About St. Hilary of Poitiers
St. Hilary of Poitiers (c. 310–367) was born into a pagan family in Gaul (modern-day France). Through his study of Sacred Scripture, he embraced the Catholic faith and was later chosen as Bishop of Poitiers.
During the fourth century, the Church faced the widespread Arian heresy, which denied the full divinity of Jesus Christ. St. Hilary became one of its strongest opponents, fearlessly defending the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. Because of his unwavering witness, he was exiled for several years by the Roman Emperor, yet he continued writing theological works that strengthened the faith of countless Christians.
His most famous work, On the Trinity (De Trinitate), remains a masterpiece of Catholic theology. For his outstanding defense of the faith, Pope Pius IX declared him a Doctor of the Church in 1851.
St. Hilary is remembered for his profound love of Christ, his fidelity to the Church, and his courageous defense of Catholic doctrine.
Feast Day: January 13
Patronage: Lawyers, children with disabilities, and those seeking strength in defending the Catholic faith.
Who was St. Hilary of Poitiers?
St. Hilary of Poitiers was a fourth-century bishop, theologian, and Doctor of the Church. He is best known for defending the divinity of Jesus Christ against the Arian heresy and for his writings on the Holy Trinity.
What is the St. Hilary of Poitiers Novena?
The St. Hilary of Poitiers Novena is a nine-day Catholic prayer asking for his intercession to obtain steadfast faith, courage, wisdom, and perseverance in living and defending the Catholic faith.
What is St. Hilary of Poitiers the patron saint of?
St. Hilary is the patron saint of lawyers, children with disabilities, and those who seek strength and wisdom in defending the truths of the Catholic faith.
When is the Feast Day of St. Hilary of Poitiers?
The Church celebrates the Feast of St. Hilary of Poitiers each year on January 13.
Why is St. Hilary called the “Athanasius of the West”?
St. Hilary earned this title because, like St. Athanasius in the East, he courageously defended the Church’s teaching that Jesus Christ is truly God, even during persecution and exile.
Why was St. Hilary exiled?
St. Hilary was exiled by the Roman Emperor Constantius II because of his steadfast opposition to Arianism. During his exile, he continued to write theological works that strengthened the Church and defended the doctrine of the Holy Trinity.
Who should pray the St. Hilary of Poitiers Novena?
This novena is especially appropriate for:
- Those seeking stronger faith.
- Priests, bishops, and deacons.
- Catechists, teachers, and theology students.
- Anyone defending Catholic teaching.
- Those facing opposition because of their faith.
- Anyone seeking wisdom and courage to remain faithful to Christ.
Why is St. Hilary a Doctor of the Church?
St. Hilary was declared a Doctor of the Church because of his profound theological writings, especially his defense of the Holy Trinity and the divinity of Christ. His teachings continue to guide Catholics in understanding and proclaiming the true faith.
| Novena Begins: | January 4 |
| Feast Day: | January 13 |
Patron Saint of Snakebites
Day 1: St. Hilary Poitiers Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Lord our God, You raised up Your servant St. Hilary of Poitiers to be a fearless champion of the Catholic faith. Keep us steadfast in the true faith we professed at our Baptism, that we may rejoice in having You as our Father and abide in Your Son through the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.
Strengthen us to defend the truth with courage, to remain faithful to the teachings of Your Holy Church, and to persevere in every trial. Through the intercession of St. Hilary, grant us the grace we humbly seek, if it be according to Your holy Will and for the good of our souls.
(Mention your intention here.)
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.
Amen.
St. Hilary of Poitiers, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
(Prayer adapted from The Roman Missal.)
Day 2: St. Hilary Poitiers Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Lord our God, You raised up Your servant St. Hilary of Poitiers to be a fearless champion of the Catholic faith. Keep us steadfast in the true faith we professed at our Baptism, that we may rejoice in having You as our Father and abide in Your Son through the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.
Strengthen us to defend the truth with courage, to remain faithful to the teachings of Your Holy Church, and to persevere in every trial. Through the intercession of St. Hilary, grant us the grace we humbly seek, if it be according to Your holy Will and for the good of our souls.
(Mention your intention here.)
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.
Amen.
St. Hilary of Poitiers, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
(Prayer adapted from The Roman Missal.)
Day 3: St. Hilary Poitiers Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Lord our God, You raised up Your servant St. Hilary of Poitiers to be a fearless champion of the Catholic faith. Keep us steadfast in the true faith we professed at our Baptism, that we may rejoice in having You as our Father and abide in Your Son through the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.
