Rome, wishing to admit as few interruptions as possible into the present great Octave, gives but a brief notice of Saint Hubert in the Martyrology. It is fitting that we should imitate her reserve. Were we, however to omit all mention of him, Christian hunters, so faithful in proclaiming their glorious Patron, would not forgive us. It is right also to satisfy popular piety, and the gratitude of numberless clients saved from hydrophobia, and led to the feet of the Saint by a tradition of a thousand years standing.
A few words suffice to recount his life. After the mysterious stag had revealed Christ to him, he became, from a hunter of wild animals, a hunter of souls, and merited to be called the Apostle of Ardenne, whose forests had often echoed to the baying of his hounds. He became the disciple and successor of Saint Lambert, and transferring from Maastricht both the relics of the holy Martyr-Bishop and the Episcopal See, he raised Liège from an obscure village to a great town. His blessed death took place on May 30th 727, and on November 3rd 743, his precious remains were taken up for the first time, which led to the celebration of his feast on this day. In the following century, the Abbey of Andain was put in possession of the sacred deposit and took from him the name of Saint Hubert, as did likewise the town which sprang up around and soon became a centre for pilgrimages.Also on this day according to the ROMAN MARTYROLOGY:
The birthday of St. Quartus, a disciple of the Apostles.
At Caesarea in Cappadocia, the holy martyrs Germanus, Theophilus, Caesarius and Vitalis, who became illustrious martyrs in the persecution of Decius.
At Saragossa, under Dacian, governor of Spain, innumerable holy martyrs who laid down their lives for Christ with admirable fervour.
At Viterbo, during the persecution of Maximian, the holy martyrs Valentine, priest, and Hilary, deacon. For attachment to the faith of Christ, they were cast into the river Tiber with a stone tied to them, but being miraculously rescued by an angel, they were beheaded and thus were crowned with the glory of martyrdom.
In England, St. Winefride, virgin and martyr.
In the monastery of Clairvaux, the decease of St. Malachy, bishop of Armagh in Ireland, who won renown in his own days for his many virtues, and whose life was written by the abbot St. Bernard.
At Vienne, St. Domnus, bishop and confessor.
Also the departure from this life of St. Pirminus, bishop of Meaux.
At Urgel in Spain, St. Hermengaudus, bishop.
At Rome, St. Sylvia, mother of Pope St. Gregory.
And in other places, many other holy martyrs, confessors and virgins.
Thanks be to God.
