Ricardo Gómez Roji

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| birth_name = Ricardo Gómez Roji

| birth_date = 9 June 1881

| birth_place = Pedro Bernardo, Spain

| death_date = 15 August 1936 (aged 55)

| death_place = Madrid, Spain

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| death_cause = Execution by firing squad

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| nationality = Spanish

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| known_for = canon, politician

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| occupation = priest

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| party = Integrism, Agrarian Party, Carlism

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Ricardo Gómez Roji (9 June 1881 – 15 August 1936) was a Spanish Roman Catholic priest, scholar, publisher and politician. For 26 years he served as a lecturing canon by the Burgos Cathedral, known locally for his oratory skills; he also taught theology at the Pontifical University of Salamanca, animated local Catholic agrarian trade unions, and edited and managed few Catholic periodicals and bulletins. His political career climaxed in 1931–1933; elected to the Congress of Deputies as a candidate of a broad local monarchist-Integrist-conservative alliance, he served one term within the Agrarian parliamentary minority. Afterwards he approached Carlism and advanced its cause as a propagandist. Roji was executed by Spanish Republicans during the Spanish Civil War.

Family and youth

File:Pedro Bernardo (Ávila, Castilla y León).jpg]]

There is close to nothing known about distant ancestors of Gómez Roji.his segundo apellido was at times spelled as "Rogi", especially in the 1910s, compare La Correspondencia de Espana 12.06.11, available [http://hemerotecadigital.bne.es/issue.vm?id=0000633171&page=7 here] One uncertain source claims that at least one branch of his grandparents were traditionally related to Pedro Bernardo, a mountainous town on the southern slopes of Sierra de Gredos, in the Ávila province.“su abuela nació en Pedro Bernardo”, comments at Gómez-Roji entry, [in:] Pedro Bernardo service 16.12.13, available [https://pedrobernardo.wordpress.com/2012/10/10/11946/ here] His father, Pedro Gómez Beades (died 1920),La Voz de Castilla 24.10.20, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1090248&posicion=3&presentacion=pagina here] practiced as a surgeon in Pedro Bernardo. One author refers to him as “profesor de cirurgía”,Jorge López Teulón, Ricardo Gómez Rojí (1), [in:] Religion en Libertad service 29.11.13, available [https://www.religionenlibertad.com/blog/32496/ricardo-gomez-roji1.html here] but another one names him rather “practicante”, sort of a rural feldsher.Jesús Maldonado Jiménez, Actitudes político religiosas de la minoría agraria de las Cortes Constituyentes de 1931 [PhD Universidad Complutense 1974], Madrid 2015, p. 175 Gómez Beades revealed some penchant for letters and used to write poetry, some of his pieces were published in local press.La Victoria 12.12.08, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=5022797&posicion=2&presentacion=pagina here] He married Carolina Josefa Rojí y Sánchez; none of the sources consulted provided any information either on her or on her family. The couple settled in Pedro Bernardo and had 5 children, Ricardo born as the oldest one; his siblings were Dolores, Adriana, Argimiro and Anastasio.López Teulón 2013 None of them became a public figure. Anastasio was killed in 1935; the crime was unrelated to politics.Diario de Burgos 30.11.30, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000447404&posicion=6&presentacion=pagina here]

It is not clear where the young Ricardo commenced his education. One biographer claims that already in 1894 he opted for ecclesiastic career and entered Seminario Pontificio in Comillas,Diario de Burgos 20.03.92, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000472709&posicion=21&presentacion=pagina here] but another source notes that in 1894 he rather entered the local seminary in Ávila, which he reportedly frequented until ordained presbyter in 1906.exact dates differ; one author claims Gómez was ordained on May 9, 1909, see Maldonado Jiménez 2015, p. 175; another scholar suggests June 9, 1909, Santiago Martínez Sánchez, El Cardenal Pedro Segura y Sáenz (1880-1957) [PhD thesis Universidad de Navarra], Pamplona 2002, p. 20 However, in 1900 he was already recorded by the Cantabrian press as a student of philosophy at Comillas; he distinguished himself as author or religious poems, which he used to recite himself during religious feasts in Comillas.La Atalaya 31.12.00, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000389993&presentacion=pagina&posicion=1 here] One more author maintains that having completed his initial curriculum, Gómez entered the Comillas seminary as late as in 1902.López Teulón 2013 He pursued theology and one of his fellow seminarians was Pedro Segura y Sáenz, the future primate of Spain.Jorge López Teulón, Gómez Roji, Ricardo, [in:] Tradición Viva service 09.12.13, available [http://www.lavoz.circulocarlista.com/biografias/gomez-roji-ricardo here] According to some sources he double-majored and is referred to as “dos veces doctor”,López Teulón 2013 namely in theology and in philosophy;Maldonado Jiménez 2015, p. 175 he demonstrated interest in broad cultural spectrum and was among most brilliant students recorded at the institution.Diario de Burgos 20.03.92, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000472709&posicion=21&presentacion=pagina here]

