Nympha Centeno has been involved in the music ministry program at St. Francis de Sales since 1995. She has been a member of the chorale for over 20 years, faithfully singing every Sunday as well as for special liturgical celebrations such as Holy Week. When she started as a choir member, the group sang from the choir loft and then transitioned to singing from the front of the church. She loves that she has met so many nice people over the years has volunteered under the leadership of several different music directors. “Times have changed but the music is a constant,” she says. “Music is my therapy. I find strength in singing through the words and the song. It has helped me through some difficult times”. Nympha also serves as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.
Born in the Philippines, she comes from a musical family and has been in church choir since she attended Catholic High School. Coming to the United States, she has lived her dream of becoming a nurse and works at Lakeland Medical Center. If you know Nympha, it’s no surprise that her passion is caring for people. She has worked with people in chemotherapy, the medical floor, and hospice. She has comforted them, cared for them, brought them communion, and prayed the rosary with them. She knows all too well what they are going through as she was diagnosed with cancer herself in 2001. Now cancer free, she helps to give people hope and inspiration. “It made me realize that life is short. It’s a blessing to do what you can.”
Nympha’s pride and joy are her three children and 5 grandchildren. Thank you Nympha for gracing our parish with your time and talent. You are a blessing and a true example of Christ in our midst!