September 20th - St. Eustace By: Vanessa Jijo

Saint Eustace, or Eustathius, was a martyr with Theophistes, Agapitus, and Theophrastus. Eustace was a Roman military officer called Placida. He converted to Christianity after having a vision in Italy of a stag with a crucifix between its antlers. Tradition states that he was separated from his family and recalled to the army, becoming famous for a battle. When he and his family reunited, he refused to take part in the pagan ceremony and so they were roasted to death. Saint Eustace is the patron saint of hunters and firefighters, and also of anyone facing adversity.

INTERCESSORY PRAYER

O God, Who lead Your holy martyr Eustace safely through many trials and dangers to the glorious crown of martyrdom, enlighten and strengthen us through his intercession, that we persevere in Your Love amid the trials of this life, and by resignation to Your Holy Will come forth from the darkness of this earth into the light of Your eternal glory. Amen.