Hilary
was of a noble, patrician family of means and influence, a close
relative of St. Honoratus and the founder of the Monastery of Lérins on
the Mediterranean island of the same name, a monastery which is active
to this day.
Wealthy,
highly educated, and endowed with exceptional abilities, Hilary looked
forward to a brilliant career in the world. But his saintly relative
felt that he was called to serve his God in religious life and did his
utmost to convince him to leave the things of the world.
After a
fierce inner struggle, Hilary decided to sell his patrimony and follow
his holy mentor to Lérins. He writes of this interior battle: “On one
side, I saw the Lord calling me; on the other the world offering me its
seducing charms and pleasures. How often did I embrace and reject,
willed and not willed the same thing! But in the end Jesus Christ
triumphed in me. And three days after Honoratus had left me, the mercy
of God, solicited by his prayers, subdued my rebellious soul.”
When
Honoratus was elected Bishop of Arles in 426, being already an old man,
he wished to have Hilary’s assistance and companionship, and himself
traveled to Lérins to fetch his relation.
At
Honoratus’ death in 429, Hilary, though grieving, rejoiced to return to
his island abbey. He had started on his journey, when he was overtaken
by messengers from the citizens of Arles begging him to accept the
miter. Though only twenty-nine, he submitted, being well prepared for
the task by his years of religious life and assistance to Honoratus.
Though observing the austerities of the cloister, he took up his
diocesan work with immense energy.
Known for his kindness and
charity, he is also remembered for publicly rebuking a government
official for bringing shame to the Church. He helped establish
monasteries, and strengthened the discipline and orthodoxy of the Church
through several councils. He sold Church property to ransom those
kidnapped, and is said to have worked miracles in his lifetime.
Though
his life was marked by some canonical disputes with Pope St. Leo I, the
same Pontiff praised him in a letter to his successor, calling him,
“Hilary of holy memory.”
He died on May 5, 449, just short of fifty years of age.
Second Image by: Esby
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