The Rt. Rev. Julio César Holguín Khoury retired on November 1, 2017, after twenty-six years as diocesan bishop of the Episcopal Church of the Dominican Republic. Retired bishops, active and retired priests, deacons, parishioners from around the country, members of Holguín's family, members of the Board of Directors of the Dominican Development Group, and other international visitors celebrated Holguín's extraordinary ministry at a Holy Eucharist service at La Catedral de la Epifanía in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, November 1. A reception followed the service in the adjacent parish hall.

 

The Rt. Rev. William Skilton, assistant bishop of the Dominican Republic (retired), preached the sermon giving tribute to Holguín's remarkable accomplishments and spiritual leadership and remembering several amusing incidents during their many years of work together. Quoting from the Epistle, Saint Paul's letter to the Corinthians, chapter 3, verses 4-11, Bishop Skilton praised Bishop Holguín as a man who had "planted the seeds and watered them" so that God could make them grow. Bishop Skilton described Holguín as a man of many talents, able to play happily with school children and then turn quickly to conduct business with contractors.

 

Recognizing the solitary nature of the episcopate, Bishop Skilton also praised Milagros Hernández Holguín as the "incredibly supportive" wife of the Bishop. From the Old Testament reading, Ecclesiastes 3:1-7, describing "a time for everything," Bishop Skilton reminded the congregation that Holguín's 26-year tenure had been a time of extraordinary growth in the numbers of churches built, clergy ordained, and parishoners baptized.

 

Bishops Holguín, Skilton and the Rt. Rev. Telésforo Isaac concelebrated the Eucharist at the altar decorated with arrangements of white roses, gladioli, and daisies.

 

Following the service, Bishop Holguín announced (in Spanish, with interpretation into English by Bishop Skilton) that he has recently been diagnosed with a neurological disorder of the spine that will require two surgeries in the next three months. He has been experiencing numbness in his hands and legs as well as pain in his back. Referring to the reading for the day about "time and seasons," he said it was the right time for his retirement. Holguín asked for prayers for the restoration of his health and thanked everyone for their support of his ministry.