November 3
In his early life, Saint Hubert was a hunter. He spent his days at the French court, as “grand master of the household.” When his wife died giving birth to their son Fionbert, Hubert retreated from the court and spent even more time in the forest. He dedicated his life to hunting. According to legend, Hubert was in the forest on Good Friday, hunting as usual, when everyone else was in church. He began to follow a large and beautiful stag (male deer). As he got closer, he saw an astonishing sight: The deer had a crucifix floating between its antlers. Then a voice spoke to Hubert, saying, “Hubert, unless you turn to the Lord and lead a holy life, you shall quickly go down into Hell.” Hubert got down from his horse, prostrated himself (laid face down on the ground in a gesture of humility and obedience) and asked, “Lord, what would you have me do?” The voice told him, “Go and seek Lambert (a local bishop) , and he will instruct you.”
Hubert obeyed and met with Lambert. Hubert then gave up all his wealth and studied for the priesthood. On a trip to Rome, Hubert learned that Lambert had been assassinated in the town of Liege Belgium. At that time, the Pope appointed Hubert as bishop of Maastricht. Because of his skills in and understanding of forestry, Hubert was successful in converting many of the pagans, who lived in the forests, to Christianity. Hubert was a well-loved bishop known for his fasting and prayer, his care for the poor, and his excellent homilies. He died on May 30, 727. Saint Hubert is honored as the patron saint of hunters and as the originator and compiler of ethical hunting behavior. He himself renounced hunting after his vision of the stag. The clergy were forbidden to hunt and would be required to do penance if they did. The St. Hubert Club of Great Britain is dedicated to responsible deer management and the St. Hubertus Club in Chicago is a cultural organization that promotes ethical hunting in the German tradition.
(Image © jorisvo, via Shutterstock)