Blessed Daniel Brottier

Biography

Blessed Daniel Brottier, also known as Father Daniel Brottier, was born on 7 September 1876 in La Ferté-Saint-Cyr, Diocese of Blois, France. He was ordained as a Catholic priest in 1899 and began his journey of service to the Church and humanity.

After being ordained, Blessed Daniel Brottier taught at the college of Pontlevoy in France. In 1902, he entered the Congregation of the Holy Ghost at Orly, France, committing himself to a life of missionary work. The following year, in 1903, he embarked on a significant mission to Saint-Louis, Senegal, where he dedicated himself to spreading the message of God's love and serving the local community.

While in Saint-Louis, Blessed Daniel Brottier faced various challenges and experienced declining health. In 1911, he made the difficult decision to return to France to seek improved medical care and allow himself to recover.

His dedication to his faith and his desire to help others did not waver during this time. In response to a request from Bishop Jalabert, Blessed Daniel Brottier conducted a fund-raising campaign to support the construction of a cathedral in Dakar, Senegal. He saw the cathedral not only as a place of worship but also as a tribute to Africans who had lost their lives for France and French individuals who had died while serving Africa. The cathedral was consecrated on 2 February 1936, a few weeks before his death.

Blessed Daniel Brottier's commitment to serving others extended beyond his missionary work. He also served as a chaplain in the French army during World War I, where he demonstrated immense bravery and was cited six times for his courageous actions. As a result, he was awarded the Croix de Guerre and the Legion of Honour.

Throughout his time in the army, Blessed Daniel Brottier credited his survival on the front lines to the intercession of Saint Therese of Lisieux. In gratitude, he built a chapel dedicated to Saint Therese at Auteuil when she was canonized. After the war, he dedicated his efforts to the administration of the Orphan Apprentices of Auteuil, supporting and caring for orphaned and vulnerable children.

Blessed Daniel Brottier received great admiration and recognition during his life, being honored as a man who prioritized the family of God above matters of nationality or race. His selfless dedication to serving others, regardless of their background, left a lasting impact on all those he encountered.

On 28 February 1936, Blessed Daniel Brottier passed away in Paris, France, due to natural causes. His funeral was a testament to the impact he had made, with 15,000 Parisians attending to honor his memory. Cardinal Verdier delivered the funeral homily, paying tribute to the remarkable life Blessed Daniel Brottier had lived in service of God and humanity.

Blessed Daniel Brottier's extraordinary virtues were acknowledged by Pope John Paul II, who declared him venerable on 13 January 1983. Later, on 25 November 1984, Pope John Paul II beatified him in Rome, Italy, recognizing his life as an inspiration for all Catholics around the world to follow. Blessed Daniel Brottier continues to be revered as a shining example of faith, selflessness, and love.