St. Jerome

Sophronius Jerome(Hieronymus in Latin), Son of Eusebius, was born of Christina Parents at Stridon, extreme north-east of modern Italy, around the year 347. At the age of 12 he was sent to Rome for studies. He probably belonged to the upper class, and so received a good education in grammar, literature and rhetoric. He became a catechumen and in 306, at the age of 19, on Easter Day, received Baptism from Pope Liberius.

Jerome became a master of the Latin language and could use it with great effect. Jerome travelled in quest of Knowledge. In Rome he made the vow of celibacy. At the age of 38, Jerome was ordained priest by Patriarch Paulinus. In Bethlehem in the moastery of men, he completed the Latin version of the Bible, translating the Old Testament from the Greek and giving spiritual and Scriptural homilies. Jerome had a lively affection, penetration knowledge and a deep reverence for Holy Scripture. He was fully convinced that Christian Christian life should be illumined and guided by the Word of God. He famous saying, :Ignorance of the Scriptures is the innorance of Christ,”.

We do notk now how St. Jerome spent his last days. On 30^th September 420 he peacefully left of his well-merited reward in heaven. The feast of St. Jerome is a veritable wake-up call for all of us to read and meditate the Word of God and to live in its light.