![[Saint Eustachius statue]](sainte17.jpg "24kb jpg photograph of a statue of Saint Eustachius by Johann Michael Feichtmayr (1709-1772), in the Basilika Vierzehnheiligen in Germany, photographer unknown; please do not write to ask about the image")
Placidus Eustace
Denounced as a Christian, he lost his property, was reduced to abject poverty, and Roman authorities took his wife and children. However, being a capable general, he was recalled to duty by Trajan to help repel barbarians from Rome, which he did. He and his family were reunited with the expectation they would sacrifice to idols in thanks for a military victory. When they refused, an enraged Trajan ordered them thrown to the lions; the big cats played like kittens around them, so they were martyred together by being burned in a bronze bull. Eustachius is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers.
against fire difficult situations fire prevention firefighters hunters hunting huntsmen Madrid, Spain torture victims trappers
bull crucifix horn stag oven
Catholic Encyclopedia, by Francis Merschman Google Directory New Catholic Dictionary Book of Saints, by the Monks of Ramsgate Our Sunday Visitor's Encyclopedia of Saints, by Matthew Bunson, Margaret Bunson, and Stephen Bunson