SAINT DANIEL, PROPHET OF OLD TESTAMENT

Image of Saint Daniel the Prophet
Image of Saint Daniel the Prophet 

By Edward Matulanya 

Learn about Saint Daniel the Prophet, Old Testament hero celebrated on December 17 by the Roman Catholic Church, his faith, visions, and lessons for Christians.

1. Saint Daniel, Prophet of Old Testament; Prophet and Biblical Hero

Saint Daniel is honored by the Roman Catholic Church as one of the major prophets of the Old Testament. His life and witness, recorded in the Book of Daniel; present him as a model of unwavering faith, moral integrity, and trust in God while living under foreign rule. The Church regards Daniel as a biblical hero because he remained loyal to the God of Israel despite intense political and religious pressure (Catholic Church, 1994). For example, Daniel’s refusal to abandon prayers to God, even when threatened with death, demonstrates heroic fidelity (Dn 6:10, New American Bible Revised Edition [NABRE]).

2. Feast day of Saint Daniel the Prophet 

The Roman Catholic Church commemorates Saint Daniel on 17 December, during the season of Advent. This placement emphasizes Daniel’s role as a prophet of hope and expectation, preparing believers for the coming of Christ. Advent readings frequently highlight prophets whose messages point toward God’s ultimate salvation (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops [USCCB], 2023). For example, Daniel’s prophecies about God’s everlasting kingdom align with Advent themes of anticipation and fulfillment in Christ.

3. Biography of Saint Daniel, Old Testament Prophet

Daniel was a Jewish exile taken to Babylon in the 6th century BC. Gifted with wisdom and spiritual insight, he served in the courts of Babylonian and Persian kings while remaining faithful to the Law of God. The Church teaches that, holiness is possible even in non-believing societies, as shown through Daniel’s life (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1807). For example, Daniel’s decision to follow Jewish dietary laws despite royal pressure reflects obedience to God over cultural conformity (Dn 1:8–16, NABRE).

4. Saint Daniel in the Bible; Life, Mission, and Historical Context

The Book of Daniel combines historical narratives and apocalyptic visions. Daniel’s mission was to reveal God’s sovereignty over history and to strengthen the faith of God’s people during persecution. Catholic biblical scholarship understands the book as both encouragement and prophecy (Brown, Fitzmyer, & Murphy, 1990). For example, Daniel interprets King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, revealing that earthly kingdoms are temporary while God’s kingdom endures (Dn 2:31–45, NABRE).

5. Saint Daniel the Prophet and the Babylonian Exile

The Babylonian Exile was a period of deep crisis for Israel. Daniel’s faith showed that God remained active even outside the Promised Land. The Church sees this as a reminder that God’s presence is not limited by geography or political power (CCC, 2584). For example, Daniel prays facing Jerusalem, expressing hope in God’s future restoration (Dn 6:11, NABRE).

6. Daniel in the Lion’s Den; Faith, Courage, and Divine Protection

The account of Daniel in the lion’s den illustrates complete trust in God. Though punished for obeying God’s command to pray, Daniel is miraculously protected. The Church interprets this event as a sign of God’s faithfulness to the righteous (USCCB, 2023). For example, King Darius proclaims God’s power after witnessing Daniel’s deliverance (Dn 6:26–28, NABRE).

7. The Book of Daniel; Prophecies, Visions, and Biblical Significance

The Book of Daniel contains symbolic visions that reveal God’s ultimate victory over evil. Catholic tradition understands these visions as messages of hope for believers facing suffering and injustice (Hahn, 2012). For example, Daniel’s vision of the “Son of Man” is interpreted by Christians as foreshadowing Christ’s messianic identity (Dn 7:13–14; cf. Mt 26:64, NABRE).

8. Saint Daniel’s Visions and Their Meaning in Christian Tradition

In Christian interpretation, Daniel’s visions reveal God’s control over history and His promise of eternal justice. The Church reads these passages as affirmations of Christ’s kingdom and final judgment (CCC, 664). For example, the everlasting kingdom described by Daniel is seen as fulfilled in Christ and the Church.

