We are thrilled by the announcement that the first miracle attributed to the intercession of Enrique Shaw, the Argentine businessman and devout Catholic, has passed the medical review. A cause for his canonization has now officially been opened. Enrique Shaw’s life of integrity, compassion, and service offers a powerful example of how business can be a force for good when rooted in faith.
As a reminder of his inspiring legacy, the Busch School is proud to house the world’s only stained-glass window of Enrique Shaw, located across from the entrance to St. Michael the Archangel Chapel. In a special gesture, Catholic University received permission to depict Shaw with a halo—even though he is not yet canonized—symbolizing the profound impact his example has on future business leaders.
Enrique Shaw
Servant of God Enrique Shaw was a 20th-century businessman in Argentina. Pope Francis has said of him, “Enrique Shaw was rich, yet saintly. A person can have money. God gives it to him so he can administer it well, and this man administered it well.”
Shaw worked from a young age. At fourteen, he joined the Navy. He frequently exhorted his shipmates to live for God, and gave them lessons in religion and encouraged them to go to Mass. While on vacation, he read a book on Catholic Social Doctrine, which he called a conversion. After marrying, he became a business executive because he wanted to promote Catholic Social Doctrine. He was instrumental in working with other entrepreneurs to establish family benefits -- knowing that behind most workers are dependent loved ones. Shaw himself had nine children.
When Shaw was sick with cancer, more than two hundred employees lined up to donate blood to him. He said he was happy because he had his workers’ blood coursing through his veins. Saint John Paul II seemed to be describing Shaw when he spoke of “a model of a very human entrepreneur” who spreads “the richness of love more than the love of richness.”
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the home of the Busch School, Maloney Hall, stands as a physical representation of our mission: a place where modern technology and design meet faith. At the heart of this space lies the St. Michael the Archangel Chapel, an active place of prayer that reminds us of the unity between our faith and our professional lives. The chapel features original artwork from Spanish artists, including ten stained-glass windows that honor saints and holy people who serve as patrons for business leaders. In addition to Enrique Shaw, these figures include Catherine of Alexandria, Pier Giorgio Frassati, Margaret Clitherow, Gregory the Great, Josemaría Escrivá, Elizabeth Ann Seton, Thomas Aquinas, Katharine Drexel, and Maximilian Kolbe.
As we look ahead in this new year, we ask for the intercession of Enrique Shaw, that he may continue to inspire our business students and all professionals who seek to lead with faith, integrity, and humanity. His life is a model for how to build not only successful businesses but also the common good. May his example guide us as we seek to make business truly a force for good.