Mission Preservation Foundation

Fr. Arthur A. Holquin

Fr. Arthur A. Holquin, pastor of Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano, has been a member of the Mission Preservation Foundation Board of Trustees since coming to the Mission in 2003. In his role as pastor, he oversees the parish church, school and historic Mission grounds.

Fr. Holquin was born in Los Angeles and grew up Granada Hills. He attended Catholic schools, and, influenced in part by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet who educated him, decided to pursue a vocation to the priesthood. He studied at St. John's Seminary in Camarillo, the Los Angeles Archdiocesan seminary, and was ordained a priest in 1974. He later pursued post graduate studies at the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium.

His first assignment as a priest was at Holy Family Cathedral in Orange, of which he would later become Rector. In 2003, Bishop of Orange Tod Brown assigned him to become pastor of Mission San Juan Capistrano.

"There's no greater privilege as a pastor than to be a pastor of a California mission, especially one as beautiful and well known as Mission San Juan Capistrano," reflected Fr. Holquin. "I was both surprised and gratified to receive the appointment."

Fr. Holquin succeeded the retiring pastor, Msgr. Paul Martin. While Fr. Martin was known for his gentle, pastoral approach, Fr. Holquin brings administrative talents to his new position, of vital importance in such a complex and intricate operation as the Mission, he noted.

His interests also include history and a love of the arts, which made him a natural fit for the Mission. Upon arriving, he was given the gift of a book on the life of Fr. Junipero Serra by Don DeNevi and Noel Moholy, which has proven to be an invaluable resource. He remarked, "I'm inspired by the selfless sacrifice of those who established and maintained the missions, particularly in those first 100 years."

He's enthusiastic about his work on the Board of Trustees, and grateful for the participation of its accomplished and talented members: "I lead best when I'm open to the wisdom of others. Our board has been a wonderful source of wisdom and insight."

Mechelle Lawrence, Executive Director of the Mission, observed, "It is an honor for all of us to work under his leadership and vision. He brings a great vision to the Mission, and we are here to implement it!"