January 13
Saint Hilary of Poitiers
Bishop, Doctor of the Church
(Around 310 – Around 368)
“Impart to us the meaning of the words of Scripture and the light to understand it.”
Saint Hilary of Poitiers
Saint’s Life Story
His Early Life
Hilary was born around 310 in Poitiers, Aquitaine, Gaul (France) to wealthy, noble parents. He was raised a pagan. Hilary was converted from paganism to Christianity by his study of the Bible and was baptized when he was older.
Married with a Daughter Saint Abra
Hilary had been married before his conversion and had a daughter named Abra who also became a saint after her conversion. His wife and daughter , Saint Abra, were both still alive, when despite his objections, he was elected Bishop of Poitiers around 353. According to the practice that existed, married men were sometimes promoted to the episcopacy, but as Saint Jerome clearly testifies, they ever after lived in continence.
Bishop of Poitiers Involved in Controversy
Almost at once, Hilary became involved in the Arian controversy and became the main defender of the Divinity of Jesus Christ. Hilary refused to attend the Synod of Milan called by the Emperor Constantius II in 355 where all the bishops in attendance were required to sign a condemnation of Saint Athanasius of Alexandria. In 356, Hilary was condemned for his orthodoxy by the Synod of Beziers that was presided over by Arian Bishop Saturninus of Arles and was mostly composed of Arian bishops. Later in the year, he was exiled to Phrygia by Emperor Constantius II for 4 years.
Hilary succesfully refuted Arianism in 359 when he spoke out at the Council of Seleucia. He encouraged the clergy to resist the ongoing dissent and have the Emperor allow him to go back to Poitiers, France. In 360, the Emperor ended his banishment and allowed him to return. In about 360 or 361, with Hilary’s encouragement, Saint Martin of Tours, the future bishop founded a monastery at Ligugé in his diocese.
The following year, Hilary convoked a Synod where he deposed and excommunciated Bishop Saturninus. That same year Emperor Constantius II death stopped the Arian persecution of the Catholics. In 364, Hilary held a public dispute at Milan with Auxentius, the Arian usurper of that see. He defeated him and Auxentius was ordered from Milan by Emperor Valentinian I.
His Literary Works
His skills as a debater were matched by his lasting literary works on the faith that included:
- De Trinitate (On the Trinity – that was written while he was in exile against the Arians)
- Commentarius in Evangelium Matthaei, an allegorical exegesis of the first Gospel
- De Synodis (On the Synods) – written in preparation for the Council of Seleucia
- Tractatus super Psalmos – Expositions of the Psalms
- Liber II ad Constantium imperatorem, the Liber in Constantium inperatorem, Contra Arianos vel Auxentium Mediolanensem liber – all historical works
Some consider Hilary as the first Latin Christian hymn writer, because St. Jerome said Hilary produced a liber hymnorum.
His Death
Around November 1 or January 13, 368, Hilary died in Poitiers, France. He was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1851 by Blessed Pope Pius IX and his feast day is on celebrated on January 13.
Born: Around 310 in Poitiers, Aquitaine, Gaul (France)
Died: November 1 or January 13, 368 in Poitiers, France
Beatified: Pre-Congregation
Canonized: Pre-Congregation
Feast Day: January 13, formerly January 14
Patron Saint: Against Rheumatism; Against Snakes; Snake Bites
Sources:
Reflection
A powerful aspect of Saint Hilary of Poitiers’ life was his courage. He was exiled for his defense of the faith, enduring suffering for the sake of truth. Instead of being discouraged by his exile, Saint Hilary of Poitiers used his time to study and write. His example invites us to reflect on our own response to challenges in our faith. Help us to bring good out of suffering and isolation in our own lives and see adversity as an opportunity to learn about or share our faith.
How often do we shrink from standing up for what we believe, especially when it’s difficult? How can you use adversity as an opportunity today to get closer to God and trust in God’s providence to stand up for your faith?
Prayers
Saint Hilary of Poitiers,
You were a faithful defender of the true doctrine of the Holy Trinity, fighting tirelessly for the preservation of the faith, while guiding the Church with wisdom, courage, and clarity.
Intercede for us, that we may grow in our understanding of the mysteries of the faith.
May we always stand firm in our belief in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit while reflecting the glory of the Holy Trinity and proclaiming the love of God in every word and action..
Help us to seek the truth with the same zeal and devotion that you demonstrated in your writings and teachings.
Pray for us, that we may be strengthened in our own challenges and that we may have the courage to defend the truth of Christ, even when it is difficult.
Saint Hilary of Poitiers, pray for us. Amen.
Saint Links
Aleteia – Thank God this year with the Church’s own special hymn of thanksgiving
All Saints & Martyrs – Saint Hilary of Poitiers
Anastpaul – Saint of the Day – 13 January – St Hilary of Poitiers (315-368) Father & Doctor of the Church
Angelus News – Saint of the Day: Hilary of Poitiers
Catholic Culture – St Hilary
Catholic Fire – St. Hilary: Heroic Defender of the Faith
Catholic Ireland – St Hilary of Poitiers (315-368)
Catholic News Agency – St. Hilary of Poiters
CatholicSaints.Info – Saints of the Day – Hilary of Poitiers, Bishop, Doctor by Katherine I Rabenstein
Daily Prayer – Hilary of Poitiers
Editions Magnificant – Saint Hilary of Poitiers Bishop, Doctor of the Church (301-368)
Independent Catholic News – St. Hilary of Poiters
Loyola Press – Saint Hilary
My Catholic Life – Saint Hilary of Poitiers, Bishop and Doctor, c. 310–c. 367
New Advent – Clugnet, L. (1910). St. Hilary of Poitiers. In The Catholic Encyclopedia
Rev Alban Butler’s Lives Of The Saints Complete Edition – St Hilary, Bishop of Poitiers, Doctor of the Church
Saint for a Minute – Saint Hilary of Poitiers
Saint Mary Press – Saint Hilary of Poitiers (c.315-368)
Saint of the Day – Saint Hilary of Poitiers
Saint Resources – Saint Hilary of Poitiers
Wikipedia – Hilary of Poitiers
Video Link
St. Hilary of Poiters – YouTube (Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network – USA)