COMILLAS, CLAUDIO LOPEZ Y BRÚ, marquis of. - B. 14 May 1853 in Barcelona, d. 18 Apr. 1925 in Madrid. The death of his elder brother directed him toward a life of more intense fervour, but also toward a melancholy from which marriage freed him, though it gave him no children (cf. Civ. Catt., 1931, II, p. 232).
From his father he inherited important business enterprises, which he caused to prosper through his ability and tireless industry; he spent the profits largely on improving the conditions of his employees, aiding public disasters, and in countless secret alms, supporting activities, publications, and works for the benefit of the nation and religion, foremost among them the seminary of C., which he wished rebuilt in a manner more worthy of the Holy See, to which he offered II. Far removed from party politics, he nevertheless encountered serious opposition. From 1900 he was head of the council of Catholic Action. He had the prosperity of Spain at heart; he was an Americanist and colonialist, and a pioneer in West Africa, so much so that Cadiz erected a monument to him during his lifetime. He did much in the social field, forestalling legislative measures; he organized Catholic workers’ circles, etc.
He wished to be buried dressed as a Jesuit. The process of beatification has begun.