The gallery depicts “our historical journey as Catholics in the commonwealth,” Camacho said.
Some religious collectibles, including a cathedra, or a bishop’s chair, that dates back to the Spanish period, are now on display in the gallery located on the second floor of the Diocesan Curia in Chalan Kanao.
“We are fortunate that the Spanish Jesuit missionaries, being familiar with wars, buried the canonical books under the Garapan church bell tower,” the bishop said. “We have in our collection the first volume which dates back to 160 years.”
Through the gallery, Camacho hopes the church can pass on “the gift of faith” to others.
“What we have is only a humble beginning of what we can pass on to the next generation,” he said. “Our stories of faith are precious gifts to your children and your children’s children. And the tedious work of preservation, protection and conservation of the entire church’s historic heritage is a long and continuing process.”
As for his birthday wish, the bishop told Variety that he “wants the people and the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa to remain faithful, safe and to be kind to one another.”
Archbishop of Manila Guadencio Cardinal Rosales joined local parishioners during yesterday’s celebration and lauded Camacho’s personal life achievements.
The cardinal said Camacho’s small beginning is very inspiring.
“He accomplished something for the church as first bishop of the CNMI,” Rosales said.
Titled “From Goatherd to Shepherd of the Flock (The First Bishop of the Northern Marianas)” was written by Jess and Anicia R.A. Sonoda.
Camacho said “it was with reluctance and trepidation that I had agreed to be scrutinized and exposed by my own parishioners. But I am happy to say what I said at the end of the book: ‘Si yu’os ma’ase’ for giving me the courage to open up my heart to you so that you can know me as I am.”
The newly formed diocesan commission is composed of Fr. Ryan Jimenez, Herbert Del Rosario, Genevieve Cabrera, Linda Torres, Richard Kautz Jr., Jeffrey Melvin Camacho, Gilbert Saludez. Former Judge Edward Manibusan is the commission’s legal counsel.
Camacho said the commission will look into “the over-all guardianship of the historic and artistic patrimony of the local church.”
