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Also known as: Athanasius
of the West; Doctor of the Divinity of Christ
Profile
Born of wealthy polytheistic, pagan nobility, Hilary's early life was
uneventful as he married, had children (including Saint Abra), and studied
on his own. Through his studies he came to believe in salvation through
good works, then monotheism. As he studied the Bible for the first time,
he literally read himself into the faith, and was converted by the end of
the New Testament.
Hilary lived the faith so well he was made bishop of Poitiers from 353 to
368. Hilary opposed the emperor's attempt to run Church matters, and was
exiled; he used the time to write works explaining the faith. His teaching
and writings converted many, and in an attempt to reduce his notoriety he
was returned to the small town of Poitiers where his enemies hoped he
would fade into obscurity. His writings continued to convert pagans.
Introduced Eastern theology to the Western Church. Fought Arianism with
the help of Saint Viventius Proclaimed Doctor of the Church in 1851.
Born: 315 at Poitiers, France
Died: 368 of natural causes
Patronage: against snakes, backward children, snake bites
Readings
To those who wish to stand in God's grace, neither the guardianship of
saints nor the defenses of angels are wanting.
- Saint Hilary: Commentary on the Psalms, 365AD
We have been promised, and he who made the promise is trustworthy: "Ask,
and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will
be opened to you."
Yes, in our poverty we will pray for our needs. We will study the sayings
of your prophets and apostles with unflagging attention, and knock for
admittance wherever the gift of understanding is safely kept. But yours it
is, Lord, to grant our petitions, to be present when we seek you and to
open when we knock.
Impart to us, then, the meaning of the words of Scripture and the light to
understand it, with reverence for the doctrine and confidence in its
truth. Grant that we may express what we believe. Through the prophets and
apostles we know about you, the one God the Father, and the one Lord Jesus
Christ. May we have the grace, the face of heretics who deny you, to honor
you as God, who is not alone, and to proclaim this as truth.
- from a sermon on the Trinity by Saint Hilary
source:
http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/sainth02.htm |
