For more than two decades, Perez Hilton has been known for his sharp and often scathing commentary on celebrities. But on Trending with Timmerie, Timmerie shared how a life-threatening medical crisis appears to have started something unexpected: a return to the Catholic Faith of his childhood.
Hilton was baptized Catholic and attended Catholic schools, but according to Hilton, he never truly believed in God. That changed after a lengthy hospitalization in which he nearly died.
Reflecting on what happened, Hilton said, “One of the most special things about this experience is that God presented himself to me. It was not a feeling.”
The experience prompted Hilton to return to Mass, read the Bible, and speak publicly about his belief in God. He also expressed a desire to bring his three children to church.
“I had my heart open before,” Hilton said. “I wanted to believe, and I don’t have to hope to believe. I know now.”
Timmerie stressed that returning to faith does not mean every part of a person’s life changes immediately. Conversion requires allowing God’s grace to transform our choices, relationships, habits, and beliefs over time. Hilton’s past and present circumstances include serious areas that remain contrary to Catholic teaching, but that is precisely why his story offers an important lesson:
Conversion is ongoing.
“Our growth in virtue is ongoing,” Timmerie said. “The grace that transforms us is ongoing.”
His story also points to the lasting significance of Baptism. Even when someone falls away, Catholics should never underestimate what God can do in a soul – or how the faithful witness of parents, relatives, and friends may bear fruit years later.
Timmerie encouraged listeners to pray for Hilton, his children, and his continued conversion. His journey is unfinished, as is ours.
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