Blessed Daniel Brottier, C.S.Sp., was a Spiritan priest, missionary, heroic WWI Chaplain, prolific writer, and successful orphanage administrator.

Fr. Brottier served four years as a volunteer chaplain during WWI and is sometimes referred to as “Teflon Dan,” because nothing seemed to harm him while on the front lines of war. In 1923, he took charge of the Orphans Apprentices of Auteuil and ministered to homeless children in Paris for 13 years. Fr. Brottier was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1984.


We can gather much inspiration from Blessed Daniel Brottier’s life and words. Here are just a few lessons we can learn. 

Friendship is a Gift

Fr. Brottier understood the value of friendship. He said, “Friendship is the most perfect of all human sentiments, because it is the freest, the purest and the deepest of them. What a rare and divine thing friendship is. It is the reciprocal sharing of two thoughts, two wills, two virtues. Friendship is the forgetfulness of yourself for the good of someone else. One of the purest ways of becoming happy here on Earth.”

Though Fr. Brottier had a busy life full of work, he knew rich, authentic friendships were a beautiful part of life. 

Broader Scope of Suffering

Fr. Brottier understood that more than just personal happiness, following God’s will is the goal of life, even when sacrifice and suffering were temporary results. Fr. Brottier did see and experience much suffering; In his first mission appointment to Senegal, he had to be sent home due to illness. Then he volunteered to be a chaplain in WWI, experiencing much suffering firsthand. Then he dedicated his life to the orphanage in Auetil.  In the scope of eternal life in heaven, however, he that God would be generous and consoling since he was listening to God and acting out of love and docility to the spirit.  

Here’s what he said, "If mere happiness here below is to be the sum total of all our efforts, then my ambition is obviously senseless. But the sacrifices which we make now are seeds of glory and happiness for the life to come, and that should be our overwhelming consideration. That does not mean that we do not suffer when we are making these sacrifices, but when the good God calls, one has to march onward cost what it may. This pain by itself would be nothing, but I am conscious that I am making those whom I love to suffer, especially our good parents. However I have every confidence that the good God, who never allows Himself to be outdone in generosity, will take note of such great sacrifices undertaken solely out of love for Him, and that He will give all of us the consolation of knowing that we have done our duty in something very worthwhile."

Pray and Act

In modern culture, there is often debate about whether prayer is enough when discussing injustice. Fr. Brottier’s words had much to offer that discussion. He emphasized that not just faith or action was the path towards making a difference. Instead, he says, “You must never doubt Providence, but pray and act. That way you can move mountains.” 

Not either or, but both, while trusting in God. He certainly moved some mountains that way during his life. 

The Gospel in Action

In Fr. Brottier’s time, people were talking about a lack of Christian belief. Even more today, we hear similar sentiments to what Fr. Brottier described. He has a remedy, however. 

He said, "In these times of profound religious crisis, we hear on all sides, 'Nobody believes anymore! The Christian spirit has disappeared! Let us search rather for the remedy: live your religion: be the Gospel in action!'"

It may be easier said than done, but this advice is as true today as when he first wrote it!

Tell the Story

One of Fr. Brottier’s true gifts was that he wasn’t afraid to tell the story of the work the Spiritans were doing and the ways the Spirit was moving. He was known to write letters and newsletters to drum up support for a variety of projects, from the chapel in Senegal to the Apprentis d’Auteuil orphanage, and the chapel dedicated to Blessed Thérèse of the Child Jesus. 

The work was fruitful. Take the case of benefactors at Auteuil. At the time of his arrival there in 1923, there was a list of twelve thousand benefactors on his desk. Twelve years later, at his death, the list contained a hundred and fifty thousand names. 

But we know it was about more than raising funds, but also gathering friends and prayerful supporters to the important work and causes he was involved in. And even more, the sharing, through the work, the story of the Gospel itself. Fr Brottier’s life was an excellent example that sharing the story is fruitful on earth and even more so in heaven. 

Fr. Brottier, pray for us!