Saint Hilary of Arles

Saint Hilary of Arles , d. 449, Gallo-Roman churchman. Forsaking riches, he entered the monastery at Lérins. He was made archbishop of Arles (c.429) against his wishes. As head of the church in Gaul, Hilary hastily deposed two bishops. They appealed to Pope Leo I , who thereupon deprived the see of Arles of its metropolitan powers, declaring the sovereignty of Rome. Later, Leo referred to him as "Hilary of sacred memory." Feast: May 5.

Hilary of Arles, St (c.401–49), Bp. of Arles. A monk of Lérins, he became Bp. of the metropolitan see of Arles c. 430, and presided over several councils. In 444, by deposing a bishop, he seems to have exceeded his rights, and Pope Leo I deprived Arles of its metropolitan jurisdiction and obtained from the Emperor a decree granting Rome supreme authority over the Church in Gaul. Feast day, 5 May.