's and the community."
For the record, Bro. Peter was able to live and 'see' election of eight reigning popes*, and was able to receive two apostolic blessings (Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Francis), and was given a Benemerenti Medal, a medal given to the clergy and laity for their service to the Church. He also lived a life of being a blessed single, and dedicated his whole life for St. Mary's.
He died on July 2, 2018, at age 103 and was laid to rest at the Ambrossian Cemetery.
NOTE:
* The popes recorded were from the time of is birth up to his death, where eight popes were elected during that period.
Reference:
[1] The Herald. 30 July 2018. "Obituary - Peter Reilly, centenarian church-goer credited with being "the world's oldest altar boy". Retrieved from https://www.heraldscotland.com/opinion/16385937.obituary-peter-reilly-centenarian-church-goer-credited-with-being-the-worlds-oldest-altar-boy/
