Saint Hubert

The life of Saint Hubert (655-727)

Hubert de Liège, known in the German-speaking world as Hubertus von Lüttich, was born around 655 in Toulouse, France. It is known of him that he lived as Count Palatine in Paris at the court of Theoderich III and from there fled to Metz to the court of Pippin the Middle, with whom Hubertus was probably related. Hubertus fell in love with the Princess of Lions, who died at the birth of her child Floribert. The death of his wife gave the impetus for Hubertus to resign from his offices and retire to the forests of the Ardennes in 695, where he lived and hunted as a hermit for seven years. Hubertus made a pilgrimage to Rome, where he was ordained a priest. In the Ardennes he spread Christian teachings and was highly esteemed for his apostolic work.

After his conversion to Christianity, St. Hubert was appointed bishop of Tongern-Maastricht in 705, but moved his bishopric to Liège eleven years later. There Hubertus had a cathedral built. He gained fame through his charity. Clever and caring, he saved numerous people from starvation during his time as bishop.

On May 30, 727, Hubertus died. On November 3, 743, the collection of the relics of St. Hubertus took place. In 825, the bones were transferred to the then Andagium in the Ardennes, a place now known as Saint-Hubert. Thanks to the relics kept there, Saint-Hubert became a well-known place of pilgrimage in the Middle Ages. The relics were lost in the turmoil of the French Revolution and are still considered untraceable today.

Saint Hubert as patron saint

Probably since the 11th century a legend has been circulating according to which a deer appeared to the hunter and hermit Hubertus on Good Friday. The mighty animal carried a crucifix between its antlers. This event is said to have made such an impression on Hubertus that he converted to Christianity and finally dedicated his life to faith. It is thanks to this legend that St. Hubertus is venerated as the patron saint of hunting. Also the shooters, gunsmiths and even dogs are under his protection. Opticians, mathematicians, butchers and furriers also refer to Hubertus as their patron saint. Those who seek help because they are affected by rabies will find St. Hubertus the ideal contact person. Especially in Belgium Hubertus is one of the most popular saint figures at all. Orders of knights and student fraternities derived their names from Hubertus.

Iconography

In the iconography, St. Hubert is usually depicted as a hunter. The wooden figure usually carries a crossbow or another hunting weapon in his hand. At the feet of the statue lies a stag, in whose antlers the crucifix is clearly visible. If you are interested in St. Hubert as a wood carving, you can buy the figures of various artists in the store. A carved Hubertus is a wonderful gift idea for hunters or other people who feel a special connection to nature. Such a handmade carving of wood is also very well suited as a reminder and support for the daily prayer for protection.

Customs

St. Hubert is traditionally commemorated either on May 30, the day of his death, or on St. Hubert's Day, November 3. In some regions people consecrate water, bread and salt on St. Hubert's Day to protect themselves from dog bites or rabies. Hubertus straps, which are worn on the button, are also meant to protect against wild dogs. In addition, there are Hubertus keys against fever, Hubertus croissants against headaches and numerous other customs. Hubertus masses are very popular because they are often framed by hunters with brass music. The time around November 3rd is also used for Hubertus hunts. Numerous buildings were named after St. Hubertus.