 |
| Sant'Eustachio, ora pro nobis |
According to tradition, an exalted Roman general named Placidus was hunting with friends and spotted a magnificent stag. Giving chase, he was drawn deeper into the forest away from his companions. Cornering the prized animal at the edge of a ravine, the majestic beast turned and faced the hunter. Stopping in his tracks, Placidus saw a crucifix shining brighter then the sun between its prodigious antlers. Through the mouth of the deer, others say from the image on the Cross, Our Lord Jesus Christ spoke to Placidus, telling him to seek out the Bishop of Rome with his family if he wished to convert. Placidus did as he was instructed and they were baptized. Changing their names, the Pope christened him Eustace, which means “fecund” or “fruitful.”
Giving up his wealth and status, Sant’Eustachio left Rome to live a simple and pious life in the Roman province of Egypt with his wife, Theospis, and two sons, Agapetus and Theospitus. However, just a few days into their journey a series of misfortunes befell them and they never made it to their destination. First, his wife was kidnapped by a group of pirates, then a lion and a wolf ran off with his boys, leaving him distraught and grieving. Heartbroken, he settled there and worked as a simple farmhand unaware that his family were all able to escape their captors unharmed and lived peacefully in nearby towns.
Many years later, a new barbarian menace was threatening the Empire. Longing for his trusted general, the Emperor sent search parties out to find their glorious commander and bring him back. Reluctantly returning to his former position, Sant’Eustachio took command and bolstered the army with new recruits. Miraculously, he was joyously reunited with his sons, who now fully grown answered the call to arms, as well as his wife, who served as a camp follower to support the army.
Defeating the enemy, Sant’Eustachio triumphantly returned to the Eternal City with his family in tow. During the festivities the Emperor noticed that his victorious general and sons didn’t make a sacrifice to the gods. When confronted, Sant’Eustachio respectfully refused as a Christian, but the enraged Emperor ordered them all to be killed in the arena.
When the ferocious animals kneeled before the captives and refused to attack, the Emperor instead had them executed inside a brazen bull, an ancient torture device used to kill criminals by Phalaris, the sadistic tyrant of Akragas, Sicily. Forced inside the bronze beast shaped oven, Sant’Eustachio and his family were slowly burned alive. Three days later, their perfectly intact bodies were removed and buried by fellow Christians.
In celebration, we're posting a prayer to Sant’Eustachio Martire. The accompanying photo was taken at St. Francis of Paola Church (219 Conselyea St.) in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Evviva Sant’Eustachio!
Prayer to Sant’Eustachio Martire
Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the examples of Sant’Eustachio Martire may effectually move us to reform our lives; that while we celebrate his festival, we may also imitate his actions. Look upon our weakness, almighty God, and since the burden of our own deeds weighs heavily upon us, may the glorious intercession of Sant’Eustachio protect us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
