Honoring Celia Coronado

Celia Coronado (seated in gray) and friends.

Celia and her extended St. Charles family.

On Oct. 22, 2005, in the chapel at 1 PM, Fr. Gerard Creedon and Fr. Charles Ukwe, family and friends of Celia Coronado, a long-time parishioner and contributor to St. Charles Church, celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving for all Celia has done for St. Charles. She started the food pantry, started Borromeo Housing, collaborated with the Philippine Medical Mission to establish safe houses for street girls of Manila, and has been very active in the development and fundraising of the Filippino community in St. Charles.

Celia moved back to Manila, on Oct. 25 to enjoy her life among her friends there. Celia is a 32-month survivor of lung cancer, much to the amazement of her physicians. She attributes this to her faith in God and the prayers of many of the members of St. Charles. We wish her well and continued improvement

—Milt Werthmann

Celia Coronado's Testament delivered on Oct. 22, 2005 at St. Charles

My Mom, Marga, cousin Lou, and I, thank you very much for making time to be with us on this we consider Victory Day for the awesome power of healing prayers. For the last 32 months you have sustained us and gave us hope to carry on with your loving, unceasing prayers.

You even asked all your friends and families to pray for us. From all these prayers was borne kind, generous, selfless support. Your giving is what we call divine blessings for you did them without expecting anything in return.

You prayed Psalm 23, 27, Psalm 91, 2 Kings 20:1-6, Isaiah 54 and assured me everything will be all right.

You prayed with me without fail every Tuesday on the telephone and if you can't, you asked your Mom from Arizona to pray for me.

You sit with me in nearly all my doctors meetings.

You cleared our yard; planted flowers, repaired the house in 97-degree heat, offered to paint the whole house, installed side railing on our front steps so Mom won't fall, brought food and supplies continuously.

You prayed to all the Saints when you were in Rome. Brought the Divine Mercy painting, the Virgin Mary and the Infant Jesus and prayed with us.

Black and blued from an accident you miraculously survived, you brought us fresh vegetables, and telling us how you wish to drive us to the farm to pick berries, an hour and a half away. You brought holiday foods even on non-holidays.

You shared your savings, work leave credits, frequent flyer mileage without reserve. You found ways so I can keep my health insurance coverage and finally when I couldn't come to work anymore, you all rallied behind me and took turns to bring us supplies, music, flowers, and inspiring books, all these with joy and love.

Many times, as you leave our home, I try to catch your shadow, to have a glimpse of Him, who once again came in your disguise.

And for all those special circle of caring school children, and countless people I have failed to mention, you know in your heart our profound gratitude.

In 2003, I was diagnosed with advanced metastatic lung cancer, stage 3B, inoperable and incurable. I was given 3 to 4 months to live, but as you can see I'm still here with you to give testament to the healing power of prayers. Because your giving was divine, receiving was sublime. You have transformed us. You made being closer to God so near and I know in my heart, God's presence was with me because of all your good deeds. You helped us trust Him completely. Only through prayers like yours would there be perfect TRUST in God.

We have been so privileged and honored for the love you gave us.

Thank you so much from all of us.

To our beloved Rev. Father Gerry Creedon, St. Charles Parish, friends and families -- we thank you very much!