St. Eustachius and His Family

St. Eustachius, originally a Roman general named Placidus, converted to Christianity after a miraculous vision of a crucifix between a stag’s antlers. Alongside his wife and sons, he endured separation, trials, and ultimately martyrdom for his faith under Emperor Hadrian.

St. Eustachius, known in his early life as Placidus, was a Roman general serving under Emperor Trajan in the late first and early second century AD. A man of strength and honor in Roman society, he experienced a profound religious transformation during a hunting expedition when he saw a vision of a crucifix between the antlers of a stag. This event marked his conversion to Christianity, and soon after, he and his entire household — including his wife Theopista and two sons — were baptized, with Placidus taking the name Eustachius.

After their conversion, their lives changed dramatically. They lost their wealth and status and suffered a series of misfortunes that would test their faith to its limits. While traveling, the family was separated. In the most well-known version of the legend, his wife was taken by a sea captain, and his sons were carried away by a lion and a wolf, though later miraculously reunited. Eustachius continued to serve Rome faithfully, even after losing his position and fortune.

Eventually, he was restored to his military command and served once again with distinction. However, when Emperor Hadrian ascended the throne, he required all officers to participate in a pagan ritual sacrifice. Eustachius, refusing to deny Christ, was arrested along with his wife and sons. They were offered the opportunity to recant, but their steadfastness remained unshaken. For their refusal, they were subjected to a particularly cruel martyrdom: being roasted alive inside a bronze bull, a symbol of imperial punishment meant to serve as a public warning.

Despite the horrific nature of their deaths, the story of St. Eustachius and his family endured and spread throughout Christendom. They became symbols of faith under trial, the sanctity of family unity in belief, and the courage to uphold Christian values in the face of persecution.

His legend shares similarities with that of St. Hubert, another saint who saw a crucifix in a stag’s antlers, leading to speculation that the two stories might have shared origins or inspired one another. Over time, Eustachius was adopted as the patron saint of hunters and firefighters, and his image often appears in religious artwork, especially in the Middle Ages.

Although there is limited historical documentation, and some scholars regard the legend as apocryphal or symbolic, St. Eustachius continues to be venerated in both Eastern and Western Christianity. His life represents the archetype of the noble convert who chooses divine truth over worldly honor, and the ultimate sacrifice of life in witness to that truth.

Feast Day

20-9-

Birth Date

--

Died Date

--Approx. 118 AD

Canonised Date

--Pre-congregation

Unknown, possibly in Rome or site of martyrdom

O Glorious St. Eustachius, steadfast in your faith through trials and suffering, guide us to remain true to Christ in times of hardship. May your witness of love, endurance, and family devotion inspire us to live faithfully, courageously, and humbly. Amen.
ST. EUSTACHIUS AND HIS FAMILY

Video Not Found

ST. EUSTACHIUS AND HIS FAMILY

The information you see here may be either accurate or might contain some discrepancies, as it is gathered from various sources. If you believe that any part of the details about this saint is incorrect or incomplete, we kindly invite you to share your suggestions or corrections with us. Your insights are invaluable in helping us ensure that we provide the most accurate and reliable information.

We encourage you to use the form on the left to submit any corrections or additional information you may have. Whether it's a small detail or a larger correction, we will carefully review your submission and update the information accordingly. Your contributions will not only help us maintain the integrity of the content but also benefit others who seek to learn more about this saint. We greatly appreciate your assistance in making our information more accurate and complete.

Please rest assured that your personal details will remain confidential, and your suggestions will be handled with the utmost care. Together, we can ensure that the information about this saint is as accurate and informative as possible. Thank you for your time and contribution!