• St. Hubert (727). Bishop. (Historical)
• Bl. Ida of Toggenberg (1226). Religious. (Historical)
• St. Malachy O’More (1148). Bishop. (Historical)
• St. Martin de Porres (1639). Religious. Patron of South America. (Current, Traditional)

ST. HUBERT’S early life is so obscured by popular traditions that we have no authentic account of his actions. He is said to have been passionately addicted to hunting, and was entirely taken up in worldly pursuits. One thing is certain: that he is the patron saint of hunters. Moved by divine grace, he resolved to renounce the world. His extraordinary fervor, and the great progress which he made in virtue and learning, strongly recommended him to St. Lambert, Bishop of Macstricht, who ordained him priest, and entrusted him with the principal share in the administration of his diocese. That holy prelate being barbarously murdered in 681, St. Hubert was unanimously chosen his successor. With incredible zeal he penetrated into the most remote and barbarous places of Ardenne, and abolished the worship of idols; and as he performed the office of the apostles, God bestowed on him a like gift of miracles. He died on the 30th of May, in 727, reciting to his last breath the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer.

REFLECTION: What the Wise Man has said of Wisdom may be applied to Grace: “That it ordereth the means with gentleness, and attaineth its end with power.”

WORD OF THE DAY

ECLECTICISM. The principle or practice of drawing on different religions in order to form a coherent unity, while omitting the elements in each religion that do not fit into that unity. Eclecticism is commonplace in all philosophers and many theologians. It is also part of the history of all religions, with the notable exception of Christianity. Its Founder was no mere eclectic. He did not depend on the wisdom of other religious leaders, even when he used their insight, as in building on the prophets of ancient Israel. One of the developments of the Second Vatican Council was the recognition of so many elements of truth in the non-Christian religions that the Church may legitimately cultivate in her work of evangelization without becoming eclectic and sacrificing what is essential in the proclamation of the Gospel. (Etym. Greek eklektikos, selecting.)

Modern Catholic Dictionary, Fr. John Hardon SJ (Get the real one at Eternal Life — don’t accept an abridged or edited version of this masterpiece!)