Bishop Camacho celebrates 30th episcopal anniversary 

Thirty years since joining the Holy Order, Bishop Emeritus Tomas A. Camacho considers his biggest moment in life to be his priestly ordination, on Jan. 13, 1985, after being named the first bishop of the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa by Pope John Paul II.

Bishop Emeritus Tomas A. Camacho

“My ordination was a tremendous honor, joy, and responsibility at the time. People were just wonderful and the entire island was just so beautiful,” he recounted. “We all felt appreciative for being recognized as a mature group of Catholics in the area. The unity amongst the Catholics was evident.” 

The retired bishop has faced complications with his health in the past year but remains strongly devoted to the church as he celebrates his 30th episcopal anniversary along with the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa’s 30th anniversary.

While resting in his Kannat Tabla home, he spends mornings on his green recliner with the news playing in the background while his nurse administers his daily antibiotics.

Although he spends most of his day resting and in prayer, he still receives communion from Fr. Rey Rosal at his home and occasionally drives around the island with family in the afternoon.

“I really thank all the countless people that have been very good to me in the past years,” Camacho told Saipan Tribune. “I am grateful for those who have made my life more jubilant. Not once did I experience animosity. I am very grateful to our islands’ Catholics and non-Catholics who are supporting me even in my twilight years.

He is especially thankful to his niece, Ignatia Aldan, who moved in with him to provide aid after he was first transported to the hospital.

“Thank God she’s here,” he said with a sigh of relief. “Her family takes care of me and I do not know what I would do without them.”

Even though officially “retired,” the bishop happily continues to serve the religious community by writing regularly for the North Star and finalizing his Chamorro translations of religious scripture. The bishop devotes time every day toward his translation work. He considers it his “greatest work” after completing the translation of the New Testament. 

Camacho said Fr. Jose Maria Tardio is his greatest inspiration to this day. The Spanish Jesuit baptized and confirmed the bishop and gave Camacho his first communion. 

As a young child growing up in Garapan during World War II, Camacho was an altar server during his teen years. At 15 years old, the bishop had already made up his mind to pursue the priesthood as a vocation.

With the sound of bombs dropping on the island still fresh in his mind, he recounted a church assembly where the presider asked the altar servers which of them wanted to become a priest. Immediately, Camacho raised his hand, not knowing that one day he’d lead the diocese and the islands in its religious infancy. 

The church has seen much growth since he was named the island’s first bishop. That change, he said, makes him feel content with the modern-day church. 

“Before, people had very limited knowledge of Jesus and the church. Their faith was very fragile,” he added. “But with all the education, media, and technology, their faith has matured and they know more. Even with issues in the church, the faith of the people is still not shaken. Their faith is in God and I am happy with that.” 

As the diocese marks its 30th anniversary, Camacho urges young males in the community to consider the priesthood as a vocation and the youth to “enjoy themselves while following the teachings of Jesus.”