Celesta Day, FSPA

Celesta Day, FSPA, has spent her entire career and life in ministry making a positive impact on the organizations she has served. A member of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration for 57 years, Sr. Celesta began her career working as a nurse and nursing supervisor. She went on to earn a graduate degree in health care administration from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Sr. Celesta enjoyed a long and significant career in the field of health care, culminating in her serving as the administrator of St. Francis Hospital in La Crosse from 1983–1988. She served for 10 years as a member of the St. Francis Board of Directors, numerous state committees and boards, as chair of the Catholic Health Association of Wisconsin for two years, and as a member of the corporations of FSPA health care sponsored facilities for 25 years. Just as impressive as her health care ministry is Sr. Celesta’s service to her religious order, including an eight-year term as vice president. She was a member of the United States Catholic Mission Council. As Director of Mission Effectiveness for FSPA-sponsored institutions for 16 years, she initiated the popular Assisi Pilgrimage program for employees and established the annual sponsorship conference. Sr. Celesta has received numerous respected honors over the years, including the Iverson Freking Ecumenical Recognition Award for “Inspiring Life, Hope and Healing,” an Achievement Award from the FSPA, the Peace Maker in Mission Award from the Franciscan Federation, and the Spheres of Influence Award from the St. Francis Foundation.