Photo Caption: Joining Father Richard E. Raney for his birthday celebration are his niece, Mary Ann Muller of Peoria, and nephew, Bill Muller of River Forest. Father Raney, a diocesan priest, turned 100 on Oct. 19.

Ordained in 1938, Father Richard E. Raney is the priest with the most seniority in the Diocese of Peoria. On Oct. 19, he marked another milestone — his 100th birthday.

Now a resident of Fort Myers Beach, Fla., where he serves as chaplain to the Poor Clare Nuns at the Monastery of San Damiano, Father Raney celebrated his birthday with a Mass at the Church of the Ascension there and a luncheon. Among the concelebrants was Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Fla., who read a proclamation sent by Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC.

In addition to the proclamation, which cited Father Raney’s “untiring witness of sacrifice, virtue, piety, priestly zeal and love for souls,” the Diocese of Peoria sent a large floral centerpiece for the occasion and Pope Benedict XVI honored the retired priest with an apostolic blessing. Joining in the celebration was Father John F. O’Connor, OFM, the provincial minister of the Franciscan Friars of the Holy Name Province. Father Raney became an affiliate of the province in 2010.

He also was feted by Mayor Bob Raymond of Fort Myers Beach, who presented another proclamation to Father Raney.

Of all the words spoken on his behalf, perhaps the most heartfelt were those included in the booklet prepared for the celebration: “We are all affected by his gentle love, the example of his life, and the simplicity of his message of God’s love.”

To add your congratulations, write to Father Raney at 6029 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931.