*St. Hilarius (Hilary)* - *Feast Day*: *February 28* (celebrated tomorrow, as today is February 27, 2025). - *Title*: Pope and Confessor. - *Lived*: 5th century (died in *468 AD*). - *Papacy*: He served as Pope from *461 to 468*. - *Background*: St. Hilarius was born in *Sardinia* (modern-day Italy). He was a deacon under Pope Leo the Great and accompanied him to the *Council of Ephesus* (449 AD), where he defended orthodoxy against the Monophysite heresy. - *Contributions*: - As Pope, he worked to strengthen Church discipline and supported the rights of bishops. - He fought against heresies, particularly *Monophysitism*, which denied the full humanity and divinity of Christ. - He built and restored several churches in Rome, including the *Oratory of the Holy Cross* and the *Basilica of St. John Lateran*. - He issued decrees to regulate the election of bishops and clergy. - *Legacy*: St. Hilarius is remembered for his piety, dedication to the faith, and efforts to maintain orthodoxy in the Church. He is venerated as a *confessor* for his steadfast defense of Catholic doctrine. --- *Prayer to St. Hilarius* Here is a simple prayer you can say in honor of St. Hilarius: > "O God, who raised up Pope St. Hilarius to defend the faith and guide Your Church, grant that we may follow his example of steadfastness and devotion. Through his intercession, may we grow in faith and courage. Through Christ our Lord. Amen." ---