St. Hilary of Poitiers -- Bishop, Doctor of the Church


Hillary was born in Poitiers in Gaul in what is today France in 315 and raised as a pagan. 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.

Married during his early years, he soon converted his wife and daughter who enthusiastically embraced the faith. Because celibacy was not a requirement at that time for the clergy, at the age of 35, Hillary was elected as the new bishop of Poitier. He devoted his tongue and pen to fighting the Arian heresy, which denied the Divinity of Jesus Christ, and was exiled for four years in the East for his fidelity to the faith. His writings drew many converts to the faith. Hillary died in 368 A.D. Hilary is sometimes called "the Athanasius of the West."

"Impart to us the meaning of the words of Scripture and the light to understand it."

~St. Hilary of Poitiers

"Little children follow and obey their father. They love their mother. They know nothing of covetousness, ill- will, bad temper, arrogance and lying. This state of mind opens the road to heaven. To imitate our Lord's own humility, we must return to the simplicity of God's little one's."

~ Saint Hilary of Poitiers
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