Mothers are always proud of their children. But when you're a Catholic mom whose only son becomes a bishop, well, you might feel a little extra pride.

Last month, several hundred friends and family gathered at St. Anne Home in Greensburg for a Mass and reception to celebrate the 100th birthday of Priscilla I. Brandt, mother of Greensburg Bishop Lawrence Brandt.

She was born April 25, 1908, in Braddock, one of five children of the late Fredrick and Bertha Purdy. She was married for 18 years to Lawrence E. Brandt, who died in 1952. In addition to the bishop, they had two daughters: Marilyn Love of Cypress, Calif.; and Dolores Fusco of Long Island, N.Y.

Mrs. Brandt lived for many years in Lake City, outside of Erie, and was a parishioner of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Girard. She was a longtime secretary for Mercyhurst Preparatory School in Erie and volunteered for many years at retirement communities. At age 91, she directed an aerobics program called Seniorobics by Priscilla at St. Mary's Home in Erie.

Her son was ordained in 1969 and worked as a priest in Erie. Mrs. Brandt moved to Greensburg in 2004 when he was installed as bishop of the Greensburg Diocese. She has two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

If you or a friend or a relative recently turned 100 or will soon do so, the Post-Gazette would like to hear from you. On an occasional basis, the Celebrations page will feature short stories on people marking their 100th year.