Hubert, St. (mind-bright) (Died 727) Bishop of Liège, France; patron saint of huntsmen, metalworkers, mathematicians, and dogs. Feast, 3 November.
The legend of St. Hubert is similar to that of St. Eustace, and the two are often confused in art. Hubert was the son of a nobleman of Aquitaine. On one great church festival all of
the faithful went to church, but Hubert decided he wanted to hunt instead. During the hunt a stag of “great beauty” showed itself to Hubert, who was astonished to see a crucifix between its antlers. Then a voice came from the stag, saying:
“Hubert, Hubert, how long will you spend your time chasing beasts in the forest and neglecting the things that pertain to your soul? Do you suppose that God sent you into the world to hunt wild beasts, and not rather to know and honor thy Creator?”
Hubert was stupefied on hearing these words; he dismounted from his horse, prostrated himself on the ground, and worshipped the cross the stag bore. He vowed to abandon the world and become a hermit. After studying under St. Lambert, he was ordained a priest and finally became bishop of Liège. His descendants were said to have the power to cure the bite of mad dogs.
Thirteen years after his death his body was disinterred and found entire, even his episcopal robes being without spot or stain from corruption. A century after his death his body was removed from Liège to the abbey church of the Benedictines of Ardennes.
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of World Mythology and Legend, Third Edition – Written by Anthony S. Mercatante & James R. Dow
Copyright © 2009 by Anthony S. Mercatante