Catholic Saints St. Jerome
Sep 30, 2025
Discover the intriguing life of St. Jerome, a 4th-century Church Father who transformed the Bible into Latin, making it accessible to many. Delve into his conversion experience and the ascetic lifestyle he adopted in the desert. Learn how his relationships with influential patrons shaped his translation work and led to the creation of the Vulgate. His passionate personality, known for both zeal and controversy, left a lasting legacy, highlighted by his famous quote on the importance of Scripture in understanding Christ.
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Conversion From Cicero To Christ
- Jerome underwent a sharp conversion, realizing he was more a disciple of Cicero than of Christ after a vivid dream.
- That revelation redirected his intellect from classics to devoted study of Scripture and ascetic practice.
Pope's Request Launched The Vulgate
- Pope Damasus personally asked Jerome to produce a superior Latin translation of Scripture to replace the poor Vetus Latina.
- Jerome began translating the Gospels and Psalms, starting what became the Vulgate to make Scripture accessible to the people.
Women Patrons Enabled His Work
- Jerome recruited wealthy Roman widows like Paula and Marcella as patrons and collaborators in translation and spiritual life.
- Their support funded monasteries, pilgrims' housing, and Jerome's biblical work in Bethlehem.
