Jacinto Argaya Goicoechea

Who was Jacinto Argaya Goicoechea?

Jacinto Argaya Goicoechea was a Spanish-Basque prelate of the Catholic Church.

Goicoechea was born in a very tradionalist and conservative family. During the Spanish Civil War, he was a stalwart against Communism. He was consecrated Auxiliary Bishop of Valencia on August 15, 1952. He was appointed Bishop of Diocese of Mondoñedo-Ferrol on October 27, 1957, where he represented his Diocese at the Second Vatican Council. Due to the doctrines expressed at the Council he began to adopt very progressive ideals. He took part in every meeting of every session of the Council.

He was appointed Bishop of San Sebastián on December 18, 1968. Here he was an outspoken critic against the summary Death Sentences condemning members of ETA in the Trial of Burgos. He resigned on February 17, 1979, and died in 1993 in Valencia