Hubertus

Saint Hubertus, later known as Hubert of Liège, was born around 656 into a noble Frankish family. As a young man he served at the royal court in Paris and later in Austrasia, gaining honor and influence, and he became an avid hunter. After the death of his wife, Floribanne, in childbirth, grief opened his heart to God. Tradition tells that while hunting in the Ardennes he was struck by a vision of a stag bearing a crucifix between its antlers, calling him to conversion and a holy life. Hubert sought guidance from Saint Lambert at Maastricht, renounced his worldly privileges, gave generously to the poor, and prepared for the priesthood. Ordained and formed in prayer and fasting, he became Lambert’s close collaborator. After Lambert’s martyrdom, Hubert was appointed bishop and in 708 became the first bishop of Liège. He helped establish the see there, translated Lambert’s relics with solemn devotion, and tirelessly evangelized the peoples of the Ardennes and surrounding regions, earning the title “Apostle of the Ardennes.” Venerated as patron of hunters, dogs, and hunting—among others—Saint Hubertus is celebrated on November 3.