A new Catholic social enterprise is bridging prayer, home decor, and charitable action through handcrafted candles inspired by the Sanctuary of Lourdes. Founded by Spanish entrepreneur Borja Pérez de Brea, DECRUX aims to turn ordinary living spaces into domestic sanctuaries by blending traditional devotional candles with home aesthetics. Pérez de Brea presented the initiative directly to Pope Leo XIV following a General Audience in Rome, while also formally handing over project details to Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin during the International Leaders Academy forum.
DECRUX operates on an inclusive and fully charitable business model, directing 100 percent of its profits toward initiatives aligned with the Social Doctrine of the Church. Additionally, the candles are produced in collaboration with young people with intellectual disabilities, providing meaningful employment and fostering social inclusion. Pérez de Brea describes the enterprise as a “crowdfunding tool and a circular economy within the Church,” designed to support humanitarian work while offering believers a tangible way to maintain prayer intentions in their daily lives.
The idea for DECRUX was born at the Sanctuary of Lourdes out of a desire to mirror the practice of lighting candles before the Blessed Virgin Mary within the privacy of one’s own home. By bringing the symbolism of the Marian sanctuary into family living rooms, the project seeks to encourage faith and evangelization in everyday environments. With endorsement from church leadership and support from international leadership forums, the social enterprise hopes to expand its reach and light the way for church-backed social action worldwide.