St. Hubert on horse

Saint Hubert

Saint Hubert is one of the most fascinating figures of medieval Christian tradition. His life combines history, legend and spirituality, making him one of the most venerated saints in Europe, especially as the patron saint of hunters.

He was probably born around 655 A.D. in Aquitaine. He initially lived at the court of King Theuderic III in Paris and later at the court of Pepin II in Metz, to whom he was probably related.

Saint Hubert married a princess of Louvain, with whom he had a son, Floribert, who later became bishop of Liège.

After becoming a widower, Hubert profoundly changed his life. He decided to dedicate himself completely to the Christian faith and to preaching the Gospel.

He devoted himself especially to the evangelization of the regions of Brabant and the Ardennes, which is why he is also remembered as the “Apostle of the Ardennes.”

In these lands he founded an important abbey that still bears his name and preserves the relics of the saint.

It is historically certain that from 705 A.D., Saint Hubert served as bishop of Maastricht-Tongeren, succeeding Saint Lambert. In 717 A.D., because of Norman threats, he transferred the episcopal seat to Liège.

During his episcopate he worked tirelessly for the spread of Christianity in the Ardennes, leaving a profound spiritual influence in the region.

Saint Hubert died on May 30, 727 A.D. in Tervuren, near Brussels.

The fame of Saint Hubert is especially connected to the famous legend of his conversion.

According to tradition, Hubert was a passionate hunter and initially lived a worldly and disorderly life. During a hunting expedition, however, he experienced an extraordinary vision: a magnificent stag appeared before him with a shining crucifix between its antlers.

This apparition called him to abandon his sinful life and convert to God. After that event, Hubert gave up hunting and began a simple life dedicated to prayer, charity and evangelization.

From the eleventh century onward, Saint Hubert was proclaimed the patron saint of hunters. Even today, on November 3, the day of his feast, many hunters, archers and faithful participate in celebrations dedicated to the saint.

Many popular traditions are linked to his figure, such as the Saint Hubert bread, the Saint Hubert key and the blessing of hunting animals.

Iconography: Saint Hubert is depicted as a bishop or hunter, with a stag bearing a shining crucifix between its antlers; he is often accompanied by hunting dogs, a hunting horn, a book or a key.

Feast day: November 3.

Patronage: Of the Ardennes, the diocese of Liège, hunters, archers, hunting dogs and invoked against rabies, dog bites and snake bites.