“I carry the University with me, and I thank God for allowing me to be part of this endeavor, in this place and at this very moment in time that we are living through.”

The professor at the School of Theology, Ramiro Pellitero, gave a lecture on April 24 lecture anticipation of his upcoming retirement, which was attended by faculty, staff , students, family, and friends. 

Titled “The Theology of the Laity According to Yves Congar,” the lecture the evolution of the French Dominican theologian’s thinking on the lay faithful. He emphasized that, in an early phase—particularly in 1953 with his book Milestones for a Theology of the Laity—Congar described the layperson as a Christian who seeks God through the things of the world, but “in a way still dependent on a somewhat clerical vision,” as result centuries in which “the laity were granted only a passive role.” In that context, work, family, and cultural and political tasks had no strictly theological value,” and the mission statement was conceived as directed exclusively toward the Kingdom of Heaven without fully valuing human history. Although Congar strove to correct this perspective and had a decisive influence on the theology of the laity, he left the impression of a certain inadequacy when it came to explaining the vocation and mission statement the laity.

Professor Pellitero noted that this view was transformed by the Second Vatican Council, which conceived of the Church as “a great sacrament of salvation offered to the world” and affirmed that “the mission statement is the responsibility of all Christians.” He emphasized that the lay faithful, from that time onward, were described as those who “become holy within civil society, in their work and families, in friendships and culture,” with mission statement temporal realities to the Kingdom of God,” in complementarity with the ministry of priests and religious life. 

He also noted that, for Congar, after the Council, the Church was built not only by the hierarchy but also by a multitude of services and other “ministries and charisms,” and that “we all do everything, but in different ways.” And he explained that this perspective was fully developed in *Christifideles laici*, where it was noted that what is proper to the laity is their “secular nature,” by which they are sanctified in and through temporal realities and are the Church in the heart of the world: “For them, being and acting in the world are not merely an framework on their journey toward God, but constitute that very journey itself.”

Over several decades of dedication to teaching, research advising staff,Ramiro Pelliterohas built a career deeply rooted in the University. A physician by training, a priest, and a theologian, his academic and personal journey reflects one constant: the desire to understand and convey, with rigor and warmth, the essentials of the faith and its dialogue with contemporary culture.

From his early days as a student to his establishment as a professor at various Schools, his career has been marked by a focus on people, intellectual openness, and a clear commitment to serving the Church and society.

How did you end up at the university?

After completing degree program and my military service—which was mandatory at the time—I moved to Rome. There, I finished the high school diploma I had already begun. Then I came to Pamplona to pursue a licentiate degree theology. I had visited the University of Navarra on a previous occasion. And I was drawn to its atmosphere of serenity and seriousness. That is why I was very happy to have the opportunity to pursue those programs of study. Upon completing Degree was ordained a priest. Shortly before that, I had begun teaching as teaching assistant Systematic Theology. After a year in Barcelona carrying out pastoral duties, I returned to the School of Theology.

What would you highlight from your years in degree program?

I would highlight the personalized attention I received as a student, which I later sought to provide to my own students once I became a professor. I would also mention the approach to issues, the broad perspective, the desire to serve the Church and society, and the love and care for priests and seminarians that were instilled in me from the very beginning. 

What do you remember about your first days at college? 

I remember that I began teaching in the high school diploma , in a subject was then undergoing a major renewal: pastoral theology. I had some excellent mentors (especially Pedro Rodríguez and José Luis Illanes, as well as other professors such as José María Casciaro, Lucas Francisco Mateo Seco, and José Morales), who encouraged me to engage with the works of the great theologians of the 20th century without losing sight of the theological tradition of Christianity—something for which I have always been grateful, because at that crossroads lies the source what we are doing today.

I've always loved languages, and I was encouraged to pursue them more seriously. I've followed with great interest the rise of the Internet and work , and the opportunities this has created for building work networks work many countries from here.

What do you like most about your work?

I have always felt very at home at the University. In addition to class at the School of Theology, I have class at other Schools: Philosophy, Sciences, and Nursing. Because of my degree program in Santiago de Compostela, where I was first student intern Histology and Anatomy and later in Neurology; and also because I worked with the chaplaincy at the University of Navarra Clinic for four years, I have always had a connection with the School of Medicine. And during my most recent academic phase, I have also been involved with the Faculty of Education Psychology. 

It’s a blessing—even if it’s not always easy—to be able to balance teaching research student support; and, as a priest, to be able to help many people in their relationship with God. The University’s international atmosphere financial aid in all of this.

How would you describe your time at the university as professor?

I've always enjoyed class, perhaps because there were several teachers in my family, and besides, their middle surname “Maestro.” 

When class always tried to come up with something new, keeping the students’ needs in mind. I’ve tried submit I’ve learned in the same way: by making the journey easier for them, gradually guiding them toward the level I’ve reached, while still holding them to the appropriate standards. 

In this purpose, I recall that, during a congress Rome on the Catechism of the Catholic Church, I had the opportunity to meet the then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the future Pope Benedict XVI. When I introduced myself and mentioned that I was from the School of Theology the University of Navarra, his immediate reaction was quite telling: “Ah, good professors…”.

How would you describe your research work?

I had the opportunity to do a postdoctoral fellowship in the United States, specifically in Washington, D.C., where, in addition to conducting research on the theology of Hispanic Americans, I teaching a few summers teaching Catholic University of America, teaching is affiliated with the lecture in the United States. Before and since then, I have returned to the United States from time to time, always with great interest, especially in catechetical matters. 

I have also spent a considerable amount of time in Latin America (Mexico, Guatemala, Chile, Colombia...), where, in addition to assisting with training , I have been able to help launch postgraduate program high school religion teachers. 

At the School of Theology was tasked with developing a curriculum Pastoral Theology and, later, assisting with Ecclesiology. In both roles, I have sought to maintain and convey a comprehensive overview of the subjects I was responsible for teaching. I have also taken an interest in the pedagogy of the faith, and I have been fortunate to contribute to work Higher Institute of Religious Sciences, following in the footsteps of Jaime Pujol and Francisco Domingo. 

I have sought to embrace with passion the challenge of a theology that remains faithful to the tradition handed down to us and, precisely for that reason, is open to the ongoing renewal required to meet the evangelization needs of our time. 

What did you like most about the university?

The opportunity to learn. I try to live by the idea that you become a university student the day you enroll, but then you never stop (or shouldn’t stop) being one. As a Christian, the joy of working toward unity in life and with a clear purpose of service. As a priest, I’ve had many experiences of almost touching God’s work in people. 

What will you take away from college?

I carry this with me, especially my gratitude to God for allowing me to be part of this work, in this place and at this very moment in time. And to the so many people who keep it going day after day. I have wonderful memories of staff and support staff . For many reasons, I have a special affection for the Clinic. I also hold dear the many others whom I do not know personally but whom I know are just as essential to the University as the great professors.

What does the final class mean to you? What do you want to convey to your students through it?

This is yet another opportunity to share something that might be useful to you and address your concerns. They say that Education one of the endeavors that truly financial aid the world. Of course, the first person to financial aid the teacher. 

I would like to remind you that God guide , life, and human thought, delicately respecting our freedom and seeking our cooperation, so that we may grow above all in love. And that work , with its interdisciplinary nature, is always a fascinating endeavor. 

For a priest who works or studies here, it is also a daily opportunity to extend the celebration of the Eucharist to this unique altarpiece that is the campus the entire mission of the University, as St. Josemaría said.