Hilary of Arles

Who they were

Hilary, of a notable family of northern Gaul, learned and rich, gave up honours and wealth at the urging of his kinsman St Honoratus and followed him to Lérins, living in austerity and the study of Scripture.

When Honoratus, by then Archbishop of Arles, was dying, Hilary came to his side, and was held by force and proclaimed archbishop in his place. He took up the heavy charge resolutely, though he came into conflict with Pope St Leo. He died on 5 May 449.

The miracles

There was never a formal cause: he has been honoured as a saint since before the Church's formal processes began.

Why that counted as sanctity

A rich young man who left everything to follow a monk, and became a bishop against his will.

Connected on this site

• Honoratus Saint Teacher
• Salonius Saint Pupil
  “He was educated at Lérins Abbey, first by Hilary of Arles, then by Salvianus and Vincent of Lérins.” — Wikipedia
• Eucherius of Lyon Saint
  “He wrote In Praise of the Desert to St Hilary of Arles.” — this site's research
• Romanus of Condat Saint
  “Romanus was ordained a priest by Hilary of Arles in 444.” — Wikipedia
• Veranus of Vence Saint
  “Both he and his brother Salonius were educated at Lérins Abbey, first by Hilary of Arles, then by Salvianus and Vincent of Lérins.” — Wikipedia