Newly installed Jolo Bishop Charlie Inzon, OMI, takes his seat as Cotabato archbishop emeritus Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, OMI, (left) and Bishop Inzon’s predecessor, now Cotabato Archbishop Angelito Lampn, OMI, look on. EDWIN FERNANDEZ
COTABATO CITY—In ceremonies marked by social distancing and a venue that had been attacked by terrorists, a new bishop for the Apostolic Vicariate of Jolo, a predominantly Muslim town, was installed on Thursday (July 16).
Bishop Charlie Inzon, of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI), became the new highest ranking Church official in Jolo.
Although consecrated as bishop last May 21 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception here, Inzon’s installation was rescheduled due to quarantine restrictions.
“What’s important is the holding of installation rituals, including the ritual of acceptance and the ritual of reception of the new bishop, in order for him to start his new mission,” Inzon said.
Cardinal Orlando Quevedo, Cotabato Archbishop emeritus, and Cotabato Archbishop Angelito Lampon, who used to be Jolo bishop, led the installation rites.
The new vicar of Jolo speaks before parishioners and religious missionaries during his installation on July 16, 2020. EDWIN FERNANDEZ
Lampon served as Inzon’s principal consecrator last May 21, in the presence of Quevedo and Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo.
His consecration coincided with the feast day of St. Eugene de Mazenod, founder of the Oblate order.
The installation rites for the 54-year-old Inzon was held at the renovated Jolo cathedral which was damaged in a January 2019 suicide bombing that killed 20 and injured over a hundred. It reopened in time for last year’s Carmelite feast.
“I rejoice in the mercy of God and trust in his assurance of strength and consolation as I take up this ministry of service in the Church in the Vicariate of Jolo,” Inzon told a small audience of religious missionaries and Jolo parishioners.
Audience during the installation rites was limited due to health protocols. Back in May, during his consecration, only 10 people were allowed to attend inside the Cotabato cathedral.
Prior to his election as Jolo bishop by Pope Francis, Inzon was Philippine provincial of the OMI. He succeeded Lampon, who was elected to lead the Cotabato archdiocese in 2018.
Born in Putiao, Sorsogon on Nov. 24, 1965, Inzon joined the Oblates in 1982 and was ordained priest on April 24, 1993.