Saint Hilary of Arles

Hilary was born around 401 into a noble family in Gaul. His relative Honoratus, founder of the famous monastery on the island of Lérins, persuaded him to give up a promising worldly career, and Hilary became a monk there. When Honoratus was made bishop of Arles, Hilary followed him, and on Honoratus's death in 429 he was chosen to succeed him while still under thirty.

As bishop he lived simply, worked with his hands, and gave away so much that he even sold church vessels to ransom captives. He was a tireless preacher and held several councils to reform the Church in Gaul. His zeal led to a sharp conflict with Pope Leo the Great, who limited the authority Hilary had claimed over other bishops; Hilary accepted the decision and continued his pastoral work. He died in Arles on May 5, 449, and wrote a Life of Saint Honoratus that still survives.

Hilary is honored especially in Provence and in the Diocese of Aix and Arles. His memory is often joined to that of the monks of Lérins, whose island monastery off Cannes is still home to a Cistercian community.