St. Eustatius

I never really took the time to research the name of our fine island. But there was a quiet celebration here at the end of September and became curious.  When Christopher Columbus named this place I'm sure he didn't conceive of a medical school here, but the saint of hunting, Eustatius, is with us as we "hunt" for our next lives as healthcare professionals.

St. Eustatius is also known as Eustace. This man was named Placidus by his parents in Rome and we celebrate his "memorial" in September (Western) and November (Eastern) each year.

Placidus began life as a pagan and became a Roman general in the army of the emperor Trajan. He was converted to Christianity following a hunting trip during which he saw a glowing cross between the antlers of a stag, after which he received a prophecy that he would suffer for Christ. He was baptized with his wife and two sons, and given the name Eustachius.  In Rome he was denounced as a Christian, he lost his property, was reduced to abject poverty, and Roman authorities took his wife and children. However, being a capable general, he was recalled to duty by Trajan to help repel barbarians from Rome, which he did. He and his family were reunited with the expectation by Roman authority, that they (Placidus and his family) would sacrifice to idols in thanks for a military victory.

When they refused, an enraged Trajan ordered them thrown to the lions; the big cats played like kittens around them, so they were martyred together by being cooked to death in a bronze bull in the year 188.

Eustachius is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers and represents also patronage against fire, against torture difficult situations, and torture victims. How fitting then that the name of our school and our island is St. Eustatius. Perhaps we should add patronage of fired upon, tortured medical students in difficult situations?