If there is a celebration to organize, a photography or art project to be done or just a time to enjoy each other’s company, Sr. Felma Cerezo is probably involved in one way or another.
She is a bundle of energy and always on the move. On any day, you can find her helping a Sister get to an appointment, sewing a new habit for someone in another congregation or cooking an extravagant meal for a party.
Sr. Felma was born in Binmaley, Pangasinan, Philippines. Her family was not thrilled to see her join the Sisters of Providence. She was too important to the family, they thought. But that’s another thing you learn about Sr. Felma – she doesn’t take ‘no’ for an answer without a lot of convincing.
Sr. Felma is best known for teaching and creating art. After graduating from Bellevue Community College in 1968 she joined the occupational department at Mount St. Vincent and delighted in designing projects for the residence to complete during therapy.
“Each night I would cull through the boxes of materials we had to generate a new idea,” she says. “In the morning, I’d show my staff the new project who would then teach the residents.”
She had found her life’s passion through art. From then on, she was hooked.
For 26 years, Sr. Felma taught art at Providence High School in Burbank, California.
“As I watched my students develop their skills, I grew with them, as well,” she explains. “They nourished my sensitivity, inspired my imagination and touched my soul with their innocence.
Sr. Felma’s and her best friend, Sr. Jacqueline Fernandes, have lived together for so long that their two families have become intertwined. One of her most cherished memories is of a nearly two-month long trip they took together to the Far East.
“You could tell we are good friends,” says Sr. Felma, “because we were still talking to each other by the end of the trip.”
Sr. Felma is teaching art painting at St. Joseph Residence once again and has been involved in a major repair of a chapel in old Filipino neighborhood. She raised funds for the project. Residents celebrated the feast of the Chapel’s patron – “The Risen Christ” – earlier in the year. She attended “virtually” but will celebrate her jubilee with her family in the Philippines later this year.
“I count my blessings every day. I could never ask for more,” Sr. Felma said. “I consider myself very lucky to have this community which fulfilled all my dreams, encouraged me to pursue my creativity and provided me all the opportunities to practice and share them.
“God is Gold and God is my Provider. Providence of God, I thank You for all!”