The Legend

Since 774, St. Hubertus is worshiped in Catholic Belgium as the protector of hunters.

According to the legend, Count Hubertus, who was very fond of great parties and a "bon vivant " of the Court of Theuderic III, on a Holy Friday, instead of attending mass decided to go hunting. During the hunt an enormous deer suddenly appeared and it had a crucifix between its horns. The deer addressed count Hubertus and admonished him to take penitence and to lead a moderate life. Impressed by his encounter with the talking deer, Hubertus decided to leave his bon vivant life and to become a monk, priest and finally the Bishop of Lüttich.

Since then, every year on November 3rd (the day in which St. Hubertus was sanctified), his successor as bishop of Lüttich peregrinates from Lüttich to the Abbey of St. Hubertus Benedictines in the Ardennes and celebrates a festive mass that is attended by hundreds of hunters and their dogs. After the mass, the party takes place outside the Abbey and the Bishop blesses the gathered hunting community. Spectacular!