On November 3, 2022, hunters and invited guests gathered in the park of the manor house in Svätý Anton, near the Chapel of St. Hubert, to commemorate St. Hubert – the patron saint of hunters.
In the beautiful park adorned with autumn colors, the sounds of hunting horns played by musicians from the Secondary Forestry School in Banská Štiavnica echoed through the air. The museum's director, Ing. Engel, PhD., welcomed the attendees. Together with the principal of the F. Coburg Elementary and Nursery School in Svätý Anton, Mgr. Slobodová, they lit a candle and laid a bouquet as a sign of respect and silent remembrance of all hunters who are no longer among us. Through a brief prayer, they symbolically expressed gratitude for their care for nature.
“Not only to hunt game but above all to protect it and understand its significance in nature” – this is the message of the Legend of St. Hubert.
Hubert, a prince from Aquitaine, once led a life of indulgence, hunting excessively and disregarding the treasures and gifts of nature. However, his outlook changed when God spoke to him, appearing in the form of a cross between the antlers of a stag he was pursuing. This event transformed him; he embraced Christianity, lived a humble life, and eventually became a bishop. Despite this transformation, he retained a small passion for hunting – occasionally fishing. This, however, led to his demise. On one such fishing trip, his assistant clumsily handled the fishing rod and accidentally inflicted a severe wound on Hubert's hand. The injury became infected, causing him increasing pain, and ultimately led to his death.