File:Universidad Pontificia (Comillas).jpg]]

Gómez's first assignment was the role of coadjutor in the parish of Calzada de Oropesa, not far away from his native town.Maldonado Jiménez 2015, p. 175 It lasted rather briefly since in 1907 he was already in Burgos, active at unspecified posts in various locations;according to one scholar, before moving in to Burgos Gómez served “en varia parroquias de Toledo, Avila y Burgos”, Antonio M. Moral Roncal, La cuestión religiosa en la Segunda República Española: Iglesia y carlismo, Madrid 2009, {{ISBN|9788497429054}}, p. 208 he was noted as giving sermons in the parishes of La Merced,Diario de Burgos 16.11.07, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000436911&posicion=2&presentacion=pagina here] San Lorenzo el RealDiario de Burgos 26.05.08, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000437073&posicion=2&presentacion=pagina here] and San Cosme y San Damián,Diario de Burgos 25.11.08, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000437228&posicion=2&presentacion=pagina here] as well as providing religious service in the female orders of Hijas de María InmaculadaDiario de Burgos 14.12.07, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000436935&posicion=2&presentacion=pagina here] and Santa Dorotea.Diario de Burgos 27.08.08, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000437152&posicion=2&presentacion=pagina here] In 1908 he applied for the vacant post of a lecturing canonin original “canongia lectoral” at the cathedral, the most prestigious Burgos church and one of the most prestigious sanctuaries in Spain. He faced tough competition of 6 counter-candidatesDiario de Burgos 22.06.08, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000437095&posicion=2&presentacion=pagina here] and lost.Gómez's work prepared for the exam was a treaty on prophet Ezequiel, Diario de Burgos 30.06.08, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000437102&posicion=1&presentacion=pagina here] In 1909 Gómez was delegated to the newly founded parish of Santa Agueda,Diario de Burgos 05.02.09, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000437289&posicion=2&presentacion=pagina here] where he acted as coadjutor.Diario de Burgos 14.08.09, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000437449&posicion=2&presentacion=pagina here] In 1910 Gómez took part in new opposiciones for the cathedral canongiaDiario de Burgos 09.07.10, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000437729&posicion=2&presentacion=pagina here] and this time he emerged successful;La Correspondencia de España 24.07.10, available [http://hemerotecadigital.bne.es/issue.vm?id=0000618977&page=5 here], El Siglo Futuro 01.08.10, available [http://hemerotecadigital.bne.es/issue.vm?id=0000291050&page=3 here]; some sources claim that Gómez became a canon in 1909, Martínez Sánchez 2002, p. 35 he would hold the post until death for the following 26 years.

Religious service: canon, director and professor

File:Fachada catedral de Burgos.jpg

Gómez's role as the lecturing canon was first of all to deliver sermons during religious services at the cathedral; indeed he preached regularly throughout the 1910ssee e.g. El Correo Español 15.10.16, available [http://hemerotecadigital.bne.es/issue.vm?id=0029777197&page=3 here] and Diario de Burgos 23.11.18, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000440302&posicion=2&presentacion=pagina here] and 1920s.see e.g. Diario de Burgos 23.09.21, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000441137&posicion=2&presentacion=pagina here] Initially little known,see e.g. Diario de Burgos 14.12.12, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000438479&posicion=2&presentacion=pagina here], Diario de Burgos 08.12.13, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000438781&posicion=2&presentacion=pagina here] in few years he grew to prominence and already in 1914 he was referred to as “elocuente orador”;La Correspondencia de España 08.07.14, available [http://hemerotecadigital.bne.es/issue.vm?id=0000682824&page=4 here] by mid-decade Gómez was taking to the pulpit during major feasts like the Palm Sunday and in presence of prestigious audience like the local ayuntamiento.La Voz de Castilla 05.04.14, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1088386&posicion=2&presentacion=pagina here] In the late 1910s his position in the Burgos community was already well established; not only hailed as “orador sagrado de bien cimentada y merecida fama”,La Voz de Castilla 02.07.16, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1090003&posicion=3&presentacion=pagina here] on numerous occasions he had his sermons discussed in detail in local Catholic press, usually acclaimed for doctrinal competence,El Monte Carmelo 15.09.16, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000421186&posicion=42&presentacion=pagina here] oratory skills and educational value.La Acción 31.03.23, available [http://hemerotecadigital.bne.es/issue.vm?id=0003611878&page=2 here] He was far less frequently noted as engaged in other routine religious duties; his presence during wedding mass was considered a mark of prestige for the marrying couple.Diario de Burgos 25.10.24, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000442082&posicion=1&presentacion=pagina here]

