JANUARY 13 marks the silver anniversary of the establishment of the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa and Bishop Tomas A. Camacho’s Episcopal Ordination.
“Looking back, the Lord has tremendously blessed us all in the diocese,” he said.
Twenty-five years ago, Camacho was appointed as the first bishop of the new Diocese of Chalan Kanoa.
He was overwhelmed by the news when he received it.
“I entrusted everything to God. We have since seen and experienced many defining moments as a young commonwealth and all of our accomplishments are indeed through His love and plan for us as a new diocese,” Camacho said.
The diocese will soon enter a transition phase “a time of grace,” he said.
There are plans to renovate the cathedral and make other improvements in preparation for the bishop’s successor.
“We pray to the Holy Spirit that the next bishop for our beloved diocese is one who is a man of prayer, a humble servant, a shepherd with a deep sense of holiness and personal integrity,” he said.
He also invites everyone to pray for a smooth transition.
Camacho retired last year when he turned 75, but he remains the bishop until the pope names a successor.
In his message to the people of the CNMI this New Year, Camacho said: “I thank you all for your loving kindness and support to the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa, its priests, and its mission. As we welcome Jesus the Child into our homes this season, please remember that your hearts are Christ’s churches too. Keep Him there. As in years past, I keep you all close to me in prayer.”
