Call Out the Hounds: Faiths united through fall outdoor frolic
By Erick Rommel
Head Staff Writer
Every year, Msgr. George M. Brembos presides over what he calls one of the largest social affairs of the year in northern Somerset County. The pastor of St. Elizabeth Parish, Far Hills, and St. Brigid Parish, Peapack, takes to the fields of a local estate to celebrate the Blessing of the Hounds.
More than 100 people from throughout the area attended this year’s gathering Nov. 12, along with their horses and many dogs.
“It’s the beginning of the hunt season,” Msgr. Brembos explained. “It’s fascinating when you see them bring the hounds in, and the riders and all the people who are observing it.”
The Blessing of the Hounds is one of the oldest sporting customs in the world. Dating to medieval times, it traditionally coincides with the Nov. 3 Feast of St. Hubert, the patron saint of the hunt or the chase. It is believed that his intercessions protect hounds, riders and horses from disease and harm.
The American foxhound is directly descended from English hounds brought to America in 1650 that were bred over a century later to a French hound sent as a gift by the Marquis de Lafayette to George Washington.
This year’s blessing was delayed from late October due to the illness of some of the hounds. The traditional blessing appeared to take their health into account. “Reach out with your right hand and grant that these animals may serve our needs,” Msgr. Brembos prayed during the blessing. “As we come together for this hunt, we ask that you bless these riders. Keep them safe from injury and harm.”
Historically, owners of land would only allow hunters onto their property after the completion of the harvest. The blessing is a prayer for each group. “It’s praising the Lord for the blessings of the land and calling on God to protect the riders and protect the animals,” Msgr. Brembos explained. “It’s basically praising the Lord for this time of year.”
According to legend, St. Hubert’s early life during the seventh century focused on worldly pleasures. In his late 20s, he attended a hunt rather than a village commemoration of the Passion on Good Friday. While pursuing a stag, the animal turned, and Hubert saw a crucifix between its antlers. At the same time, he heard a voice say, “Unless you turn to the Lord and lead a holy life, you shall quickly go down to hell.”
Hubert dismounted and laid himself on the ground, asking, “What would you have me do?”
The voice replied, “Go seek Lambert, and he will instruct you.” Lambert was the local bishop. He became Hubert’s spiritual advisor.
After the encounter, Hubert distributed his personal wealth to the poor and entered the priesthood. He eventually became the first Bishop of Liege.
In the centuries following the initiation of the Blessing of the Hounds, the tradition has evolved. Today, hunters no longer kill animals following the blessing. “There is a fox, but the fox is not killed. It’s just followed,” Msgr. Brembos explained. “It’s not hunting actually. It’s called the hunt, but it’s the opportunity for [the people] to get all dressed up and go through the countryside.
“It’s a magnificent scene,” he continued. “[Riders] have to be dressed in their proper attire. If they’re a master, they can wear red; if not, they wear black. It’s a very picturesque thing.”
*The attached/referenced article was originally published in The Catholic Spirit, the official newspaper of the Diocese of Metuchen, and is protected under U.S. and international copyright law