Apart from delivering sermons Gómez engaged in numerous Burgos-based Catholic organizations. In 1913 he was among the founders of Real Hermandad del Santísimo Cristo de BurgosDiario de Burgos 06.09.60, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000455048&posicion=6&presentacion=pagina here] and by 1917 he grew to the abbot of the brotherhood;Tierra Hidalga 06.01.17, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=3022026&posicion=3&presentacion=pagina here] he performed the role at least until the late 1920s.Diario de Burgos 12.11.17, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000443018&posicion=4&presentacion=pagina here] In the mid-1910s he became "director espiritual" of Asociación de Devotos de San José de la MontañaDiario de Burgos 17.01.14, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000438815&posicion=2&presentacion=pagina here] and director of Asociación Corte de Honor a Nuestra Señora del Pilar.Diario de Burgos 11.09.16, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000439630&posicion=2&presentacion=pagina here] In the early 1920s Gómez engaged in Unión Misional del CleroDiario de Burgos 12.01.24, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000441840&posicion=1&presentacion=pagina here] and by mid-decade he was member of Junta Directiva of Ateneo de Burgos;Diario de Burgos 02.04.24, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000441908&posicion=1&presentacion=pagina here] in 1928 he became vice-president of Junta Diocesana of Liga de Defensa del CleroDiario de Burgos 08.02.28, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000443091&posicion=1&presentacion=pagina here] and in 1930 he assumed management of Círculo de Estudios of Internado Teresiano in Burgos.Diario de Burgos 28.11.30, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000443926&posicion=2&presentacion=pagina here] As member of some of these organizations Gómez organized pilgrimages, e.g. in 1925 to Rome and the Holy Land;Diario de Burgos 07.07.25, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000442295&posicion=1&presentacion=pagina here] he engaged also in charity, e.g. by contributing to Fiesta de la Caridad.Diario de Burgos 20.01.12, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000438201&posicion=1&presentacion=pagina here] Since the early 1910s he was engaged in buildup of Sindicación Agrícola,Maldonado Jiménez 2015, p. 175 local Catholic agrarian trade unions.Diario de Burgos 20.03.92, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000472709&posicion=21&presentacion=pagina here]

File:Burgos - Catedral 019 - Capilla del Cristo de Burgos.JPG

As competent scholar and good organizer Gómez contributed to major nationwide Catholic projects, e.g. co-organizing Congreso Eucarístico Internacional in Madrid of 1911La Correspondencia de España 12.06.11, available [http://hemerotecadigital.bne.es/issue.vm?id=0000633171&page=7 here], Moral Roncal 2009, p. 208 or representing the Burgos diocese during preparations to Eucharistic Congress in Rome of 1922;Diario de Burgos, 20.03.92, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000472709&posicion=21&presentacion=pagina here], also Moral Roncal 2009, p. 208 he also took part in countless minor initiatives, like representing Burgos in the 1925 centenary of birth of San Luis Gonzaga.El Día de Palencia 24.12.25, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=2203151&posicion=2&presentacion=pagina here] In acknowledgement of his scholarly competence in 1920 he was nominated professor of theology at Seminario de San Jerónimo, the Burgos branch of Universidad Pontificia of Salamanca;Diario de Burgos 01.10.20, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000440839&posicion=1&presentacion=pagina here] he later specialized in dogmatics.Boletín Ecclesiastico 15.10.23, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=2187519&posicion=15&presentacion=pagina here] In the early 1920s he joined the staff of Pontificio y Real Seminario Español de S. Francisco Javier para Misiones Extranjeras, the Burgos-based papal centre which prepared candidates for missionary service.Boletín del Clero del Obispado de León 10.03.21, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=2187694&presentacion=pagina&posicion=14 here]

Beyond religion: lecturer, publisher, author

File:Ribera St. Augustine.jpg by Ribera]]

