Feastday: September 20
When did St. Eustachius live: in the 2nd century AD
Biography of St. Eustachius:
Saint Eustachius is a nobleman who suffered martyrdom in Rome, together with his wife Theopista and their two sons. According to the legend, Eustachius was called Placidus before being baptized. One day, while hunting, he had a vision: he saw a crucifix placed between the deer's antlers. From this day on, he was a Christian and converted all his family to Christianity. His faith was tested in several catastrophes, but he held on to his believing. He and his family were murdered on order of emperor Hadrian in 118 AD.
Patronage: Saint Eustachius is patron saint of the firefighters, hunters, torture victims, tappers and he is called against fire and difficult situations
Statue and woodcarvings from Valgardena representing St. Eustachius- portrayal, symbolism and emblem: St. Eustachius is shown as a nobleman with bow and arrow and a deer with a crucifix between his antlers.