Parish Honors Priest With the Ultimate Surprise - His Mom
June 16, 2025
Parishioners at Corpus Christi Parish in Council Bluffs pulled off an epic surprise to honor their pastor’s 10th anniversary of priestly ordination.
Father Luis Mejia thought he’d be celebrating a typical 6 p.m. weekday Mass on Thursday, June 5 — his anniversary date.
But the parish had been making other plans in secret for weeks.
Father had just wrapped up a weeklong retreat with other priests of the Diocese, celebrated reconciliation, and was preparing for Mass when he found priests (including Father Andrew Windschitl, who also celebrated his 10th anniversary that same day), deacon friends, and the man who ordained him, retired Bishop Richard Pates, preparing to join him for Mass.
That wasn’t the biggest surprise, though.
He stood in front of the altar, flanked by clergy, and listened to a message of gratitude from the people who love him, read by Father Fabian Moncada, pastor of Our Lady of the Americas Parish in Des Moines.
When Father Mejia turned to face the congregation, he saw a familiar face that he hadn’t seen in five years: his beloved mother, Anna Gloria Mejia, who came all the way from El Salvador.
Mother and son embraced as the cheers of the packed church echoed.
“Honestly, seeing my mom walking in the church aisle was a huge surprise to me,” said Father Mejia. “I thought my surprise was the presence of Bishop Pates and Father Andrew, but I never expected to see my mom.
“She has never traveled to the United States by herself. She is illiterate. My siblings and I make sure she always travels with company. The first time she traveled was in 2014 for my diaconate ordination, along with my sister. The second trip was in 2015 for my priesthood ordination, along with my sister again. The third trip was in 2018, when she traveled with her grandson. So, seeing her without company was truly a surprise to me.
“What a blessing to have my mom, who played a very special role in my faith vocation journey,” said Father Mejia. “I feel so grateful and blessed with the people of Corpus Christi, for the wonderful celebration they put together for me. May God reward them for their love and generosity!”
After Mass, a video of Bishop William Joensen shared a congratulatory message, and Father Mejia processed out of the church to a surprise Mariachi band playing for him.
“He is well loved by this community,” said Father Luis Cabrera, who also serves at Corpus Christi.
The crowd and mariachi band moved to the parish hall, where the joy continued with a meal, music, and a strong sense of family in this faith community.
“From the early stages of brainstorming and organizing, to seeing everything come together so beautifully, it was a labor of love and faith,” said parish intern and event coordinator Victor Salcido.
“There were so many moving parts: late nights, long lists, and lots of coordination. But seeing our community come together to celebrate such a meaningful milestone for Father Meija made it all more than worth it,” he said. “It was a day filled with joy, love, and deep appreciation for his ministry and I’m so proud to have played a part in making it happen."