Comillas, Claudio López y Bru, Marquis of

COMILLAS, Claudio López y Bru, Marquis of. - B. May 14, 1853 in Barcelona, d. Apr. 18, 1925 in Madrid. The death of his elder brother set him on a life of more intense fervor; but also into a melancholy from which marriage drew him out, though it gave him no children (cf. Civ. Catt., 1931, II, p. 232).

From his father he inherited important business enterprises, which he made prosper thanks to his ability and tireless industriousness; he spent his earnings in large part on improving the conditions of his employees, on relieving public calamities and in countless secret alms, on supporting activities, publications, and works for the good of the nation and of religion, foremost among these the seminary of C., which he wished to have rebuilt more worthy of the Holy See, to which he offered it. Far from party politics, he nevertheless had grave conflicts. From 1900 he was head of the board of Catholic Action. He had in view the fortunes of Spain, was an Americanist and colonialist and a pioneer in West Africa, so much so that Cadiz erected a monument to him while he was still alive. He did much in the social field, forestalling legislative measures; he organized the Catholic workers' circles, etc.

He wished to be buried dressed as a Jesuit. The process of beatification has begun.

Mario Colpo