“On one side, I saw the Lord calling me; on the other the world offering me its seducing charms and pleasures. But in the end Jesus Christ triumphed in me.” -Saint Hilary of Arles

Hilary was a French aristocrat who was born in Lorraine in the early fifth century. He was educated in philosophy and eloquence in the manner of the aristocracy.

Honoratus, a relative of Hilary's, had established a monastery in Lerins and dedicated his life to serving the Church. Honoratus begged Hilary with tears to give up worldly ambitions to serve Christ because he was so concerned for his salvation. Hilary was encouraged by Honoratus to follow him into the monastic life. Hilary achieved this by becoming Honoratus' disciple and adopting his way of life of prayer, austerity, and study of the Scripture. He liquidated his assets, distributed the money to the needy, and devoted himself fully to the Lerins community's monastic way of life.

Honoratus was appointed Archbishop of Arles in 426. Hilary first followed him but quickly made his way back to the Lerins monastery. But Honoratus insisted on obtaining the help of his relative and pupil, and he went to Lerins himself to get him.

Hilary made another attempt to leave Arles and head back to his monastery after Honoratus passed away in 429. Nevertheless, the city's faithful dispatched a search party to find him, and they then forced him to be brought back so that he could be ordained as Honoratus' replacement.

Even though he was still a young man, the new archbishop was adequately prepared due to his years spent in religious life and the period he spent working under his predecessor. He retained his monk-like humility while serving as archbishop. His possessions were few, he prioritized helping the less fortunate, and he kept working manual labor. He developed into a master orator.

The archbishop, who was well-known for his generosity and friendliness, was also renowned for publicly chastising a government figure who had dishonored the Church. He also cautioned doubters that they would "not so easily get out of hell, if you are once unhappily fallen into its dungeons."

In his diocese, Hilary assisted in the founding of monasteries. He also convened many councils to improve the local Church's orthodoxy and discipline. He is reported to have done miracles throughout his lifetime and sold Church property to pay ransoms for persons who had been kidnapped.

Hilary also struggled with his interactions with other bishops who fell under his authority. He removed one bishop on his own. He chose a different bishop to take the place of one who was seriously ill but did not pass away, complicating matters. Hilary was retained as a bishop by Pope Saint Leo the Great, but he was stripped of some of his powers. Hilary and Pope St. Leo I the Great got into arguments twice, but they were able to work things out, and Hilary's sanctity earned him a lot of respect.

On May 5, 449, at the age of 49, St. Hilary of Arles passed away. Despite some canonical disagreements with Pope St. Leo I, the late Archbishop of Arles was praised by the Pope in a letter to his successor, honoring him as "Hilary of holy memory." Catholics commemorate Saint Hilary of Arles' feast day on May 5th.

Other Saints of the Day
Saint Aventinus of Tours
Saint Crescentiana
Saint Eulogius of Edessa
Saint Maximus of Jerusalem
Blessed Edmund Ignatius Rice