Jean Daniélou, S.J. (1905–1974) was the author of numerous works, including Why the Church?, The Angels and Their Mission: According to the Fathers of the Church, and Prayer: The Mission of the Church.
“[T]he book awakens the reader to the depth and dimension and unity that characterize divine activities.” —Religious Education “Daniélou offers us a rich synthesis of the profound meaning of the sacramental rites and feasts. The book is written most properly for a wide public; its contents are intended for the members of God’s people who, whether in parishes or cloisters, celebrate the feasts of the Church and take part in her sacraments. It is of high importance for pastoral liturgy and catechetical instruction.” —Worship “Father Daniélou shows a life-long, intimate friendship with the early fathers of the church. With an amazing ease and dexterity he will call upon these holy writers to explain the early origin as well as the deeper and more primitive meaning of the sacramental rites. . . . [The Bible and the Liturgy] will provide a much deeper understanding of our principal liturgical rites in themselves and in their relation to the Passion. . . . There is much profit and inspiration in this book, so wonderfully rich in patristic lore.” —The Passionist "Daniélou examines the sign-language of the Sacraments and of the Feasts...as this language is explained by the Fathers, who, in turn, based their interpretration on those given in the New Testament and in Tradition. The present study is published in the hope, therefore, that it will prove of great value to all who are interested in learning, and in instructing others in, the meaning of Christianity." —Michael A. Mathis, C.S.C., Editor, Liturgical Studies "No serious student of the Liturgy, no cleric especially, will want to miss the depths of meaning conveyed by the sacramental signs which this book reveals." —The Catholic World