Augusto Sarmiento, Professor Emeritus of the, has died School of Theology

Professor Emeritus . Augusto Sarmiento Franco, a “ Associate Dean ” from School of Theology from 2004 to 2010, passed away today in Pamplona at the age of 85. He was born in Velillas del Duque (Palencia) on April 24, 1941. He joined the Faculty of Theology ( School of Theology ) in 1969 and served as a Full Professor of Moral Theology beginning in 1987. Throughout his career at the Faculty, he also held the positions of director of the Department of Theology ( research ) (1987–1998) and director of the Department of Moral and Spiritual Theology ( department ) (1999–2004).  

He was ordained a priest in the Diocese of Palencia in 1964. He was a student in the first graduating class of the “ licentiate degree ” program at Sacred Theology , part of the “ School of Theology ” at the University of Navarra. He received his bachelor’s degree in 1969 and his doctorate in 1972.

He initially focused his research on the School of Salamanca, publishing his doctoral thesis , *The Ecclesiology of Mancio of Corpus Christi* (EUNSA, 1976), in two volumes. He later turned his attention to the study and teaching of moral theology, producing numerous publications on the defense of human life, marriage, and the family. Of particular note is his co-editing, together with Professor Javier Escrivá Ivars, of the 10-volume *Enchiridion familiae* ( EUNSA, 2004). Finally, as a * Professor Emeritus *, he returned to his work on the School of Salamanca, publishing important critical editions.

In 1998, he was appointed “ consultant ” of the “ committee ” of the Subcommission for the Family and the Defense of Life of the Spanish Episcopal Conference ( lecture Episcopal Española), and in 2009, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him “ consultant ” of the Pontifical Council for the Family ( committee ). 

 
From left to right: Monsignor Iceta, Augusto Sarmiento, and Juan Chapa.

Professor Jose María Pardo, one of his PhD student , recalls him as follows: I was fortunate enough to work very closely with him. He was my director for my doctoral thesis and taught me much more than just moral theology. I have never forgotten a committee of his that has guided my academic life ever since: “When you write about a person, do so in such a way that that person can read it and recognize themselves in what you have written.” That recommendation reflected his extraordinary sensitivity and his deep respect for others. When we served together on the committee for a doctoral thesis , he used to insist: “Let the student leave the university happy.” Academic rigor should never be at odds with charity.

Spanish "Although he was austere," Professor Pardo continues, "he knew how to take great pleasure in ordinary things. On our walks in the countryside, he would often say, 'We're really enjoying ourselves! And on top of that, we're becoming holier.' He was able to find joy in small things and turn that joy into praise for God."

For his part, Archbishop Mario Iceta of Burgos referred to Augusto Sarmiento as a “friend, mentor, and teacher.” “He was an exemplary theologian who made moral and spiritual theology a place to contemplate all the grace and mercy that God wishes to pour out in the ‘ Building ’ of our lives and upon a humanity renewed by the Paschal Mystery of Jesus Christ. Family ministry in Spain owes him a great deal for the many works, reports, and services he produced over the years,” he emphasized.

He also highlights the hours he spent hearing confessions almost daily at the Cristo Rey parish in Pamplona. “He must have done immense good for so many people who came to be embraced by the merciful love of the Father and by the ‘ committee ’—one who has a profound experience of the Mystery of God and of the human person,” he recalls.