Strengthen us to defend the truth with courage, to remain faithful to the teachings of Your Holy Church, and to persevere in every trial. Through the intercession of St. Hilary, grant us the grace we humbly seek, if it be according to Your holy Will and for the good of our souls.
(Mention your intention here.)
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.
Amen.
St. Hilary of Poitiers, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
(Prayer adapted from The Roman Missal.)
Day 4: St. Hilary Poitiers Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Lord our God, You raised up Your servant St. Hilary of Poitiers to be a fearless champion of the Catholic faith. Keep us steadfast in the true faith we professed at our Baptism, that we may rejoice in having You as our Father and abide in Your Son through the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.
Strengthen us to defend the truth with courage, to remain faithful to the teachings of Your Holy Church, and to persevere in every trial. Through the intercession of St. Hilary, grant us the grace we humbly seek, if it be according to Your holy Will and for the good of our souls.
(Mention your intention here.)
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.
Amen.
St. Hilary of Poitiers, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
(Prayer adapted from The Roman Missal.)
Day 5: St. Hilary Poitiers Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Lord our God, You raised up Your servant St. Hilary of Poitiers to be a fearless champion of the Catholic faith. Keep us steadfast in the true faith we professed at our Baptism, that we may rejoice in having You as our Father and abide in Your Son through the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.
Strengthen us to defend the truth with courage, to remain faithful to the teachings of Your Holy Church, and to persevere in every trial. Through the intercession of St. Hilary, grant us the grace we humbly seek, if it be according to Your holy Will and for the good of our souls.
(Mention your intention here.)
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.
Amen.
St. Hilary of Poitiers, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
(Prayer adapted from The Roman Missal.)
Day 6: St. Hilary Poitiers Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Lord our God, You raised up Your servant St. Hilary of Poitiers to be a fearless champion of the Catholic faith. Keep us steadfast in the true faith we professed at our Baptism, that we may rejoice in having You as our Father and abide in Your Son through the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.
Strengthen us to defend the truth with courage, to remain faithful to the teachings of Your Holy Church, and to persevere in every trial. Through the intercession of St. Hilary, grant us the grace we humbly seek, if it be according to Your holy Will and for the good of our souls.
(Mention your intention here.)
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.
Amen.
St. Hilary of Poitiers, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
(Prayer adapted from The Roman Missal.)
Day 7: St. Hilary Poitiers Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Lord our God, You raised up Your servant St. Hilary of Poitiers to be a fearless champion of the Catholic faith. Keep us steadfast in the true faith we professed at our Baptism, that we may rejoice in having You as our Father and abide in Your Son through the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.
Strengthen us to defend the truth with courage, to remain faithful to the teachings of Your Holy Church, and to persevere in every trial. Through the intercession of St. Hilary, grant us the grace we humbly seek, if it be according to Your holy Will and for the good of our souls.
(Mention your intention here.)
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.
Amen.
St. Hilary of Poitiers, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
(Prayer adapted from The Roman Missal.)
Day 8: St. Hilary Poitiers Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Lord our God, You raised up Your servant St. Hilary of Poitiers to be a fearless champion of the Catholic faith. Keep us steadfast in the true faith we professed at our Baptism, that we may rejoice in having You as our Father and abide in Your Son through the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.
Strengthen us to defend the truth with courage, to remain faithful to the teachings of Your Holy Church, and to persevere in every trial. Through the intercession of St. Hilary, grant us the grace we humbly seek, if it be according to Your holy Will and for the good of our souls.
(Mention your intention here.)
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.
Amen.
St. Hilary of Poitiers, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
(Prayer adapted from The Roman Missal.)
Day 9: St. Hilary Poitiers Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Lord our God, You raised up Your servant St. Hilary of Poitiers to be a fearless champion of the Catholic faith. Keep us steadfast in the true faith we professed at our Baptism, that we may rejoice in having You as our Father and abide in Your Son through the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.
Strengthen us to defend the truth with courage, to remain faithful to the teachings of Your Holy Church, and to persevere in every trial. Through the intercession of St. Hilary, grant us the grace we humbly seek, if it be according to Your holy Will and for the good of our souls.
(Mention your intention here.)
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.
Amen.
St. Hilary of Poitiers, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
(Prayer adapted from The Roman Missal.)
Leave us your prayers…