Daniel of Padua
Saint Daniel of Padua is venerated as the deacon of Saint Prosdocimus, the first Bishop of Padua. Said to have been of Jewish extraction, he aided Prosdocimus in evangelizing northeastern Nava before being martyred by being dragged by a horse. His relics were translated in 1064 and are housed in the Basilica Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta.
- Feast Day
- January 3
- Century
- 2nd century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Daniel of Padua died in 168 AD.
- ›He served as the deacon to Saint Prosdocimus, the first Bishop of Padua.
- ›Tradition states he was of Jewish extraction.
- ›He assisted Prosdocimus in evangelizing northeastern Nava.
- ›Daniel was martyred by being dragged by a horse, resulting in his body being crushed.
- ›His relics were translated on January 3, 1064, and are located in the Basilica Cattedrale DI Santa Maria Assunta.
Wives Whose Husbands Are At War, Those Suffering Confinement Or Imprisonment, Finding Lost Articles
Towel, Laver
About Daniel of Padua
Saint Daniel of Padua
Saint Daniel of Padua is venerated as a deacon and martyr, closely associated with Saint Prosdocimus, the first Bishop of Padua. His life and death are rooted in the early Christian history of northeastern Italy.
Life and historical context
Tradition states that Daniel was of Jewish extraction and played a significant role in assisting Saint Prosdocimus in the evangelization of northeastern Nava. He is believed to have died around 168 AD. His martyrdom is described as particularly gruesome; he was dragged by a horse, leading to his body being crushed. This violent end marks him as a martyr for the faith.
Relics and Veneration
Daniel's relics hold a place of veneration. They were translated on January 3, 1064, and are now housed in the Basilica Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta. This event underscores the enduring respect and devotion afforded to him.
Patronage and Iconography
Saint Daniel is invoked for protection and assistance in specific circumstances. He is called upon by women whose husbands are engaged in warfare, and by those who are experiencing confinement or imprisonment. Similar to Saint Anthony of Padua, he is also invoked to help in finding lost articles. Iconographically, Daniel is depicted as a deacon, often holding a towel and laver. These symbols represent his service to his bishop, referencing Jesus' washing of his disciples' feet, and also allude to ritual washing practices in traditional Judaism.
Artistic Representations
His life and martyrdom have inspired artistic works. The Detroit Institute of Arts holds a tempera on panel painting by Jacopo da Montagnana titled "Saint Daniel and Saint Louis of Toulouse" (c. 1495). Furthermore, the Metropolitan Museum of Art possesses two bronze sculptures by Francesco Bertos depicting scenes from his martyrdom, including him being dragged by a horse before the Roman governor of Padua and being nailed between two planks of wood. A chapel dedicated to Saint Daniel exists in the Abbey Church of Santa Giustina in Padua, and the altarpiece depicting his "Martyrdom of Saint Daniel" (1677) is a work by Antonio Zanchi.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Saint Daniel of Padua live and die?
Saint Daniel of Padua died in 168 AD. His life and ministry are placed in the 2nd century.
What was Saint Daniel of Padua's role?
He is venerated as the deacon of Saint Prosdocimus, the first Bishop of Padua. He aided Prosdocimus in evangelizing northeastern Nava.
How was Saint Daniel of Padua martyred?
According to tradition, Saint Daniel of Padua was martyred by being dragged by a horse, which crushed his body.
Where are Saint Daniel of Padua's relics kept?
Daniel's relics were translated on January 3, 1064, and are now located in the Basilica Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta.
Who is Saint Daniel of Padua invoked by?
He is invoked by women whose husbands are at war, by those suffering confinement or imprisonment, and to find lost articles.
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