Msgr. Vincent Topper, the oldest and longest-ordained diocesan priest in the country, died Oct. 7, the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. He was 104.

Remembered for his hard work and humility, Msgr. Topper died in his residence at St. Catherine Laboure parish in Harrisburg, Pa., where he had been living since 1999.

Even on the Saturday and Sunday before his death, he continued to concelebrate Mass at the parish, and was surrounded with the praying of the rosary in his final days.

Bishop George Leech ordained him to the priesthood at St. Patrick Cathedral, Harrisburg, on June 6, 1936.

In each parish where he served as pastor, Msgr. Topper focused his efforts on expanding Catholic education.