St. Daniel of Morocco

Five Franciscans were martyred in Morocco in 1220. Seven years later six other friars of the same order secured permission to go to Morocco to preach Christ to the Mohammedans. Their names were Samuel, Angelo, Leo, Domnus, Nicholas, and Hugolino. On their way through Spain they were joined by Brother Daniel who became the superior of the band. They went to Ceuta, in Morocco, and on Saturday, October 2, 1227, made their confessions, washed one another’s feet, and spent the night in prayer. On Sunday morning they began to preach in the streets.

Their preaching lasted only a few days. They were arrested and imprisoned. When they refused to deny Christ and to acknowledge the rule of Mohammed, they were condemned to death. They were beheaded on October 13. Their bodies were mangled by the infuriated people but rescued by the local Christians. All seven have been recognized as saints.

Today the Catholic Church celebrates the feast day of St. Daniel of Morocco on October 10th