Rev. Msgr. James Turro, S.T.L., S.S.L., Ph.D

Professor Emeritus of New Testament Studies
Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology

Following his ordination in 1948, Father Turro was sent to the Catholic University of America, from which he received a licentiate in theology. Thereafter, he went on to Rome to study at the Pontifical Biblical Institute. As the American graduate house in Rome was being renovated following the Second World War, Father Turro lived at the Anima, one of the German colleges in the city, developing his life-long love for the German language. Returning to the United States, Father Turro began teaching at Immaculate Conception Seminary, where he would continue for more than half a century. In 1959 he also commenced as director of the Seminary Library.

Beginning by serving the parishioners of Holy Trinity Church in Hackensack, Father Turro went on to be a weekend assistant at Our Lady of Mercy in Park Ridge, where he has remained so, for more than 50 years. Monsignor Turro has provided spiritual guidance to thousands of priests, religious men and women, and laity. He has also led numerous pilgrimages to the Holy Land, Greece and Turkey, and continues to be a much sought-after international speaker.

Monsignor Turro has combined the highest qualities of thorough scholarship with an abiding love of God's Word. He has popularized much of his technical work in numerous articles, books, columns in the Catholic Advocate and parish talks. Today, his monthly column "Your Word is a Lamp" is one of the most popular sections to Magnificat magazine.

Monsignor Turro has served as a visiting professor at Fordham University, Fairfield University, LaSalle University, St. John's University and Immaculata College. For many decades, Monsignor Turro has taught at St. Joseph's Seminary, Dunwoodie, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Overbrook and at Holy Apostles Seminary in Cromwell. He has worked on the editorial board of the Archdiocesan newspaper and served on the Presbyteral Council, Priest Personnel Board and Continuing Education Committee in the Archdiocese of Newark.

In recognition for his service, Father Turro became Monsignor Turro as he was named a Prelate of Honor to His Holiness, Pope John Paul II in 1989. Although he has retired from teaching at Immaculate Conception Seminary and serving as Director of the Library, Monsignor Turro remains a vital member of our community. Never slowing down, he continues to carry on an impressive schedule of scholarly research, academic teaching, spiritual writing and speaking and serving at several weekend parishes. In gratitude for all of his labors and priestly example, the Library of Immaculate Conception Seminary was renamed in his honor in 2007.