By Charles Igwe
The path to sainthood for Enrique Shaw, an Argentine businessman renowned for his faith and dedication, took a significant step forward as a reported miracle attributed to his intercession cleared a critical phase in the canonization process. The alleged healing, which had been under medical scrutiny, has now moved on to the theological evaluation stage by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.
Bishop Santiago Olivera, the military bishop of Argentina and vice postulator of Shaw’s cause, shared the encouraging development with the Argentine news agency AICA from Rome. While celebrating this milestone, he urged caution, explaining that the miracle must still pass through a commission of theologians, followed by scrutiny by bishops and cardinals. If these stages are successful, Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, prefect of the Dicastery, will present the case to Pope Francis for the announcement of Shaw’s beatification decree.
Despite the remaining steps, Bishop Olivera expressed optimism, calling this week’s progress a momentous occasion. “Today was a very important day,” he said. “It passed the medical phase regarding what was presented about the healing. We continue to pray and wait with respect for the next stages.”
Enrique Shaw’s story demonstrates faith lived out in everyday life. Born on February 26, 1921, in Paris, Shaw moved with his family to Argentina shortly after his birth. He attended the Naval Military School, where he exhibited a deep commitment to apostolic work. In 1943, he married Cecilia Bunge, with whom he had nine children. Two years later, Shaw left the Argentine Navy to dedicate himself to working life, aiming to evangelize and uplift the working class.
Shaw’s leadership and faith-inspired vision led to the creation of the Christian Association of Business Leaders, an organization promoting ethical practices in the corporate world. His life of service, marked by his profound love for family and work, came to an early end when he died of cancer on August 27, 1962, at the age of 41.
The cause for Shaw’s canonization began in 1997 with its preliminary phase, and by 2007, the formal process was officially opened. After completing its diocesan phase in 2013, the cause moved to Rome in 2014, where it gained momentum. In 2020, documentation for the alleged miracle underwent thorough investigation, culminating in Pope Francis declaring Shaw “venerable” on April 24, 2021, in recognition of his heroic virtues.
As Shaw’s cause progresses, his life continues to inspire people around the world. A devout layman, husband, and father, he demonstrated that sanctity is achievable in the ordinary and often demanding spheres of family and work. With prayers and hope, the faithful now await the next stages in his journey toward beatification, a process that celebrates a life devoted to faith, integrity, and the dignity of labour.