9. Why Saint Daniel Is Honored as a Prophet and Saint

Saint Daniel is honored as a prophet because he received divine revelation and proclaimed God’s truth. He is venerated as a saint because of his exemplary holiness and faithfulness. His life reflects the qualities the Church associates with authentic prophecy (CCC, 2581). For example, Daniel speaks truth to powerful rulers without fear, trusting in God rather than human authority.

10. Saint Daniel as a Model of Faithfulness and Prayer

Daniel’s disciplined prayer life makes him a lasting model for Catholics. The Church teaches that, persistent prayer sustains faith during trials (CCC, 2742). For example, Daniel prayed three times daily, even when prayer was forbidden (Dn 6:10, NABRE).

11. Feast Day of Saint Daniel the Prophet

The feast of Saint Daniel invites Catholics to reflect on hope, perseverance, and trust in God’s promises. Celebrated during Advent, it reinforces the Church’s call to faithful waiting (USCCB, 2023). For example, Advent homilies often reference Daniel as an example of steadfast hope.

12. How the Roman Catholic Church Celebrates Saint Daniel

Saint Daniel is commemorated through liturgical readings, prayer, and reflection rather than elaborate rituals. His witness is often recalled during Advent and Ordinary Time. For example, Priests may highlight Daniel’s courage in homilies addressing modern challenges to faith.

13. Saint Daniel’s Importance in Judaism and Christianity

Daniel holds significance in Judaism as a righteous exile and in Christianity as a prophet whose visions point to Christ. The Church respects this shared heritage while emphasizing Daniel’s role in salvation history (Brown et al., 1990). For example, Catholic lectionaries include readings from Daniel to illustrate God’s faithfulness across covenants.

14. Lessons from Saint Daniel for Christians Today

Saint Daniel teaches believers to remain faithful under pressure, to trust in God’s justice, and to live with integrity in all circumstances. For example, Christians facing moral or social pressure can look to Daniel as a guide for faithful witness.

15. Saint Daniel the Prophet; Symbol of Hope and Trust in God

Daniel’s life testifies that God never abandons those who remain faithful. The Church presents him as a symbol of hope for believers facing adversity (CCC, 1817). For example, his deliverance from the lions’ den reassures Christians of God’s saving power.

16. Prayers and Reflections for the Feast of Saint Daniel

On his feast day, Catholics may ask Saint Daniel’s intercession for wisdom, courage, and perseverance in faith. For example (paraphrased prayer), Faithful servant of God, Saint Daniel, pray that we may trust the Lord in every trial.

References

Brown, R. E., Fitzmyer, J. A., & Murphy, R. E. (1990). The New Jerome biblical commentary. Prentice Hall.

Catholic Church. (1994). Catechism of the Catholic Church. Libreria Editrice Vaticana.

Hahn, S. (2012). Catholic Bible dictionary. Doubleday.

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2023). The Roman Missal and lectionary for Mass. USCCB.

The Holy Bible, New American Bible Revised Edition. (2011). United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Catholic Faith

Comments

Post a Comment

Please keep comments friendly and on-topic

Popular Posts

FAITH OF ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

Image
Image of Catholic Church at Vatican By Edward Matulanya Here are Meaning, believe, founder, sacraments, teaching source, Morals, source of faith, History and key teaching of Roman Catholic Church. 1. Meaning of Roman Catholic Church  The Roman Catholic Church means the universal Christian community under the leadership of the Bishop of Rome (the Pope). 2. Understand the Core Beliefs of the Roman Catholic Faith The Roman Catholic Church belief in one God in three persons ; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1997, §234; Matt. 28:19). Catholics hold that Jesus Christ is true God and true man, whose incarnation, death, and resurrection bring salvation to humanity (CCC, 1997, §§461–463; John 1:14). 3. Founder of Roman Catholic Church  The Church, founded by Christ on the apostles with the pope as Peter’s successor, is “the universal sacrament of salvation” (CCC, 1997, §774; Matt. 16:18–19). Salvation is a gift of grace received through faith ...
Read more

