Birthplace: Poitiers France
Date of Birth and Death: 300-368
Feast Day: January 14th

Notable: Patron of Children with Learning Disabilities
Life:
At the time of St. Hilary’s birth, the Church was just becoming established as Emperor Constantine legalised Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. Born of rich, pagan parents, he was intrigued by the Scriptures and decided to learn more about th Word of the Lord. After much study, he became a believer in Jesus Christ.

Hilary married and had children but his faith was such that he was named Bishop of Poitiers, a position he did not wanted at first. His display of humility increased the people’s admiration for him and he eventually accepted the post.

At this time a heresy called Arianism began to gain hold among many Christians including Emperor Constantius. Their belief was that Christ was not the Son of God but rather a semi-divine semi-human creation. To counter criticism of the Arians, the Emperor summoned his bishops to defend the heresy. Those who refused were banished including Hilary. That did not stop Hilary from defending the concept of the Trinity.

After the death of the Emperor, Hilary, after his return to Poitiers, was able to set the Church in order and his life became dedicated to helping those in his diocese.

Prayer:

Father, keep us from vain strife of words. Grant to us constant
profession of the Truth! Preserve us in a true and undefiled Faith
so that we may hold fst to that which we professed when we
were baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - that we may
have Thee for out Father, that we may abide in Thy Son and in the fellowship
of the Holy Spirit. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.