St. Jerome was born around 347 A.D. in Stridon, near modern day Croatia. It wasn’t until about 366 A.D. that he was baptized by Pope Liberius in Rome. There, he studied grammar, rhetoric, philosophy and classical literature.
Jerome lived as a hermit in the desert and practiced asceticism and intense study. Served as the secretary to Pope Damascus I, who commissioned him to revise and translate Biblical texts. In doing so, Jerome produced the Latin Vulgate, which became the authoritative biblical text of the western Church for centuries. Along the way, he mastered Latin, Greek, Hebrew, and Chaldaic.
St. Jerome is recognized as one of the most learned Latin Fathers and a Doctor of the Church. His Vulgate was recognized as the Church’s official Latin Bible at the Council of Trent in 1546. He is the patron saint of translators, Bible scholars, libraries, students, and archeologists. He is well known for saying, “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” He died in 420, and his remains are in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome.
Today we pray for those who have not yet discovered the Word of God. May they hear the Good News of the Gospel, and may their hearts be filled up with the goodness of God.
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Dear Jesus,
You gave us St. Jerome as an example of commitment to your word.
Inspire in our hearts that very same flame that you enkindled in his.
When we do not know the answer, guide us to Your word,
and when we do, help us to share it according to the mission you gave us.
Saint Jerome, pray for us.
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Tomorrow’s saint of the day is Saint Thérèse.
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