Antoine Daniel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids SaintAntoine Daniel |
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North American Martyrs holy card, c. 1930
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| Jesuit, Missionary, Martyr | |
| Born | 27 May 1601 Dieppe, Normandy, France |
| Died | 4 July 1648 (aged 47) Teanaustaye, Pays d'en Haut, Canada, New France |
| Canonized | 29 June 1930 by Pope Pius XI |
| Feast | 19 October (outside Canada) 26 September (Canada) |
Antoine Daniel (born May 27, 1601 – died July 4, 1648) was a French Jesuit missionary. A Jesuit is a member of a Catholic religious order called the Society of Jesus. He traveled to North America to share his faith. He worked at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons in what is now Canada. He is known as one of the eight Canadian Martyrs, who were killed for their faith.
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Who Was Antoine Daniel?
Antoine Daniel was born in Dieppe, a town in Normandy, France. This was on May 27, 1601. He studied philosophy and law for a few years. Then, on October 1, 1621, he joined the Society of Jesus in Rouen.
His Early Life and Education
From 1623 to 1627, Daniel taught younger students at a school in Rouen. In 1627, he went to another school in Paris. There, he studied theology, which is the study of religious faith. He became a priest in 1630. After that, he taught at a school in Eu.
Journey to New France
In 1632, Antoine Daniel and another Jesuit, Ambroise Davost, sailed to a place called New France. This area is now part of Canada. Daniel's brother, Charles, was a sea-captain. He worked for a French company.
They first arrived at St. Anne's Bay in Cape Breton. The two Jesuits stayed there for a year. They helped the French people who had settled in that area.
In the spring of 1633, Daniel and Davost joined Captain Morieult. They sailed to Quebec. They arrived there on June 24. Davost stopped at Tadoussac along the way. This was a French trading settlement.
Missionary Work
In 1634, Daniel traveled to Wendake with Jean de Brébeuf and Daoust. Wendake was the land of the Huron people. Daniel quickly learned the Wendat (Huron) language. He translated important prayers into the Huron language. These included the Lord's Prayer and the Creed. He even set them to music.
For two years, he ran a school for Native American boys. This school was in what is now Quebec. In 1638, he went back to Huronia. He was there to help Brébeuf at a new mission.
His Final Stand
In July 1648, Daniel returned to Teanaostaye. This was the main town of the Huron people. Soon after, on July 4, the Iroquois attacked the mission. Most of the Huron men were away in Quebec for trading.
Father Daniel bravely gathered the people to defend themselves. Before the attackers could climb over the walls, he rushed to the chapel. Women, children, and old men were gathered there. He gave them a general absolution, which is a religious blessing. He also baptized those who were learning about Christianity. He did this by sprinkling water on them with his handkerchief.
Daniel was still wearing his priest's clothes. He picked up a cross and walked towards the attacking Iroquois. The Iroquois stopped for a moment. Then, they fired at him. They put Daniel's body into the chapel and set it on fire. Many Huron people managed to escape during this attack.
Antoine Daniel was the first missionary to the Hurons to die for his faith. Father Ragueneau, who was his leader, wrote about him. He called Daniel "a truly remarkable man." He said Daniel was humble, obedient, and very close to God. He also praised Daniel's endless patience and strong courage during hard times.
Honoring Saint Antoine Daniel
Antoine Daniel and seven other martyrs were made saints. This process is called canonization. Pope Pius XI canonized them on June 29, 1930.
The Catholic Church celebrates these Holy Martyrs of Canada. In Canada, their special day is September 26. In the rest of the world, it is October 19.
A Catholic church and parish in Kitchener, Ontario, is named after him. It is called St. Anthony Daniel Roman Catholic Church. There are also elementary schools named after him. One is in Victoria Harbour, Ontario, and another is in Willowdale, Ontario.
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