Who was Father Joaquín?
Joaquin Erviti Lazcano was born on 12 October 1912 in Estella (Navarre). He attended the Piarist school in his town and at the age of 15 decided to enter the Pious Schools. He began his education in Peralta de la Sal, where he was taught by the martyrs Manuel Segura and Faustino Oteiza. He studied education, philosophy and theology in Irache and Albelda de Iregua and joined the community of the newly opened Calasanz School in Pamplona at the end of 1933. After the Civil War, he returned to Pamplona, where he remained until his death in 1999.
For 60 years, Father Joaquin dedicated himself to the education of the youngest children. “Father Joaquin’s class took in the toddlers of Pamplona’s Calasanz, who learnt to read, recognise their first letters and pray with him. Father Joaquin was a teacher of children, an educator in the broadest sense of the word, a full-time Piarist… and with capital letters.
Innovative and restless
Hundreds of pupils in Navarre have learnt to write syllables thanks to Father Joaquin. He invented a new way of learning for them: the phonetic method. With the help and collaboration of the Venerable Pedro Díez Gil, a Piarist (1913-1983), he revolutionised the teaching of first letters thanks to the effectiveness of a system that integrates knowledge and skills and promotes pupils’ reading ability. Both Joaquin and Pedro, the authors of the “Chiquitín” primer, were pioneers in the innovation of Early Childhood Education, not only in the Piarist centres but also in schools throughout Spain.
Father Joaquin’s concern to offer pupils a comprehensive learning experience also extended to the classroom, which he designed as an authentic space for knowledge and the pupils’ relationship with reality, with others and also with God. To this end, he created his own world of forms and images, designed suitable furniture and, as an experienced catechist, used a narrative that was able to combine faith, culture and life. He also had a vivid imagination and an extensive knowledge of Spanish literature, which was reflected in many of his writings and poems, which he used to accompany his teaching, celebrate life or congratulate his Piarist friends and brothers in a simple and fraternal manner.
Fame of holiness
Father Joaquin was much more. Those who knew him say that he was “different”. His extraordinary character was transparent to all those who shared his life and his tasks in Pamplona: the adults, the families, the educators …, and his students. Pedro Aguado, Father General, remembers his character at the Calasanz School: “Father Joaquin was unique. During the penance ceremonies, we held with the students, his queue was always the longest, because many of the boys wanted to confess to him because he instilled confidence in them. His sensitivity and gentleness were commonplace, as was his intelligence in knowing us all and saying a word of peace and welcome”.
And a former pupil remembers him as follows: “Father Joaquin was something like the living symbol of the school for many years. The embodiment of patience, humility and gentleness. A priest and a good teacher in the truest sense of the word. Saint Joseph Calasanz must have been something like that, albeit without glasses and with a greying goatee, as he was depicted on the saint cards. At least that is how I imagined the Holy Founder when I was a kindergarten child and we sang this hymn at the top of our voices on his feast day: “Father, you have always sought the good of the children”.
The process of Father Joaquin’s canonisation began in 2004, and the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of his death is a good reason to ask for his intercession.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, you made a child a model for your kingdom and sent Father Joaquin, a Piarist, to spread your teaching among the little ones. Grant us, through his intercession, that we may imitate him in his service and enjoy the same reward in heaven.
You who live and reign forever and ever.
AMEN
Through the intercession of Fr Joaquin, ask the Lord for the grace you wish to receive.
Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be to God
PRAYER (FOR CHILDREN)
Jesus, you are our friend:
We thank you for Father Joaquin.
Help us to be good and cheerful like him and give us what we need.
AMEN
These prayers are not intended for public worship and are not intended to prevent the judgement of the Church.
To find out more: José Pascual Burgués Dalmau Sch.P, “El Padre Joaquin. His life and his voice among the little ones“. Ediciones Calasancias, 2024
