The former priest of St. Anne Parish in Molo district, Iloilo City, Fr. Espiridion “Fr. Boy” Celis Jr., passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 2.
According to Father Angelo Colada, Jaro Archdiocese Social Communication Office director, Celis contracted the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) last August.
The priest was admitted to a hospital and was in critical condition for several weeks.
Celis was eventually discharged in September, but he was still on oxygen support.
He was brought back to the hospital on Saturday, Oct. 30, after his condition worsened.
The Archdiocese of Jaro and the Parish of Saint Anne asked the public to pray for Celis’ eternal repose.
The Ilonggo community mourned the death of the priest.
Former city councilor Plaridel Nava, one of those who were close to Celis, expressed his sadness.
“Rest In Peace Fr. Boy. Thank you for being always there when I needed you. Thank you for all your love, care and prayers. We will surely miss you,” he said in a Facebook post.
For Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, Celis “was a good friend and a supporter of programs of the city government.”
City Councilor Rudolph Ganzon, a native of Molo, said their whole family was deeply saddened by the passing of Celis.
“With this, many have felt an irreplaceable loss including our family,” he said.
Ganzon described Celis as “a friend, a brother, and a true servant of God.”
“The many people he helped with and prayed for have known his unparalled and spirited compassion.Through the Lord’s love, we pray that Father Boy be granted comfort and peace that He alone can give. Our thoughts are with the family as we share in their grief.Rest easy, Father Boy,” he added.IMT
