SPINOLA y MAESTRE, MARCEL. - Cardinal, archbishop of Seville, b. at S. Fernando (diocese of Cadiz) on 14 Jan. 1835, d. at Seville on 22 Jan. 1906.
Having already obtained a degree in law, he renounced his right of primogeniture in order to embrace the ecclesiastical vocation. In 1871, as parish priest of S. Lorenzo in Seville, he devoted himself zealously to founding works for the benefit of the people, opening nurseries and schools for girls, and homes for male and female orphans. He was elected auxiliary to the archbishop on 16 Dec. 1880; in 1884 he was transferred to the see of Coria, in 1886 to that of Malaga, and finally in 1895 to that of Seville.
A prolific and zealous orator, he took part in all the Catholic Congresses of Spain, promoted the workers’ associations of the archdiocese, pleaded before the Senate the cause of Sunday rest and of relations between the State and the Church, while continuing always to show his paternal generosity in relieving every need and every misfortune.