St. Barthlomew

Daniel is one of the great prophets of the Old Testament, remembered for his unshakable faith, wisdom, and prophetic insight during the Babylonian exile. Taken captive as a youth, he rose to prominence in the courts of kings by God’s favor, interpreting dreams and standing firm in righteousness amidst a pagan empire.

The image depicts the most iconic moment in Daniel’s life—the lion’s den (Daniel 6). Refusing to cease his daily prayers to the God of Israel, Daniel was condemned by jealous officials and thrown into a den of hungry lions. But the Lord shut the mouths of the lions, and Daniel emerged unharmed, a sign of God’s power and his servant’s blamelessness.

Daniel was also a visionary prophet, receiving divine revelations about the rise and fall of kingdoms and the coming of the Son of Man—a prophecy fulfilled in Christ (Daniel 7:13–14). He stands as a model of faithfulness in exile, purity in a corrupt world, and courage under persecution.

His story teaches that God is sovereign even in the darkest times, and that the faithful will not be abandoned, no matter how fierce the trial.