Bishop Francisco Garmendia, born on November 6, 1924, in Lazcano, Spain, was a remarkable figure in the Catholic Church, known for his dedication to pastoral care and his pioneering role as the first Hispanic bishop in the Archdiocese of New York. His life was marked by a deep commitment to serving the marginalized and fostering spiritual growth within the community.
Early Life and Ordination
Francisco Garmendia was born into a devout Catholic family in the Basque region of Spain. He felt a calling to the priesthood early in life and pursued his religious studies with fervor. On June 29, 1947, he was ordained a priest in Vitoria, Spain, by Archbishop Carmelo Ballester y Nieto for the Canons Regular of the Lateran. His early ministry took him to Argentina, where he served as a priest before being incardinated into the Archdiocese of New York in 1975.
Ministry in New York
In 1976, Garmendia was appointed pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in the Bronx, a role that would define much of his ministry. His work in the South Bronx, a community facing significant social and economic challenges, showcased his dedication to serving the poor and marginalized. His efforts to provide spiritual and material support to his parishioners earned him widespread respect and admiration.
Auxiliary Bishop of New York
Pope Paul VI appointed Francisco Garmendia as the titular bishop of Limisa and auxiliary bishop of New York on May 24, 1977. He was consecrated as a bishop on June 29, 1977, at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan by Cardinal Terence Cooke, with Coadjutor Archbishop John Maguire and Auxiliary Bishop Patrick Ahern as co-consecrators. This historic appointment made Garmendia the first Hispanic bishop in the Archdiocese of New York, a significant milestone for the Hispanic Catholic community. As auxiliary bishop, he reached out to all especially Hispanics, and founded the Catholic Charismatic Center at St. Thomas Aquinas' Convent which was later moved to St. Anthony of Padua parish on Prospect Aven. Bishop Garmendia was a man of devotion spreading devotion to Our Lady and her Rosary. He gave out Rosaries and had two annual Rosary Rallies at Crotona Park. Bishop Garmendia was responsible for the spread of devotion to the Divine Mercy. He spread this devotion around his vicariate and around the Archdiocese of New York when no one at the time even knew of it.
Advocacy and Community Service
Bishop Garmendia was a vocal advocate for social justice and peace. In October 1981, he joined five other bishops in a statement denouncing the development of a neutron bomb by the U.S. Department of Defense. His commitment to peace and justice was evident throughout his ministry.
In 1990, following the tragic arson attack at the Happy Land social club in the Bronx that claimed 87 lives, Bishop Garmendia co-founded Hope Line (La Linea de la Esperanza), a non-profit organization serving the South Bronx community. Initially a bilingual telephone counseling and referral service, Hope Line expanded to include a diaper distribution program, a food pantry, a SNAP benefit enrollment office, virtual income tax preparation, financial literacy workshops, and referral services. He also began the LAMP ministries which provides food and services to the poor. This initiative reflected Garmendia's unwavering commitment to addressing the needs of his community.
Legacy and Death
Bishop Garmendia continued to serve as an auxiliary bishop until his resignation was accepted by Pope John Paul II on October 30, 2001. He passed away on November 16, 2005, at the age of 81. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched and the initiatives he established. His long-time Master of Ceremony Manuel De Dios Agosto was inspired by him to join the Franciscans.
Bishop Francisco Garmendia's life was a testament to the power of faith, compassion, and dedication to service. His pioneering role as the first Hispanic bishop in New York and his tireless efforts to support the marginalized have left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church and the communities he served. As we remember his contributions, we are inspired to continue his mission of love, justice, and service to others.
He was featured on EWTN's Mother Angelica Live and was an active pro-life activist leading processions and protests at local abortion mills. Bishop Garmendia was a very holy and devoted man who was orthodox in his Catholic faith while being pastoral. He never betrayed his faith nor the Church and was always among his flock gathering their scent before Pope Francis even coined this expression. We hope and pray one day to see Bishop Garmendia be canonized as St. Francisco Garmendia of the Bronx.
Source:
Bishop Francisco Garmendia Ayestarán [Catholic-Hierarchy]
Bishop Francisco Garmendia (@bishopfranciscogarmendia) • Instagram photos and videos
(2) Bishop Francisco Garmendia Ayesteran (@BishopGarmendia) / X
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