When in the mid-1910s Gómez gained local recognition as orator and theologian he started to give lectures in Catholic institutions and at one-off gatherings, initially in Burgos but soon also elsewhere, e.g. in Madrid,La Voz de Castilla 28.02.15, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1088544&posicion=3&presentacion=pagina here] ToledoLa Voz de Castilla 18.04.15, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1088567&posicion=3&presentacion=pagina here] or Zaragoza.El Papa-Moscas 27.05.17, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=3021767&posicion=11&presentacion=pagina here] Typically he appeared as guest speaker in various Catholic círculos,Diario de Burgos 12.04.19, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000440419&posicion=2&presentacion=pagina here] cultural Ateneos,Diario de Burgos 27.03.25, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000442212&posicion=2&presentacion=pagina here] Acción Católica premisesDiario de Burgos 20.03.92, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000472709&posicion=21&presentacion=pagina here] or other Catholic institutions,El Siglo Futuro 09.04.30, available [http://hemerotecadigital.bne.es/issue.vm?id=0000469811&page=6 here] less frequently he spoke at scientific or semi-scientific conferences; during dictablanda he was even recorded lecturing a military audience.Diario de Burgos 31.03.31, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000446027&posicion=1&presentacion=pagina here] His favorite topic was St. AugustineLa Acción 29.08.17, available [http://hemerotecadigital.bne.es/issue.vm?id=0003496600&page=2 here], also El Debate 20.03.23, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=2283709&posicion=3&presentacion=pagina here] and the Augustinian doctrine,e.g. at a 1923 Gómez discussed the following topics: 1) las realidades divinas en el cristiano, para explicar la vida divina y sa participación; 2) cuáles son los entidades constitutivas de esa vida físicas y permanentes en el hombre; 3) como se explica el mecanismo humano divino, psicológico y neumático, sin lesionar niestorbar todo el engranaje vital espiritual de las facultades humanas elevadas al orden sobrenatural; 4) cuál es el motor supremo en el criátianismo justo de esa vida sobrenatural, La Epoca 16.02.23, available [http://hemerotecadigital.bne.es/issue.vm?id=0000971454&page=3 here] though gradually he broadened his interest to arts, literature,ABC 08.04.24, available [http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1924/04/08/023.html here] language and other manifestations of social psychology;e.g. in 1925 Gómez delivered a series of charlas “Filosofía y psicología del lenguaje”, for details see Diario de Burgos 27.03.25, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000442212&posicion=2&presentacion=pagina here]; in a 1924 Ateneo sessions he used to give lectures not only on religious topics, e.g. on “El sentimiento, la fuerzas y el realism en las tresgrandesliteraturas de la Humanidad (la Latina, la griega y la hebrea), see Diario de Burgos 07.04.24, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000441912&posicion=1&presentacion=pagina here] at times he accounted of his foreign voyages,Diario de Burgos 31.03.31, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000446027&posicion=1&presentacion=pagina here] frequent especially in 1928-1929.Maldonado Jiménez 2015, p. 176 Regularly featured in the Burgos press, at times he was acknowledged as a distinguished lecturer also in nationwide periodicals;ABC 08.04.24, available [http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1924/04/08/023.html here] in 1920 he earned a plaza and a street in his native town.Diario de Burgos 01.10.20, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000440839&posicion=1&presentacion=pagina here]. The plaza has been renamed since then, but Calle Canonigo Gomez Roji still exists in Pedro Bernardo

In the late 1900s Gómez commenced co-operation with the ultraconservative Burgos daily El Castellano, at that times owned by Francisco Estévanez. Probably around 1909 the daily was taken over by Acción Católica Diocesana, itself controlled by the archbishopric office. Cardenal Aguirre put Gómez on top of the editorial board,Diario de Burgos 20.03.92, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000472709&posicion=21&presentacion=pagina here] the function he performed until 1920.Maldonado Jiménez 2015, p. 175 In 1916 he was appointed president of Comisión Diocesana para la Buena PrensaBoletín del Claro del Obispadeo de León 12.06.12, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=2188376&posicion=9&presentacion=pagina here] and in the early 1920s he engaged in Asociación de la Prensa de Burgos.Diario de Burgos 05.12.21, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000441196&posicion=2&presentacion=pagina here] At unspecified time he became director of the local Boletín Eclesiástico.Diario de Burgos 20.03.92, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000472709&posicion=21&presentacion=pagina here] Gómez seldom contributed own journalistic pieces, not necessarily related to religious topics.among rather few of his own articles identified the one which stands out is the 1926 piece, hailing the transatlantic flight of Ramón Franco; in exalted passages formatted as homage to Spain Gómez claimed that “la humanidad extiende sobre sus cabezas un nimbo de la gloria", Diario de Burgos 11.02.26, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000442481&posicion=1&presentacion=pagina here] Rather infrequently he penned analytical articles in specialized Catholic periodicals;e.g. in 1929 a specialized monthly Vida Sobrenatural. Revista de Teología Mística Gómez released Impresiones Rapidas in Vida Sobrenatural the only major works published were Elevaciones sobre la Santísima Virgen y Nuevo mes de Mayo, a set of translations of old Latin prayers,Diario de Burgos 25.04.29, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000443442&posicion=1&presentacion=pagina here] and Hístoria y Preces del Santísimo Cristo de Burgos. The booklet was dedicated to the 14th-century Burgos crucifix; the work discussed its history, traditions related, miracles attributed, its structure and artistic value.Diario de Burgos 14.01.15, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000439121&posicion=1&presentacion=pagina here]

