St. Jerome

St. Jerome, born Eusebius Sophronius Hieronymus around 347 in Stridon, Dalmatia modern-day Croatia or Slovenia, was a scholar, theologian, and one of the most influential figures in early Christianity. Educated in Rome, he mastered classical literature and rhetoric before converting to Christianity and dedicating his life to religious study. Jerome traveled extensively, spending time in Antioch, where he was ordained a priest, and later in Constantinople, where he studied under Gregory of Nazianzus. His most significant work began in 382 when Pope Damasus I commissioned him to revise the Latin translations of the Bible. Jerome settled in Bethlehem in 386, establishing a monastery and devoting over two decades to translating the Old Testament from Hebrew and the New Testament from Greek into Latin, creating the Vulgate, which became the Catholic Church’s official Bible for centuries. A prolific writer, Jerome also penned commentaries, letters, and theological treatises, often defending orthodox Christian teachings against heresies. Known for his ascetic lifestyle and sharp intellect, he faced criticism for his fiery temperament but remained a central figure in the Church. Jerome died in 420, likely in Bethlehem, though the exact location of his death is unknown. His contributions to biblical scholarship and his enduring legacy led to his canonization in 1881, and he is venerated as the patron saint of translators, librarians, and biblical scholars.