Iconic Ilonggo priest passes away

An iconic Ilonggo priest known for his unbending and unconventional viewpoints on some issues passed away on All Souls’ Day, Nov 2, 2021.

Fr. Espirdion “Boy” Celis Jr. died 12 p.m. on Tuesday, according to the Archdiocese of Jaro. He was 73 years old.

In an interview with a local radio station, Fr. Angelo Colada director of the Archdiocese of Jaro Social Communication Office confirmed that Celis was infected with COVID-19 last August where he was tagged as critical for almost three weeks.

He was allowed to go home by September but was still hooked to medical oxygen. Colada said Celis’s condition worsened Saturday afternoon and he was taken back to a hospital.

Fr. Celis made iconic stands on issues concerning the city and even the Catholic church during his prime years.

He became controversial when he questioned the order of his superior, who at that time was then Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, to transfer him to the church in Barotac Nuevo when he was serving as a parish priest of St. Anne’s Parish in Molo district.

Fr. Celis also pushed for the construction and operation of the coal-fired power plant in Iloilo City, which ran counter to the Archdiocese of Jaro’s stand.

While he may have his own mind on secular matters, Celis was known to be a stickler of Church rituals and ceremonies. But he was also popular among young Catholics because of his Jerusalem masses.

Meanwhile, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas has also expressed his condolences for the passing of Celis whom he considered a good friend.

“Rest in peace, Fr. Boy Celis. He was a good friend and a supporter of the programs of the city government,” Treñas said in a statement. (ERS)