St. Hubert of Liege

November 3

St. Hubert of Liege, also known as Hubert of Maastricht, was a 7th century bishop and missionary who is venerated as the patron saint of hunting, foresters, and hunters. He was born in Toulouse, France, in the 7th century, into a noble family and was raised in a deeply Christian household. He was well-educated and received a formal education, and later he became a courtier at the Merovingian court.

As a young man, Hubert was an avid hunter and spent much of his time in the forest pursuing game. However, one Good Friday, while hunting in the Ardennes forest, he had a profound spiritual experience in which he saw a vision of a stag with a crucifix between its antlers. This vision is said to have inspired him to give up his worldly pursuits and dedicate himself to the service of God. After this experience, Hubert left court and entered the Church. He became a monk at the Abbey of Saint-Denis and was later ordained a priest. He then traveled to the Ardennes region, where he preached the gospel and converted many people to Christianity. He also built a church and a monastery in the area.

In 708, Hubert was appointed as the Bishop of Liege. As bishop, Hubert continued his missionary work and he is credited with having converted many people to Christianity. He also established several monasteries and churches in the region, and he was known for his holiness and his devotion to the care of the poor. Hubert is said to have performed many miracles during his lifetime, and after his death, his cult quickly spread throughout Europe. His tomb became a site of pilgrimage and many people came to pray at his tomb and ask for his intercession. He was officially canonized by Pope Sergius II in 822, and his feast day is celebrated on November 3rd.

St. Hubert’s legacy is associated with the hunt, due to the visions he had of a stag with a crucifix between its antlers, this became the symbol of St Hubert which is known as St Hubert’s key. Hubert is considered as the patron saint of hunting, foresters, and hunters and his intercession is sought for protection while hunting, as well as for protection of wild animals and the forests. His devotion is also seen among the riders and equestrian sports enthusiasts. Hubert’s cult has been celebrated in many European countries, particularly in Belgium, France and Germany. Many churches, chapels and altars dedicated to St. Hubert can be found in the Ardennes, especially in the towns of Maastricht and Liege. In the centuries following his death, St. Hubert’s devotion has spread to other countries as well, and today, he is honored and venerated by Catholics around the world, as a powerful intercessor and as a protector of the hunting community and the wilderness.