Walking with the Saints l Feast of St. Hubert, Patron Saint of Hunters, Archers and Forest Workers l November 3

Walking with the Saints l Feast of St. Hubert, Patron Saint of Hunters, Archers and Forest Workers l November 3 Perhaps we never imagined that hunters have a special patron. Well, today’s saint was a celebrated hunter and is highly venerated by those who love this sport. But later, he was also a Bishop who converted many pagans to Christianity and destroyed several places of idolatrous worship. Friends, we now present to you the fascinating life of St. Hubert of Acquitaine, France. Hubert was born in 656, the son of the Duke of Acquitaine. Coming from the nobility, he engaged in the many frivolous practices of the youth of his time. He also learned the skills of riding on horseback and the use of bow and arrow, beneficial to him both as a hunter and a soldier. He was an athletic and handsome young man who sought the pleasures and admiration of the world. His mother prayed very much for his conversion and urged him to turn away from his worldly ambitions. When he was 26 years old, he married Floribonne, a girl who influenced him to rekindle his faith in the Almighty. But shortly after the birth of their first child, Floribonne died leaving Hubert crushed and grief-stricken. Hubert felt so confused and got very angry with God and planned to abandon his faith. He spent all his time in hunting, but God was preparing something special for him. One Good Friday, Hubert set out on horseback to hunt. He came upon a group of people for the Lenten celebration and the priest asked him to join them. But Hubert refused and went his way. Surprisingly, while in the woods, Hubert saw a male deer with large antlers, looking straight at him. While he readied his bow and arrow to strike the deer, he noticed that there was a crucifix radiant with light, between the deer’s antlers. Then he heard a voice telling him to turn back to God. Hubert got down from the horse and knelt on the ground promising that he would follow what the voice had told him. Faithful to his promise, Hubert gave his birthright, as eldest son, to his younger brother and made him guardian of his own son. Soon, he met Bishop Lambert of Maaschrit, who encouraged him to become a priest. He entered a Monastery in Belgium and was ordained a priest. In 705, Hubert succeeded Bishop Lambert as Bishop of Maaschrit, Nethertlands. Bishop Hubert was a dynamic preacher. He used his skill in the use of bow and arrow to attract many people to listen to his sermons. Many changed their ways and renewed their devotion to God. The tepid became truly fervent. After the death of Bishop Lambert (who would later become a saint) Bishop Hubert erected a shrine for St. Lambert’s relics at Liege, France. Many miracles happened in that place. Bishop Hubert lived a very devout life and God rewarded him even on this earth. One day  in the year 726, in Terveuren, near Brussels, Bishop Hubert , while in prayer, had a vision of his own death. A few days later, on May 30, while reciting the “Our Father” he died. During the Middle Ages, devotion to him was very popular. Military orders were named after him and he was made the patron saint of hunters, archers and forest workers. His feast day is November 3. This day marks the beginning of the hunting season in Europe. humility, obedience, patience, perseverance, faith and bravery Prayer: “Dear Lord, I beg You to give me the grace to grow in holiness and embrace seriously my Christian duties.