SACRED SCRIPTURE

Image
Image of Roman Catholic Holy Bible By Edward Matulanya  Discover Sacred Scripture, the Word of God, and how it shapes Catholic worship, daily life, and understanding of God’s revelation. Learn about the  meaning, development, Inspiration and Authority, and Role of Sacred Scripture According to the Roman Catholic Church. 1. Introduction to Sacred Scripture in the Roman Catholic Church Sacred Scripture, or the Bible, is the written Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and forms a foundation for Catholic faith , morality, and worship. Sacred Scripture is inseparable from Sacred Tradition and the guidance of the Magisterium (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1993, §§81–83). Scripture is both divine and human, communicating truth through historical, cultural, and literary contexts (Dei Verbum, 1965, §§11–12). For e xample, r eciting Psalms during the Liturgy of the Hours (CCC, 1174). Also,  Abraham’s faith in God’s promise (Genesis 12–22, NAB) as a model of trust....
Read more

ONE GOD

Image
  One God  By Edward Matulanya  Here’s a clear explanation of One God according to the Roman Catholic Church, as explained by the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) and the Holy Bible. The Roman Catholic Church teaches that there is one, living, and true God, the Creator of all things, who is eternal, all-powerful, all-knowing, and present everywhere. God is one in essence (nature) but exists as a Trinity of Persons; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This mystery of one divine substance in three Persons does not divide God, but reveals His inner life of perfect unity and love. According to Catechism of the Catholic Church, (CCC 200) “There is but one God: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, a Trinity of one substance.” Also, (CCC 201) “To Israel, his chosen, God revealed himself as the only One: ‘Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD…’ (Dt 6:4).”Further more, (CCC 253) “The Trinity is One. We do not confess three Gods, but one God in three Persons, the ‘consu...
Read more

PRAYERS IN ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

Image
Image of a person praying  By Edward Matulanya  Here are Meaning, purpose, types,  Powers, and significance of Prayers in the Roman Catholic Church. 1. What Is Prayer in the Roman Catholic Church? The Catholic Church teaches that, prayer is "the raising of one’s mind and heart to God" (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1997, para. 2559). For example, Speaking to God about your day. 2. The Purpose of Prayer in Catholic Spiritual Life Prayer helps Catholics grow in relationship with God , receive grace , and discern His will (CCC, 1997, para. 2561–2565). For e xample, asking God for guidance before making a tough choice. 3. Types of Prayer Taught by the Catholic Church The Church identifies blessing, adoration, petition, intercession, thanksgiving, and praise as core forms of prayers (CCC, 1997, para. 2626–2643). For e xample, Praying for a friend's health (intercession). I. Prayer of Blessing  A prayer of blessing is when God’s goodness is acknowledged and when ...
Read more

TWELVE APOSTLES OF JESUS

Image
  Image of Jesus Christ with twelve apostles at last feast By Edward Matulanya Here are twelve apostles chosen by Jesus, celebration of Eucharist, their mission, their succession, their liturgical Celebration a summary of their lives.  The Catholic Church teaches that Jesus personally chose and appointed the Twelve to share in His mission and to lay the foundation of the Church. 1. Twelve apostles chosen by Jesus  Jesus called his disciples, and chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles (Luke 6:13, NABRE). They were to be with Him, to preach, and to have authority to drive out demons (Mark 3:13-19). 2. Celebration of Eucharist At the Last Supper He conferred on them a share in His priesthood and the command to celebrate the Eucharist (Luke 22:19–20; Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1994/2019, §§859–860). Catholics hold that this apostolic ministry continues through apostolic succession, with bishops as the successors of the apostles (CCC §§861–862). 3. The...
Read more

SALVATION

Image
Image of Jesus on the cross By Edward Matulanya  Here are meaning, Biblical Foundations, Early Church Understanding, Medieval Development, Modern Developments, Process, and  Sacraments as Means  of Salvation According to the Roman Catholic Church Meaning of Salvation Salvation, in Roman Catholic theology, refers to the deliverance from sin and union with God through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. It is a lifelong process involving divine grace, human freedom, and participation in the sacraments (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1992, §§1987–2029). Catholic soteriology emphasizes both God’s initiative and human cooperation within a framework rooted in Scripture and developed through centuries of theological reflection (Denzinger, 2012). Biblical Foundations Catholic teaching holds that salvation is grounded in both Scripture and Tradition . Core biblical passages include John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8–10, James 2:24, and Philippians 2:12–13. These texts demonstrat...
Read more