File:Historia y preces del Santisimo Cristo de Burgos.jpg

Until the advent of the Republic Gómez was moderately and rather episodically engaged in politics-flavored initiatives. The first of such episodes occurred in 1910, when he engaged in public campaign against a so-called Ley del Candado, a law promoted by the Liberal Party and intended to prevent setup of new religious orders. Gómez co-presided over Burgos public rallies protesting the draft and as part of Cabildo Metropolitano he co-engineered the campaign in the province.López Teulón 2013, Martínez Sánchez 2002, pp. 31-32 Another episode took place during the late Primo de Rivera dictatorship, when Gómez penned a handful of pro-regime articles and participated in government-sponsored initiatives. In 1928 he joined the project of erecting a monument to Cid and seized the opportunity to declare that he “consideraba un deber prestar toda clase de apoyo a la obra del Gobierno actual”.Diario de Burgos 20.08.28, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000443251&posicion=1&presentacion=pagina here] A member of the primoderiverista quasi-party Unión Patriótica, in the 1929 rally he confronted calamites and miseries of late Restoration against salutary work of the dictator; he hailed UP as a link between the Spanish people and the government.Gómez presided over a 1929 rally in Teatro Principal; in his address he confronted the misery of pre-1923 politics (strikes which paralyse the country and produce losses to economy, constant bleeding in Morocco, country being sold out for foreign gold) to glories of the dictatorship, “una nube entre el pueblo y el Gobierno que rige sus destinos”, Diario de Burgos 08.04.29, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000443427&posicion=1&presentacion=pagina here] During final months of dictablanda he seemed somewhat bewildered.in January 1931 members of the Burgos aristocracy were shocked to discover that Gómez was somewhat skeptical about linking the Catholic and the monarchical cause. The entire Junta Directiva of the Burgos Acción Católica considered resignation, but eventually there was no follow up, Martínez Sánchez 2002, p. 172

Deputy

File:Bundesarchiv Bild 102-11543, Madrid, Ausrufung der Zweiten Spanischen Republik.jpg

Following the advent of the Republic Gómez decided to enter politics. He was not a member of any particular political party,Maldonado Jiménez 2015, p. 176 though his previous activity clearly located him on the Right. In the 1931 electoral campaign he joined the joint candidature of Bloque Católico-agrario,more information at Maldonado Jiménez 2015, pp. 80-83 a local Burgos right-wing alliance of monarchists, conservative landowners and Integrists.initially there were 4 competitive lists appearing in Burgos under the "Agrarian" heading; for details on pre-electoral haggling see María Luisa Tezanos Gandarillas, Ricardo Gómez Rojí y el Bloque Católico-Agrario: Burgos, [in:] María Luisa Tezanos Gandarillas, Los sacerdotes diputados ante la política religiosa de la Segunda República: 1931-1933 [PhD thesis Universidad de Alcalá], Alcalá de Henares 2017, pp. 142-144 The Bloque emergent triumphant and Gómez easily obtained the parliamentary ticket,Las elecciones constituyentes de 1931 en las merindades y Burgos, [in:] Las Merindades en la Memoria service 28.06.11, available [https://lasmerindadesenlamemoria.wordpress.com/2011/06/28/las-elecciones-constituyentes-de-1931-en-las-merindades-y-burgos/ here] having been one of 8 priests elected to the chamber.López Teulón 2013 In the Cortes he joined the Agrarian minorityLuis Teófilo Gil Cuadrado, El Partido Agrario Español (1934-1936) [PhD thesis Universidad Complutense], Madrid 2006, pp. 117, 120; according to some sources Gómez acted as speaker for the entire Agrarian minority, El Cantábrico 28.04.33, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000419610&posicion=3&presentacion=pagina here] and as its representative he took a seat in Comisión de Instrucción.La Libertad 28.07.31, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000200306&posicion=5&presentacion=pagina here] Together with his fellow Burgos deputy Estévanez Rodriguez he formed the most reactionary section of the assembly. Both “repeatedly vented their irritation at parliamentary procedure and, indeed, all things Republican”; in return they were “subjected to ceaseless interruptions and insults from left-wing deputies who regarded them as ‘troglodytes’ and ‘cave-dwellers’“.Martin Blinkhorn, Carlism and Crisis in Spain 1931-1939, Cambridge 2008, {{ISBN|9780521086349}}, pp. 59-60

