Saints
St. Hilary of Poitiers
St. Hilary of Poitiers Biography
St. Hilary of Poitiers was a 4th century bishop, theologian and Doctor of the Church. He was born in the Roman province of Gaul (modern-day France) and is best known for his strong defense of the doctrine of the Trinity.
Hilary was well-educated and had a successful career as a lawyer before being converted to Christianity. He was baptized by St. Saturninus, the bishop of Toulouse, and soon became a leader in the church of Poitiers.
In 356 AD, the Arian controversy was raging in the Roman Empire, with many bishops denying the full divinity of Jesus Christ. Hilary, however, firmly upheld the traditional Christian teaching that Jesus is fully God and fully man. He wrote several works, including his most famous, “”On the Trinity,”” to defend this doctrine.
Hilary’s strong stance against Arianism earned him the wrath of the Arian-leaning Emperor Constantius II, who exiled him to Phrygia (modern-day Turkey) in 356 AD. However, Hilary used this time to continue his theological writings and even gained a following among the people of Phrygia.
After three years in exile, Hilary was allowed to return to Poitiers, where he resumed his duties as bishop and continued to defend the doctrine of the Trinity. He also worked to promote the unity of the church, and his efforts helped to bring about the reconciliation of the Western and Eastern churches at the Council of Constantinople in 381 AD.
St. Hilary of Poitiers is considered one of the most important figures in the development of Western theology. His writings on the Trinity, particularly “”On the Trinity,”” had a profound influence on later Christian thinkers, including St. Augustine.
Hilary is also remembered for his strong defense of the primacy of the bishop of Rome and his role in the development of the doctrine of the two natures of Christ. In the Eastern Church, he is honored as a saint and Doctor of the Church, and his feast day is celebrated on January 13th.
In conclusion, St. Hilary of Poitiers was a prominent bishop and theologian of the 4th century, known for his strong defense of the doctrine of the Trinity and his contributions to the development of Western theology. He is remembered for his writings, his efforts to promote unity in the church, and his role in the development of the doctrine of the two natures of Christ.
Prayers to St. Hilary of Poitiers
O St. Hilary, bishop and doctor of the Church, you were a faithful servant of the Lord and a strong defender of the doctrine of the Trinity. Help us to follow your example and to always remain true to our faith. Intercede for us before the Lord, that we may be strengthened in our belief in the Holy Trinity and be granted the grace to live our lives in accordance with the teachings of the Church. Amen.
Heavenly Father, we give thanks for the life and witness of St. Hilary of Poitiers, a faithful bishop who defended the truth of the Trinity against the errors of Arianism. Through his intercession, grant us the grace to be steadfast in our faith and to always defend the truth. Help us to be strong in the face of adversity and to always seek to promote the unity of the Church. Amen.
St. Hilary of Poitiers, you were a great defender of the Catholic Faith and a brilliant theologian. Through your intercession, may we also be blessed with the gift of discernment and the courage to defend the truth always. Help us to grow in understanding of our faith and to be willing to suffer for the sake of the Gospel. Amen.
Dear St. Hilary, you were exiled for your defense of the Holy Trinity. Help us to be brave in the face of persecution and to stand firm in our faith no matter the cost. Intercede for us, that we may have the strength to proclaim the truth of the Holy Trinity without fear. Amen.