A Blessing for Hunters

Hunters, we are praying for you on this opening day of rifle season! We pray that you have a safe and bountiful hunt.

St. Hubert, patron saint of hunters, pray for us!

——————————————————

Here’s how most versions of the St. Hubert tale go: He was born into a noble family in 656, and his wife died in childbirth. Bereft, he withdrew to the forest to devote himself to hunting. On one Good Friday morning, as the faithful converged on churches, Hubert pursued a mighty stag.

Suddenly, the animal turned to him. Hubert saw a crucifix between its antlers and heard a voice telling him to turn to the Lord or soon go to Hell. (If you spend more time in a bar than in church, you might still be familiar with this story: It’s behind the image on the label of those green Jägermeister bottles.)

Hubert accepted God, and, according to some accounts, listened to a mini-lecture from the deer on hunting do’s and don’ts: Only shoot when a quick kill was definite; kill only those past prime breeding age; never hunt a doe with fawns. He was told to respect animals as God’s creatures.

-Excerpt from the Washington Post

——————————————————

By the intercession of St. Hubert, patron saint of hunters, may you always honor God the Creator.

May the Lord God make you an honorable hunter who respects fellow hunters, the animals, and all creation;

May He keep safe you and all who share the field or the forest;

May He make all hunters proud of their kill, generous with their meat, and thankful in all circumstances.

Amen.