Quezon City, Philippines. On August 24, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., the faithful of the Immaculate Conception Parish in North Susana Executive Village in Quezon City gathered in solemn thanksgiving for the Installation of its new Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Charles Jocris “Cj” M. Mortela, CMF.
The Holy Mass was presided over by Most Rev. Roberto O. Gaa, D.D., Bishop of Novaliches, with Fr. Amador Tumbaga, CMF, Provincial Superior of the Claretian Missionaries – Fr. Rhoel Gallardo province, and Fr. Rey Tano, MGL, Vicar Forane of the Holy Spirit Vicariate, as concelebrants, together with other Claretian priests.
Fr. CJ’s family and friends, along with guests from partner communities and institutions such as IHMP, Liwanag, Claret School of Quezon City, Claret Publications, the RMI Sisters, the CM Sisters, and the Theology community, joined the celebration of the Holy Mass.
Following the Rite of Installation, Bishop Gaa entrusted Fr. CJ the symbols of his pastoral office: the key to the Tabernacle, the Baptistry, and the Confessional. He then led Fr. CJ to the presider’s chair, affirming his new role, and the celebration of the Holy Mass joyfully continued.
In his homily, Bishop Gaa reflected on God’s discipline as an expression of love, drawing from Hebrews (12:5-7, 11-13) and Luke (13:22-30) about entering through the narrow gate. Like parents guiding their children, he said discipline is never meant to harm but to bring people back to the right path—true correction must come from love, so that what is remembered is the lesson, not the pain. He then reminded the faithful that Fr. CJ, as their new spiritual father, represents the bishop and will guide them in faith. Urging the community to walk with him as one family, Bishop Gaa linked the Gospel message to Fr. CJ’s mission as shepherd, assuring them that his discipline will also be rooted in love and his desire to lead them closer to God.
Before the Mass ended, Fr. CJ expressed gratitude, admitting he feels unworthy yet chosen by God. He described his first month as a crash course in priesthood, humbly asking the community to guide and correct him when needed. Thanking them for accepting him as family, he shared his love for the parish, his family, friends, and the Claretians. Trusting in God’s grace as pilgrims of hope, he also invited everyone to the Dedication of the Altar of ICP on October 19, 2025.
Following the Eucharistic Celebration, a dinner reception was held at the NSEV Covered Court, where parishioners, friends, and guests came together in fellowship and joy. The evening program, hosted by the energetic Faith Abano, opened with a welcome remark by PPC Chair Eva Betita and a prayer led by Fr. Salvador Agualada, CMF. The celebration featured various performances, including a lively dance number by members of the Youth Ministry, a soulful saxophone rendition by Emil Apostol, and a joyful song rendition by the Parish Grand Choir.
The program also featured a special teaser from SOCCOM for the upcoming Dinner Dance for a Cause on September 27, an initiative to support the church’s Dedication.
After the presentation, the program moved on to the messages of affirmation for Fr. CJ, starting with Fr. Ama Tumbaga, CMF, who highlighted Fr. CJ’s “pusong nagmamahal “—a heart that enables him to serve with dedication and care. He affirmed Fr. CJ’s wholehearted embrace of responsibilities and steadfast commitment to the mission.
This was followed by a message from Fr. Vic Sadaya, CMF, School Director of Claret School of Quezon City, who highlighted the qualities of Fr. CJ by spelling out his name, “CJ Mortela”: Compassionate, Joyful (playfully funny), Mission-oriented (pupunta sa laylayan), Obedient, Resilient, Tough (able to endure challenges), Enthusiastic (full of spirit), Loyal (never abandoning people), and Affirming (kumikilala sa mga tao). He emphasized that Fr. CJ will bring out the best in the parish. And while Fr. CJ humbly says, “wala akong alam,” Fr. Vic counters, “may alam siya na hindi niya alam”—a mystery that the community will continue to help discover.
Hon. Joy Merin, Mayor of Bangar, La Union, also congratulated Fr. CJ.
Adding to the evening’s highlights was a surprise number: an exceptional performance by Noel Cabangon, offering a preview of Our Mother of Perpetual Help Chapel’s upcoming concert on October 18, 2025.
The installation of Fr. CJ marks a new chapter for Immaculate Conception Parish. The ICP community offers prayers and well wishes to Fr. CJ as he begins his new ministry, and it looks forward to deepening its mission of faith, hope, and love in the community.
By the ICP SOCOM
