June 9, 2005
by Thomas Mansella

When the Rev. Canon Daniel Caballero retires on August 31, he will conclude a fruitful and far-reaching ministry. Those who have known him will certainly testify that for Caballero, retirement will be just another beginning.

"We would never have thought that he would ever retire," said Rev. IsaÌas Rodrìguez, Hispanic missioner in the Diocese of Atlanta.

Rodriguez portrayed Caballero's ministry as apostolic, "He has been an indefatigable traveler." "In true Pauline style, he has traveled visiting mission after mission, encouraging, supporting, and leading."

"The large quantity of pastoral and liturgical resources produced under his leadership enhanced the ministry of the Episcopal Church to the burgeoning Hispanic/Latino community," Rodriguez said.

Caballero was ordained to the priesthood in October 1987 for the Diocese of Milwaukee. He served as missioner and vicar for Hispanic ministry, and since 1999 Caballero has served as a driving force behind support for Hispanic/Latino ministry and as an advocate for the needs of the rapidly growing Hispanic/Latino congregations in all nine Provinces and in more than 38 domestic and foreign dioceses of the Episcopal Church.

The Rt. Rev. Arthur B. Williams recalls that when he was appointed as the new Director of Ethnic Congregational Development at the Episcopal Church Center, Caballero was the only Ethnic Missioner. "I am very grateful for his experience," he said. "I came to rely on him a great deal. He is the kind of person who is creative and is highly respected throughout the church; and that speaks to his commitment to ministry."

"I appreciated his genuineness and reliability," Williams added. "I appreciated his good sense as a colleague in ministry. I'm going to miss him."

In everything he did "His love for the Lord Jesus Christ was manifested," said Canon Sylvia Vasquez, Hispanic Missioner for the Diocese of New York. "Everything he does is an expression of his love for Jesus. Even in difficult situations he would be patient and caring. He is a genuine Christian."

An advisory Search Committee has been selected. Williams said that it was his hope "to be able to make an appointment in the early fall, 2005." Search committee members include Rodriguez of Atlanta, Blanca Rivera of the Diocese of Milwaukee, Canon Lydia Lopez of the Diocese of Los Angeles; Bishop Suffragan Wilfredo Ramos of Connecticut, and the Rev. Juan Marquez from the Office of Anglican and Global Relations at the Episcopal Church Center.

Episcopal News Service
Thomas Mansella is translation services coordinator for the Office of Communication of the Episcopal Church Center.