Pope Leo XIV honors entrepreneur Enrique Shaw's beatification cause

Why the commandments work

Namesake to our current pontiff, Pope Leo XIII's desire for scientific progress matched his diplomatic balance for workers' rights during an exploding industrial revolution, see Rerum Novarum. True to the 1st commandment, Leo XIII's conservativism opposed socialism, rationalism and Americanism, all of which dilute Catholic doctrine. Today, Pope Leo XIV parallels these desires in an exploding technological revolution. Just this month, Leo XIV announced the below in the beatification case of servant of God, Enrique Shaw.

"One can be both an entrepreneur and saint. Economic efficiency and fidelity to the Gospel are not mutually exclusive.” 

Love thy neighbor--in commerce

Of German and Scottish descent, Enrique Shaw was born in 1921 in Paris, France. His mother died when he was 4. The family moved to Argentina where Enrique later joined the Marines and became an officer during WW2. After the war, he started a glass and plastics business where he catapulted to prominent executive and industry influencer. He viewed workers as family whose loyalty he rewarded with generous wages and congenial conditions. He founded pension funds. His health care plans provided medical services and financial support during illness and births.

• In 1943, he married his devout Cecilia, and created 9 souls. One of whom, is a priest. Shaw taught the importance the Holy Mass and the rosary.

• In 1946, one of his initiatives was the application of Catholic social doctrine in the workplace, He followed the social teachings of Pope Pius XII. He served in a humanitarian aid organization for post-war Europe.

• In 1952, he founded the Christian Association of Business Executives with Cardinal Joseph Cadign. He served as president of Argentina's Catholic Action and joined the Order of the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher.

• In 1955, he was persecuted for Catholic activities under the authoritarian administration of Juan Peron. He was arrested and imprisoned, yet his reputation for altruism grew. He gave away food and mattresses as fast as relatives could bring them in.

• In 1957, he was diagnosed with cancer--at age 36. During this time, he became a prolific writer authoring many books. Meanwhile, he presented at conferences on how to maintain ethics and workers' dignity while promoting forward progress. Despite the many risks, he took a pilgrimage to Lourdes.

• In 1961, a firm he had led was sold to an American trust fund that decided to fire >1000 people. Shaw opposed the "den of thieves" approach and proposed a plan to retain workers. 

• In 1962, he received blood transfusions. Hospital staff were amazed and perplexed at the line of co-workers wishing to give the gift of life, as did Christ on the cross. Before his death, he verbalized happiness at how he and the blood of his friends would meet Jesus soon. He died on August 27, 1962.

• In 2001, his cause for sainthood was opened, awarding him the title Servant of God.

All things are possible with God

For Pope Leo XIV, Enrique's vocation “shows that one can be both an entrepreneur and saint.” The Pope calls for “an innovative, competitive and, above all, humane industry, capable of supporting the development of our peoples without leaving anyone behind.” Additionally, his life exemplifies trust in how God provides for those who "go forth and multiply." If we bring procreate as God asks, why wouldn't He give us the tools and resources to succeed? 

Our miracles await

Please ask Servant of God Enrique Shaw to intercede for your next miracle. God-willing, this soon to be saint is a perfect match for our times. His devotion to dignity in the workplace proves that greed and corruption are unnecessary for technological growth, profit and progress. Thank you, Papa Leo for honoring his cause.

Jesus, we trust in You.

Sources:

Pope finds inspiration in businessmen on path to sainthood | Aletia.com

Pope highlights example of Argentine businessman Enrique Shaw: ‘One can be both an entrepreneur and a saint’ | Catholic News Agency