The church’s centrality in one’s life is probably difficult to appreciate if you weren’t raised in a religiously homogenous community like what the Marianas and the P.I. have. We grew up in the glow of the church’s rituals and holidays. She was our second mother, a source of wonder and awe. The most important occasions in our lives were church-related. Masses, christenings, confirmations, weddings, funerals, fiestas, Lent, Christmas and even the New Year. We celebrated our triumphs in church. And we turned to her in our darkest hours. The church was the pivot of our lives and the parish priest was the embodiment of our faith. It was never about dogma. Theological niceties were the least of our concerns. It was always about real life with real problems and how our religion could comfort and reassure us throughout the bitter and better years of our existence on God’s Earth.
Bishop Camacho, who was ordained a priest in 1961, saw his once tranquil island dragged into the glare of international attention in the early 1990s. That was when the U.S. media — and I mean, the media: the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Reader’s Digest, the major networks — began disclosing the labor cases occurring in the CNMI. The bishop, instead of making up excuses for the islands’ peculiar conditions, came out strongly against any and all abuses. He cut through all the arguments and reminded everyone that it was unChristian to exploit people, period. It didn’t matter who were the perpetrators and the victims. What mattered, he said, was that Catholics should always act properly, as good Christians, at all times.
A man of the people, the bishop continues to inspire and console the faithful in these difficult times. He is the island’s most trusted, most revered and most beloved public figure. Since the founding of the commonwealth, politicians have come and gone but the bishop remains the bedrock of decency and goodness in the public arena. There is no disconnect between his words and deeds. He is an exemplary representative of the One, Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church founded by Christ. He is the soul of Saipan; the conscience of the island; the pride of the Northern Marianas.
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Why Bubba is a class act. My favorite Democrat told the AP on Monday that he understands why Sarah Palin is popular in the American heartland. “People look at her, and they say, ‘All those kids. Something that happens in everybody’s family. I’m glad she loves her daughter and she’s not ashamed of her. Glad that girl’s going around with her boyfriend. Glad they’re going to get married.’ ”
According to former President Bill Clinton, voters would think, “I like that little Down syndrome kid. One of them lives down the street. They’re wonderful children. They’re wonderful people. And I like the idea that [Palin’s husband] does those long-distance races. Stayed in the race for 500 miles with a broken arm. My kind of guy.”
He added, “I get this. My view is…why say, ever, anything bad about a person? Why don’t we like them and celebrate them and be happy for her elevation to the ticket? And just say that she was a good choice for [McCain] and we disagree with them?”
And that, boys and girls, is how you disagree without being disagreeable.
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