By Randy Porter
(SNR) - Saint Hubert (c. 656 – 30 May 727) became the first bishop of Liege, Belgium in 708 AD.
He is the patron saint of hunters, mathematicians, opticians, and metalworkers. When his wife died giving birth to their son, Hubert withdrew into the forest, and did nothing but hunt; however, a great spiritual revolution was imminent.
Related item: Hunters, hobbyists find reward, satisfaction in prayer
On a Good Friday morning while the faithful made their way to church, Hubert instead sallied forth to the chase. As he pursued a magnificent stag, the biggest buck, the animal turned its head. Hubert was astounded at the sight of a crucifix between its antlers. He heard a voice say: “Hubert, unless thou turnest to the Lord, and leadest a holy life, thou shalt quickly go down into hell.”
Hubert dismounted, prostrated himself and said, “Lord, what wouldst Thou have me do?” He received the answer, “Go and seek Lambert, and he will instruct you.”
Lambert—the bishop, later canonized a saint himself—became his spiritual director. Thus, Hubert began the many good works that led him to become a bishop himself.
Referred to as a legend by some, the story was attributed to Hubert in the 15th century. He was venerated widely in the Middle Ages, and many military orders were named after him. His feast is Nov. 3.
Hunting seasons
Hunters in the Diocese of Lincoln may want to aware of this year’s hunting seasons. They are:
Archery: Sept. 1, 2020 – Dec. 31, 2020 (except Nov. 14 – Nov. 22)
November firearm: Nov. 14 – 22, 2020
Muzzleloader: Dec. 1 – Dec. 31, 2020
Nebraska’s modern deer season began in 1945 with a harvest of 275 mule deer and two whitetail deer from Nebraska National Forest near Halsey. Since then, deer hunting has become a treasured tradition enjoyed by countless hunters, who have harvested more than 2.3 million deer.
Donate meat
Diocesan hunters can help feed the hungry. Hunters Helping the Hungry is a program established by the Nebraska Legislature in April 2012 that provides ground venison to Nebraskans in need. It allows hunters to donate whole field-dressed deer at participating meat processors.
Food pantries and other charitable organizations distribute the ground venison across the state.
