World News
Catholic centenarian stays on the move with multiple parish duties
Published: December 28, 2006
HAMDEN, Conn. (CNS) -- Mike Mele, a dapper, diminutive and downright engaging centenarian who works out three times a week at a local health club and just gave up riding his horse, Coco, celebrated his 100th birthday Dec. 16. "I can't believe it myself," he said in an interview with The Catholic Transcript, Hartford archdiocesan newspaper, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Hamden, where he serves as a lector, catechist for fourth-graders, altar server and extraordinary minister of holy Communion. He also has been the parish's choir director and, years ago, directed parish variety shows. "You've got to keep active mentally and physically," said Mele. As is typical for him, Mele (whose name is pronounced "MEE-lee") is wearing a suit and tie, with gold cuff links protruding from his sleeves. "I'm interested in a lot of things," he added.
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