"Ss. Eustachii et Sociorum Martyrum" refers to **Saint Eustace and his Companion Martyrs**. Saint Eustace, also known as **Saint Eustachius**, was a Roman general who converted to Christianity and was martyred for his faith along with his family. They are commemorated together as martyrs in the Catholic Church. Their feast day is celebrated on **September 20th**.
Saint Eustace, also known as Eustachius or Eustathius, is revered as a Christian martyr. According to legend, he was martyred in AD 118 at the command of Emperor Hadrian. Eustace was originally a pagan Roman general named Placidus who converted to Christianity after having a vision of the cross while hunting.
After his conversion, he was baptized and took the name Eustachius, while his wife and sons also converted and were baptized. Eustace and his family faced numerous hardships, including losing their wealth and being separated. Eventually, they were reunited and Eustace was called back to lead the Roman army. However, after refusing to sacrifice to pagan Roman gods, he and his family were martyred by being roasted to death inside a brass bull.
Saint Eustace is one of the 14 Holy Helpers and is a patron saint of hunters. His feast day is celebrated on September 20 in both Eastern and Western traditions. He is often depicted with a stag, a crucifix, or an oven, symbolizing his vision and martyrdom.
(1) Saint Eustace - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Eustace.
(2) Saint Eustace | Biography, Feast Day, & Facts | Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Eustace.
(3) Saint Eustace - Wikiwand articles. https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/Saint_Eustace.
