January 13, 2024 / 12:01 AM
Every January 13, the Catholic Church celebrates Saint Hilary of Poitiers, bishop, Father and Doctor of the Church born in Gallic lands. Hilary lived in the 5th century, in which he played a very important role in the fight against the heresies of his time, which earned him the nickname “Hammer of the Arians” or the “Athanasius of the West”, in allusion to the famous Father of the Eastern Church.
Saint Hilary was born in Poitiers, Gaul (now France), in the year 315. He had the fortune of receiving a solid training in letters, which gave him an extraordinary ability to write and develop, with success and clarity, important aspects of the doctrine. Christian. However, what was fundamental in him – as in every person who understands and defends his faith adequately – was his loving dedication to God and the harmony of his heart with the designs of God.
Having reached adulthood, Hilary found himself deeply attracted to faith in Jesus Christ, and asked for baptism around the year 345. The Lord then called him to priestly service and, a few years later, he was elected bishop of his hometown in 353. .