DEVOTION

Image
  Devotion of Jesus By Edward Matulanya   Here are Meaning, history, theology, role and significance of Devotion in the Roman Catholic Church. 1. Meaning of Devotion In Roman Catholic theology, devotion refers to the loving, voluntary dedication of one’s heart, mind, and actions to God . The term comes from the Latin devotus, meaning “consecrated” or “set apart” (Aquinas, Summa Theologiae, II-II, Q.82). The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes devotion as an expression of charity love that moves the believer to prayer and worship (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1997, §2098). > Devotion is not mere emotion; it is the steady offering of oneself to God. Aspect of Devotion Devotion includes Faith (belief in God),  Love (desire to be united with God), and  Practice (acts of prayer, charity, and virtue). 2. Historical Development Early Church (1st–4th c.) Early Christians focused their devotion on Sacred Scripture , the Eucharist , and prayer, often vener...
Read more

SAINT JOSEPH OF CUPERTINO

Image
Saint Joseph of Cupertino  By Edward Matulanya Early life of Saint Joseph of Cupertino St. Joseph of Cupertino was born June 17, 1603, in Cupertino, Apulia (southern Italy). Orphaned before birth and raised in poverty, he struggled with learning and was considered slow by his peers. After repeated rejections from religious communities, he was eventually accepted as a servant by the Conventual Franciscans and later admitted as a friar. Vocational life of Saint Joseph of Cupertino  Despite his lack of education, Joseph was ordained a priest in 1628 after a providentially simple examination. He became famous for extraordinary mystical phenomena, especially levitation during ecstatic prayer. These events attracted large crowds and even the attention of the Inquisition, though he was never condemned. Because the public excitement disrupted community life, Joseph spent much of his later years in seclusion, devoted to humility and prayer. He died on September 18, 1663, in Osimo, Ital...
Read more

GRACE

Image
The Spirit descends on Jesus at His baptism By Edward Matulanya  Here are meaning, functions,types, theology, Aspects and historical development of Grace. 1. Historical Development of the Concept of Grace Biblical Foundations The concept of grace (Latin: gratia; Greek: charis) is central to both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, grace denotes God’s steadfast love and favor toward Israel despite their unworthiness (Exodus 33:19; Psalm 103:8–12). In the New Testament, grace is fully revealed in Jesus Christ. St. Paul emphasizes grace as a divine gift that saves humanity apart from works of the law (Romans 3:24; Ephesians 2:8–9; Titus 3:7). Early Church Fathers Early theologians reflected on grace as the divine initiative in salvation. St. Irenaeus (ca. 130–202) saw salvation as the restoration of divine likeness through God’s gratuitous gift. Origen (ca. 184–253) and Clement of Alexandria (ca. 150–215) emphasized synergy between divine grace and human free will. The g...
Read more

SACRAMENT OF EUCHARIST

Image
  Sacrament of Eucharist By Edward Matulanya  Meaning of Sacrament of Eucharist  The Eucharist, also called Holy Communion, is the central sacrament of the Catholic Church, often referred to as the “source and summit of the Christian life” (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1994, §1324). It is both a sacrament of Christ’s real presence and the memorial of His sacrifice, making present the Paschal Mystery for the faithful. Biblical Foundations of Sacrament of Eucharist  The Eucharist has deep roots in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, Melchizedek’s offering of bread and wine (Genesis 14:18), the Passover sacrifice (Exodus 12), and manna in the desert (Exodus 16) foreshadow the Eucharistic mystery. In the New Testament, the Last Supper narratives (Matthew 26:26–29; Mark 14:22–25; Luke 22:14–20; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26) provide the institution of the Eucharist, where Jesus declares the bread and wine to be His Body and Blood. John’s Gospel adds...
Read more