The Faculty of Theology Saint Isidore of Seville expresses its deep sorrow at the passing, today, 9 October, of the Rev. Mr José Arturo Domínguez Asensio, a priest of the Diocese of Huelva, Doctor of Sacred Theology and holder of an honorary doctorate from our Faculty since January 2025. His passing is a profound loss for our academic community, to which he was closely linked throughout decades of dedicated service to the teaching of theology.
Born in Minas de Riotinto (Huelva) in 1943, Mr José Arturo devoted much of his life to teaching and priestly formation. His association with the former Centre for Theological Studies in Seville dates back to the 1971–1972 academic year, just two years after its foundation. For almost four decades, he carried out intensive teaching work at this centre and at the Seminary of Huelva, teaching various theological disciplines and contributing to the formation of numerous generations of students. His teaching was characterised by the depth of his knowledge, the clarity of his explanations and, above all, by a conception of theology deeply rooted in the Word of God and at the service of the faith of the Church.
His vocation as a teacher was complemented by extensive pastoral work in the Diocese of Huelva, where he held various posts, including that of canon-preceptor of the Cathedral and parish priest of the Parish of San Pedro.
Honorary Doctorate
On 23 January 2025, the Faculty of Theology Saint Isidore of Seville paid him a special tribute by awarding him an honorary doctorate, alongside Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi and the Jesuit professor Paul Gilbert; the three of them became the first doctors to be honoured with this title by our institution.
That ceremony, held to mark the feast day of St Thomas Aquinas, was a moving tribute to a lifetime dedicated to teaching and service to the Church. During the ceremony, the Archbishop of Seville and Grand Chancellor of the Faculty, Monsignor José Ángel Saiz Meneses, highlighted his fidelity to doctrine and his teaching skills, describing him as a teacher recognised for the clarity of his speech and his lively sense of humour.
Particularly significant was the recognition of Mr José Arturo as the ‘academic father’ of many members of the Faculty’s current teaching staff, a phrase which highlights the profound impact of his teaching and his contribution to the history of our institution, which builds on the educational work carried out over decades by the Centre for Theological Studies in Seville.
The Faculty of Theology Saint Isidore of Seville shares in the grief of his family, the Diocese of Huelva and all those who had the opportunity to know him and benefit from his teachings. Our academic community expresses its most sincere gratitude for his generous dedication, his priestly witness and his fruitful work in the service of theological education.
The funeral service will take place tomorrow, Saturday 10 October, at 10.30 am, at the Main Parish Church of San Pedro in Huelva.
Placing our hope in the risen Christ, we offer our prayers for his eternal rest, making the words of the Gospel our own:
‘Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your Lord’ (Mt 25:23).