Most issued Gómez discussed in the parliament were related to the Church and its role in public life.detailed discussion of Gómez and other religious Agrarian minority members taking stand on key issues discussed in the Cortes in Maldonado Jiménez 2015, pp. 190-499 In general, he was trying to stop the avalanche of secularizing and anti-clerical regulations, advanced by the republican-socialist majority. In particular, he opposed proposed legislation on cemeteries,Región 14.01.32, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000253587&posicion=8&presentacion=pagina here] on religious orders,La Prensa 30.01.01, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000010462&posicion=8&presentacion=pagina here] on marriagesEl Diario Palentino 20.05.32, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=2196512&posicion=3&presentacion=pagina here] and divorcesRegión 13.02.32, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000253610&posicion=8&presentacion=pagina here] or on Church property rights.El Diario Palentino 24.03.33, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=2201326&posicion=1&presentacion=pagina here] The thread he focused on with singular vehemence was education. Gómez defended Catholic schoolsEl magisterio español 26.03.32, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000306959&posicion=23&presentacion=pagina here] and advocated the rights of parents to educate children the way they liked;Gómez was member of Agrupación de la Defensa y Libertad de los Padres en la Educación de los Hijos, Diario de Burgos 08.08.31, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000446132&posicion=3&presentacion=pagina here] he opposed compulsory secular education and related projects like Misiones Pedagógicas, supposed to “Europeanize” Spain.Misiónez Pedagógicas was a cultural programme launched by Ministry of Public Instruction, intended for the countryside with the purpose of “Europeanizing Spain”, Sandie Eleanor Holguin, Creating Spaniards: Culture and National Identity in Republican Spain, Madison 2002, {{ISBN|9780299176341}}, pp. 48, 76 He frequently clashed on education-related issues with the chief advocate of secular and liberal schooling model, Fernando de los Ríos.El Noticiero Gaditano 18.01.32, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=2055746&posicion=1&presentacion=pagina here] He opposed the Catalan autonomy draftHoja Oficial de la Provincia de Barcelona 05.09.77, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000225808&posicion=5&presentacion=pagina here] and supported female suffrage.López Teulón 2013

File:Student conference in Spain, 1935.jpg

Gómez turned out to be a very active deputy; the press of 1931-1933 hundreds of timesbetween June 1931 and November 1933 Gómez was mentioned 503 times in press titles listed by Hemeroteca.bne service, see [http://hemerotecadigital.bne.es/index.vm here], and 756 times in press titles listed by PrensaHistorica service, see [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/consulta/busqueda.do here] noted him as exchanging arguments during plenary sessions,El Orzán 05.09.31, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=7127722&posicion=1&presentacion=pagina here] engaging in debates held by the commission,La Opinión 03.12.31, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000232174&posicion=2&presentacion=pagina here] harassing ministers during question time,El Día de Palencia 20.02.32, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=2199524&posicion=4&presentacion=pagina here] submitting legislative amendmentsEl Diario Palentino 13.02.32, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=2196420&posicion=1&presentacion=pagina here] or signing protest letters.El Adelanto 06.04.32, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000352796&posicion=4&presentacion=pagina here] When unable to get his way overruled by republican-socialist majority, he used to make sure his “voto particular” was recorded;La Opinión 03.12.31, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000232174&posicion=2&presentacion=pagina here] at times he challenged the chamber speaker and accused him of tyrannical mode of presiding.Las Provincias 08.06.32, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000318253&posicion=9&presentacion=pagina here] As it became apparent that his efforts to block the republican constitution draft – according to Gómez socializing, anti-Catholic and aimed against the familyLópez Teulón 2013 - were futile he joined a few other MPs who left the chamber in protest instead of taking part in the final voting.Heraldo de Zamora 17.10.31, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=2268175&posicion=1&presentacion=pagina here] Ridiculed by left-wing press for his “tono ambiguo, casi cariñoso y paternal”,“mete su palabara bronco y a media voz hiere rápido para volver a su tono ambiguo, casi cariñoso y paternal, de hombre que todo lo comprende, que ha vivido mucho y muy largo y conoce la humanidad por su lado flaco”, La Calle 11.09.31, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000372362&posicion=17&presentacion=pagina here] he was once assaulted on the street and received a few punches.Heraldo de Castellón 07.11.31, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000382703&posicion=3&presentacion=pagina here]. Following another tumultuous debate in the Cortes a left-wing daily accused Gómez of frequenting Madrid cabarets, El Bién Público 05.08.33, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000144948&posicion=3&presentacion=pagina here]

