Saint Jerome

Miss Bowen

Saint Jerome Emiliani

Saint Jerome was born in Italy in 1481, though the exact date is not known.

Growing up, Saint Jerome did not always follow God. He did not decide to make a

change in his lifestyle until he was captured and imprisoned as a soldier. When he was

in prison, Saint Jerome had a lot of time to reflect, and he knew that he needed to turn

his life around. When he escaped from prison, Saint Jerome continued his devotion to

Mary, and instead of returning to the army, devoted himself to community service

instead. He committed himself to caring for orphaned children, providing them with

food and shelter, and eventually creating an education program for children and

priests. After a life of service, Saint Jerome died on February 8 th, 1537, suffering from

a fatal disease that he had caught from one of his patients. Saint Jerome was canonized

in 1767, is remembered today on his feast day, February 8 th. Aside from celebrating

his life on this day, we can also pray to Saint Jerome throughout the year. He is the

patron saint of orphans and abandoned children. His life has also been commemorated

in many ways, including the church and school that is named after him in

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Sources:

1. http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=10

2. http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/Saints/saint.aspx?id=1154

Prayer to Saint Jerome

Dear God,

Help me to be like Saint Jerome. Please keep me

focused on living according to Christ’s example

rather than getting caught up in my selfish

concerns. Help me to be grateful for the family that

I have and to reach out to those in need of support

from family and friends. Help me to be selfless,

putting the needs of others before my own wants

and desires. When I stray from your teachings, help

me to return to you just as Saint Jerome did,

knowing that it never to late to repent.

Amen