St. Eustathius Placidas

Placidas was a general under the emperor Trajan. While hunting, he saw a cross shining between a stag’s antlers and heard Christ calling him, and he was baptized with his family, taking the name Eustathius. He lost his wealth and was separated from his wife and sons, but they were miraculously reunited years later. When he refused to sacrifice after a victory, Hadrian had the whole family roasted in a bronze bull.

• Feast: September 20 (New Calendar)
• Lived: died 118
• Place: Rome