Carlist

File:Flag of Cross of Burgundy.svg

Some authors claim that already in 1931 Gómez was elected as a Carlist,he is counted among “cinco jaimistas” elected in 1931, Melchor Ferrer, Historia del tradicionalismo español, vol XXX, Sevilla 1979, p. 108. Similar opinion in Gabriel Alférez Callejón, Historia del Carlismo, Madrid 1995, {{ISBN|9788487863394}}, p. 232, and Martínez Sánchez 2002, p. 172. According to one more scholar in mid-1930s Gómez was “antiguo diputado carlista”, see Moral Roncal 2009, p. 208. In some other accounts his 1931 parliamentary mandate is discussed against the Carlist background, see Blinkhorn 2008, p. 57, Robert Vallverdú i Martí, El carlisme català durant la Segona República Espanyola 1931-1936, Barcelona 2008, {{ISBN|9788478260805}}, p. 84 yet there is no evidence of his links to legitimist politics prior to mid-1932. Since the 1910s appreciated by the Burgos Jaimistase.g. in 1916 the Burgos branch of Juventud Jaimista of Burgos acclaimed Gómez for “oración que como suya, superó á toda pondración, tanto en doctrina como en elocuencia galana y convicción profunda”, Tierra Hidalga 01.06.16, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=3021999&posicion=3&presentacion=pagina here] and in 1931 once speaking in the Cortes on behalf of “minoría católica navarra”,El Orzán 05.09.31, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=7127722&posicion=1&presentacion=pagina here] he was much closer to the Integrist breed of Traditionalism.Maldonado Jiménez 2015, p. 53 However, since 1932 he started to appear on Carlist ralliesLa Independencia 20.12.32, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=2111011&posicion=1&presentacion=pagina here] and in June accepted Don Alfonso Carlos’ nomination to Consejo de Cultura, a Carlist board of pundits entrusted with guarding the Traditionalist doctrinal orthodoxy.Ferrer 1979, pp. 97-98 Still member of the Agrarian minority in the Cortes,two scholarly works on Partido Agrario clearly count Gómez among members of the Agrarian parliamentary minority (though not among members of the party itself), compare Gil Cuadrado 2006, pp. 117, 120, Maldonado Jiménez 2015, p. 175 and passim. However, sporadically some press titles of the era declared Gómez a Carlist as early as February 1933, see Región 28.02.33, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000254218&posicion=11&presentacion=pagina here]. Partido Agrario and Comunión Tradicionalista indeed tended to co-operate in the Cortes and in March 1933 Gómez co-signed a common Agrarian-Carlist manifesto, El Día 03.03.33, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=6035065&posicion=2&presentacion=pagina here] in 1933 he was already fairly frequently taking part in Carlist conferences,La Gaceta de Tenerife 19.02.33, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=5049842&posicion=7&presentacion=pagina here]. Gómez took part in a conference dedicated to the Traditionalist theorist Vázquez de Mella and admitted to having been his follower, El Siglo Futuro 30.03.33, available [http://hemerotecadigital.bne.es/issue.vm?id=0000509253&page=3 here] ralliesTradición 15.01.33, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000208691&posicion=27&presentacion=pagina here], El Siglo Futuro 21.02.33, available [http://hemerotecadigital.bne.es/issue.vm?id=0000507832&page=2 here] and feasts;in March 1933 Gómez took part in a traditional Carlist feast, Día de los Martíres de la Tradición, El Siglo Futuro 10.03.33, available [http://hemerotecadigital.bne.es/issue.vm?id=0000508499&page=1 here] late in the year he took part in the Carlist pilgrimage to Italy, which included homages to remnants of defunct legitimist pretenders.Las Provincias 22.09.33, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000317652&posicion=12&presentacion=pagina here] Prior to the 1933 electoral campaign the Carlists included him among proposed right-wing alliance candidates in Burgos,La Gaceta de Tenerife 18.10.33, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=5050359&posicion=6&presentacion=pagina here] but eventually they bowed to the pressure of CEDA and Gómez fell off the list.Gil Cuadrado 2006, p. 262 He joined Coalición Católico-Agraria Burgalesa,Diario de Burgos 04.11.33, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000446768&posicion=1&presentacion=pagina here] led by José María Albiñana;irritated by alleged injustice, Gómez provided his own account of the negotiations and explained his decisions in detail in El Día 04.11.33, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=6034873&posicion=2&presentacion=pagina here] he narrowly missed the electoral threshold during the first roundin November 1933 Gómez got 18,891 votes, Diario de Burgos 24.11.33, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000446785&posicion=1&presentacion=pagina here] and lost also in by-elections one month later.in by-election of December Gómez got 17,095 votes, Las Provincias 08.12.33, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000319180&posicion=13&presentacion=pagina here]

Some authors claim that Gómez was “deeply hurt” about having been dropped from the original alliance list,Blinkhorn 2008, p. 121 yet in fact he got even closer to Carlism. He contributed to the party mouthpiece El Siglo Futuro,ABC 22.08.39, available [http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1939/08/22/018.html here] praised “our Comunión Tradicionalista”Tradición 01.07.34, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000208723&posicion=19&presentacion=pagina here] as the backbone of Spain,“fortunately, there is an association, a Comunión, … which lives for religion and fatherland: it is traditionalism”, Tradición 01.01.35, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000208729&posicion=2&presentacion=pagina here] spoke at Carlist-only rallies,Tradición 01.01.35, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=2139463&posicion=2&presentacion=pagina here] addressed Requeté and Margaritas organizations,Pensamiento Alaves 28.05.35, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000036161&posicion=3&presentacion=pagina here] appeared at Carlist círculos,La Independencia 04.06.35, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=2139475&posicion=2&presentacion=pagina here] hailed Carlist martyrs,in June 1935 Gómez took part in a rally honoring a 19th-century Carlist hero, Zumalacárregui, La Gaceta de Tenerife 25.06.35, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=5049137&posicion=5&presentacion=pagina here]; in October 1935 he attended homage session to honor a Carlist killed during the 1934 revolution, Marcelino Oreja, El Siglo Futuro 16.10.35, available [http://hemerotecadigital.bne.es/issue.vm?id=0000561026&page=21 here] consecrated Carlist standardsEl Siglo Futuro 23.12.35, available [http://hemerotecadigital.bne.es/issue.vm?id=0000569192&page=18 here] and was acclaimed as "nuestro coreligionario”.El Siglo Futuro 16.04.35, available [http://hemerotecadigital.bne.es/issue.vm?id=0000539359&page=3 here] He was also co-author of a Carlist political statement, aimed against the Alfonsine dynasty.in 1935 Gómez co-authored an article published in El Siglo Futuro; the piece was related to the wedding of Don Juan, the Alfonsist heir to the throne, Moral Roncal 2009, p. 208. The authors wished him all the best but noted that the marriage and would-be offspring are irrelevant from the dynastical point of view, as the right to the throne rested with the Carlist line. The article is the only identified case when Gómez explicitly endorsed the Carlist dynastical claim By late 1935 he explicitly and publicly embraced the Carlist identity when hailing “Dios, Patria y Rey” and “nuestro Augusto Caudillo”, the legitimist pretender Don Alfonso Carlos.El Siglo Futuro 24.12.35, available [http://hemerotecadigital.bne.es/issue.vm?id=0000569327&page=15 here] Except the seat in Consejo de Cultura Gómez did not held any post in the party.

