"Fidelity, service and joy, three words that summarize well the ministry of an exemplary priest, formator of priests and goldsmith of vocations". So said the President of seminar International Bidasoa, Juan Alonso, referring to the priest and professor of the School of Theology of the University of Navarra, Juan Antonio Gil Tamayo. His words were part of the In Memoriam tribute celebrated on the occasion of the first anniversary of his death.

At the ceremony, which was presided over by the President of the University, Alfonso Sánchez-Tabernero, also spoke the Dean of the School of Theology, Gregorio Guitián; Professor Marcelo Merino, director of thesis of Professor Gil Tamayo; and his brother Bishop José María Gil Tamayo, Bishop of Avila, on behalf of his entire family.

The President of the seminar International Bidasoa, where Juan Antonio was a formator of future priests, exposed some memories and anecdotes of his life. He highlighted his loyalty, his charisma, his discretion, his intelligence, his sympathy, his optimism and his gift of committee: "He knew how to demand with strength and affection at the same time. He also knew how to combine great ideals with everyday details, apparently small and insignificant".

He said that "to evoke the priestly profile of Don Juan Antonio is to see the dream of St. Josemaría come true for priests: to be priest-priests, priests one hundred percent. He emphasized his deep belief in freedom and pointed out that "rather than commanding, he advised, and rather than imposing, he proposed. He recalled that his authority came from the trust and affection he transmitted and emphasized his tenacity in celebrating the Eucharist, even in the hardest moments of his illness.

Professor Marcelo Merino reviewed his academic career, from his arrival in Pamplona at the age of 17 to study the last school year at high school Irabia, to his latest scientific publications. He praised his intellectual capacity and his great dedication to the School of Theology, especially his work as Deputy Director of the journal Scripta Theologica and his efficiency as director of programs of study.

The President praises his spirit of adventure and service, and his high professional standards.

During the tribute to degree scroll posthumously, the President of the University, Alfonso Sanchez-Tabernero made submission to his relatives the Silver Medal, which recognizes the work that Professor Gil Tamayo performed for 25 years in the institution.

Diego Gil Tamayo, brother of Juan Antonio, visibly moved, received the Medal before an intense applause from the participants: professors, students and staff from different services of the academic center. Afterwards, Bishop José María Gil Tamayo thanked the University and seminar Bidasoa International, as well as high school Irabia of Pamplona, Opus Dei and the whole Church of Navarre, where his brother was formed and "left his mark of holiness.

Sánchez-Tabernero closed the In Memoriam by highlighting three characteristics of his personality. He referred to his spirit of adventure, human and supernatural; to his eagerness to serve; and to his high professional standards, "an indispensable requirement for serving others and for holiness".

- Biography of Professor Juan Alonso (PDF).
- Biography of Professor Marcelo Merino (PDF).
- Poster of the event (PDF)