Blessed Daniele di Calabria

Also known as

Daniele Fasanella
Deniele of Ceuta

10 October

Profile

Priest who joined the Franciscans in 1219. In 1224 he helped found the convent of Santa Maria del Soccorso near Rogliano, Italy. He helped found the convent of Gerace Superiore. Provincial superior of Calabria, Italy.

Called to missionary work, he was one of a group of seven Friars Minor who tried to bring the faith to Muslims in the area of Ceuta, Spain, which borders on modern Morocco. Initially treated as madmen, especially since they were street-preaching in Latin and Italian, within three weeks they were ordered to convert to Islam, and when they would not, they were first abused in the streets, then arrested, tortured and executed. Martyr.

Born

latter 12th century Belvedere Marittimo, Kingdom of Sicily (modern Italy)

Died

beheaded in October 1227 in Mauritania Tingitana, Almohad Empire (modern Ceuta, Spain)
local Christians secreted the bodies away and gave them proper burial in Ceuta

Beatified