Origins
Sophronius Eusébius Jerome is the full name of Saint Jerome. He was born in Estridão, now Croatia. The exact date of his birth is not known, it is estimated to be around 347. From a wealthy Christian family, Saint Jerome received a solid education and, helped by his parents, completed his studies in Rome. There, he gave himself up to worldly life, letting himself be carried away by pleasures. However, he soon repented, received Baptism and followed the contemplative life.
Life
Jerônimo studied throughout his life, traveling from Europe to the East with his library of ancient classics, in which he was trained and graduated with a doctorate. Passing through France, he visited a monastery and decided to retreat to experience the spiritual experience. One of his characteristics was his taste for radical deliveries. He spent many years in the Syrian desert, practicing rigorous fasting and penance, which almost led to his death. In 375, after an illness, Jerome began studying the Bible with renewed passion. He was ordained a priest by Bishop Paulinus, in Antioch, in 379. But Jerome had no pastoral vocation and decided that he would be a monk dedicated to the reflection, study and dissemination of Christianity.
First Translation of the Bible into Latin
Called by the Pope
He returned to Rome in 382, called by Pope Damasus, to be his private secretary. Jerome was tasked with translating the Bible (from Greek and Hebrew) into Latin. He dedicated almost his entire life to this work. The final set of his Latin Bible translation was called the “Vulgate” and became official at the Council of Trent.
Your works
A Roman by training, Jerome was an encyclopedic. His literary work revealed the philosopher, the rhetorician, the grammarian, the dialectician, capable of writing and thinking in Latin, Greek, Hebrew, a writer with a rich, pure and eloquent style at the same time. Owner of a strong personality and temperament, his passing aroused controversy or enthusiasm.
Withdrawal to Belém
Due to certain intrigues from the Roman environment, he retired to Bethlehem, where he lived as a monk, continuing his studies and biblical work. Not to be forgotten, he reappeared, every now and then, with a new book. His verbal violence did not forgive anyone. He had harsh words for Ambrose, Basil, and Augustine himself. But he always softened the intemperance of his character so that spiritual rights would prevail.
Dedication to the Word of God
Easter
Saint Jerome spent the rest of his life in Bethlehem, where he always dedicated himself to the Word of God, defending the faith, teaching classical and Christian culture and welcoming pilgrims. He died in his cell, near the Grotto of the Nativity, on September 30, probably in the year 420.
Posthumous Contribution
This holy man, impetuous and often controversial and divergent, was hated, but also very loved. It was not easy to talk to him, but he made a contribution to Christianity, with his life testimony and his numerous writings. In fact, he is responsible for the first translation of the Bible into Latin, called the Vulgate: he translated the Gospels from Greek and the Old Testament from Hebrew; Even today, the Vulgate, although revised, is the official text of the Latin-speaking Church.
My prayer
“A great translator and disseminator of the Word of God, you were so intimate with the scriptures and taught us this beautiful path to union with Christ. Give us love for the Word, dedication to reading it, praying it and meditating on it as you yourself did. Amen.”
Saint Jerome, pray for us!
Other saints and blesseds celebrated on September 30
- In Piacenza, in present-day Emilia-Romagna, region of Italy, Santo Antoninomartyr. († 303)
- In Soleure, in the territory of the Helvetii, in present-day Switzerland, the saints Bear It is Vitormartyrs, who, according to tradition, belonged to the Theban Legion. († c. 320)
- In Armenia, Saint Gregory the Illuminator, Bishop. He is considered the apostle of the Armenians. († c. 326)
- In Marseille, in Provence, currently in France, Saint Eusebiavirgin, who from her youth to her old age was always a faithful servant of God. († c. 497)
- In Canterbury, England, Saint Honoriobishop, who succeeded Saint Augustine in England. († 653)
- In Nusco, in Hirpina, today in Campania, region of Italy, Santo LovedBishop. († 1093)
- In Rome, Saint Simonmonk, formerly Count of Crepy, in France, renouncing his homeland, marriage and everything, chose the monastic life and then the eremitic life. († 1082)
- In Die, France, Saint Ismidobishop, who, moved by his great love for the Holy Places, made the pious pilgrimage to Jerusalem twice. († 1115)
- In Pêsaro, in Piceno, today in the Marche region of Italy, Blessed Felicia Medaabbess of the Order of Poor Clares.(† 1444)
- In Rome, Saint Francisco de Borjaa priest, who, after the death of his wife, entered the Society of Jesus and, abdicating the honors of the world and ecclesiastical dignities, was elected superior general of the Order. († 1572)
- On a prison boat anchored off Rochefort, on the coast of France, Blessed João Nicolau Cordierpresbyter and martyr. († 1794)
- In Lanzo, a town near Turin, in Italy, Blessed Frederick Albertpriest, who founded the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Vincent de Paul of the Immaculate Conception. († 1876)
- In Lisieux, France, Saint’s birthday Teresa of the Child Jesuswhose memory is celebrated the following day.(† 1897)
Source:
- Arquisp.org.br
- Roman Martyrology
- Santiebeati.it
- Vaticannews.va
– Production and editing: Melody de Paulo
– Prayer: Rafael Vitto – Community