Br. Damián Coll Camps was born in San Cristóbal, Menorca on October 22, 1926, the son of the late Damián Coll Meliá and Consuelo Camps. He was baptized on October 31, 1926 and confirmed on October 7, 1928.
He received the Franciscan habit in Palma on August 21, 1949. He made his novitiate in Artá, where he made his temporary profession on August 23, 1950. In the Parish of San Cristóbal, Menorca, he made his solemn profession on August 12, 1956. After his temporary profession he spent a short period of time in the Porziuncola and in 1951 he was assigned to the Parish of San Diego in Madrid as sacristan, where he remained for thirteen years. From 1964 to 1965, he was assigned to the Llucmajor Convent and later, in 1965; he went to the San Francisco de Palma convent as the person in charge of the front desk and maintenance of the House.
Three years later, in 1968, he was assigned to the Convent-Parish of San Francisco de Madrid, as sacristan and resided in that convent. In all his assignments, he was distinguished for his dedication to work and for his dedication to caring for the liturgy and the upkeep of the churches in which he was sacristan.
Another virtue to highlight was his great dedication to social work. Through the friendships he maintained with authorities and the wealthy, Fr. Damián was the generous hand that helped those most in need in the Vallecas neighborhood. He also had a special gift with youth. Vacation trips of boys’ groups to the island of Menorca, organized and funded by Br. Damián, are very famous.
As for his care and decoration of the Church, it is necessary to highlight the art and great taste that he displayed during Christmas in the preparation of monumental Nativity scenes. For 10 consecutive years the Crèche Provincial Association of Madrid awarded him the First Prize for “Popular Nativity Scenes” until it stopped awarding him because the association set a maximum number of 10 awards that could be received. Nonetheless, in 1980 he changed his style and emphasized the historical elements of the new nativity scene and again won first prize in the category of “Historic Nativity scenes”.
Sister Death visited him on March 24, 2020, in her convent of San Francisco de Asís, Madrid.
Due to the coronavirus emergency situation, there were no community events (visitation and funeral). When God provides, these public displays of Christian sorrow and faith will be celebrated. The dates of these celebrations will be communicated in advance.