Hilary of Galeata

Saint Hilary of Galeata was born in Tuscia in 476. Drawn early to God, he chose the hidden way of the hermit at only twelve, leaving home and crossing the Apennines toward Emilia. Tradition says an angel guided him to a mountain site in the valley of the Bidente near the Ronco River, where he embraced prayer, penance, and solitude. As a young man he became known for spiritual authority and compassion. Around the age of twenty, Hilary delivered a local nobleman, Olibrius, from demonic oppression; in gratitude, Olibrius and his household received baptism and offered land and resources. From this gift grew the monastery of Galeata, later called Sant’Ellero di Galeata, formed in the spirit of the ancient monastic rule associated with Saint Pachomius. Many miracles were attributed to Hilary, and even the powerful Theodoric—at first a threat to the monks—was moved to support the community with land and goods. Venerated in both the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches, Hilary is honored as patron of Galeata and Lugo. His feast day is May 15.