File:Bundesarchiv Bild 146-1972-056-26, Spanischer Bürgerkrieg.jpg militia in plundered church, Madrid 1936]]

Gómez did not stand in the 1936 elections and none of the sources consulted provides information whether he intended to. Since 1934 he focused rather on advancing the Traditionalist cause in daily press,El Siglo Futuro 03.01.35, available [http://hemerotecadigital.bne.es/issue.vm?id=0000534810&page=1 here] contributed analytical studies on culture to more in-depth periodicals like Tradición, investigated “sectas y sociedades secretas”Moral Roncal 2009, p. 209 and published articles on art,El Siglo Futuro 24.01.36, available [http://hemerotecadigital.bne.es/issue.vm?id=0000573031&page=4 here] culture, anthropology and social psychology.La Gaceta de Tenerife 18.07.33, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=5049743&posicion=12&presentacion=pagina here], El Iris 02.03.36, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000219823&posicion=1&presentacion=pagina here] Having lost the Cortes ticket he returned to Burgos and resumed his sermons and the usual service of the cathedral canon;Diario de Burgos 14.09.34, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000447032&posicion=4&presentacion=pagina here] at one opportunity he was again physically assaulted.Pensamiento Alaves 04.02.36, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000032052&posicion=8&presentacion=pagina here] The July 1936 coup caught him in Madrid. On 22 July a combined patrol of policemen, Guardia Civil and militiamen came to arrest him, but in unclear circumstances he managed to avoid detention.Pensamiento Alaves 03.05.39, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000034903&posicion=3&presentacion=pagina here] However, on August 15 another patrol visited a convent looking for him, and this time Gómez was taken away. Details of his death are not clear; it is presumed he was executed the same day by the roadside between Madrid and Hortaleza,another Carlist priest executed by the Republicans was Emilio Ruiz Muñoz where his corpse has been found.Pensamiento Alaves 03.05.39, available [https://prensahistorica.mcu.es/es/catalogo_imagenes/grupo.do?path=1000034903&posicion=3&presentacion=pagina here], Jorge López Teulón, Ricardo Gómez Rojí (2), [in:] Religion en Libertad service 04.12.13, available [https://www.religionenlibertad.com/blog/32588/ricardo-gomez-roji-2.html here]. In 1960 a plaque commemorating “caídos por Dios y por la patria” was mounted on the wall of the Pedro Bernardo parish church; Gómez was named second on the list, right after José Antonio Primo de Rivera, Gómez-Roji entry, [in:] Pedro Bernardo service 16.12.13, available [https://pedrobernardo.wordpress.com/2012/10/10/11946/ here]. The plaque was illegally destroyed in 2008 by the city council amidst strong protests, Un juzgado considera que la retirada de una placa franquista "no se ajusta a derecho", [in:] 20 Minutos service 25.06.09, available [https://www.20minutos.es/noticia/475809/0/franquista/iglesia/memoria/ here]

Notes

External links

[http://www.congreso.es/portal/page/portal/Congreso/Congreso/SDocum/ArchCon/SDHistoDipu/SDIndHistDip?_piref73_1340024_73_1340023_1340023.next_page=/wc/servidorCGI&CMD=VERLST&BASE=DIPH&FMT=DIPHXLDA.fmt&DOCS=1-125&DOCORDER=FIFO&OPDEF=Y&QUERY=%2848830%29.NDIP. Gomez Roji at the official Cortes service]
{{YouTube|uhK1ER3B4Hg|Por Dios y por España; contemporary Carlist propaganda}}

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