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St. Jerome, Priest and Doctor

Monday September 30, 2024

St. Jerome is best known for translating the Bible into Latin, a version known as the Vulgate. Born in 347 AD, he was a scholar, translator, and ascetic. Jerome’s work on the Vulgate remains a cornerstone in Biblical studies and the Catholic Church. He was a stickler for authenticity and traveled extensively to ensure his translations were accurate.

Despite his scholarly pursuits, Jerome was also deeply committed to a life of asceticism. He lived as a hermit in the Syrian desert for several years, fasting and studying Hebrew and Greek. This lifestyle informed his religious writings, which often advocated for a simple and disciplined life.

Jerome was a prolific writer beyond his translation work. His commentaries on the Bible are extensive, and he corresponded with many of the leading intellectuals of his time. His letters are filled with theological insights, practical advice, and, occasionally, biting wit.

He was canonized by the Catholic Church and his feast day is celebrated on September 30th. He is the patron saint of librarians, scholars, and students, an apt choice given his lifelong dedication to study and education.

St. Jerome’s legacy extends from his scholarly contributions to his moral teachings. He was a complex character, dedicated to both intellectual rigor and spiritual discipline. His work continues to influence theology and biblical studies today.

Patron Saint of ...

He is the patron saint of archaeologists, Bible scholars, librarians, school children, and translators.

Daily Mass Readings for the Memorial of Saint Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church

Readings for the Memorial may also be taken from may also be taken from the weekday readings for Mass, the Common of Doctors of the Church, or the Common of Pastors.

  • First Reading - 2 Timothy 3:14-17: Stick to your beliefs and the Scriptures you've known since childhood. They make you wise for salvation and prepare you for good works, as they're divinely inspired and useful for teaching and correction.
  • Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 119: I aim to follow your words to live blamelessly. Your commands guide me, your promise is my safeguard against sin. I find joy in your decrees as much as in riches.
  • Gospel - Matthew 13:47-52: The Kingdom of heaven gathers all kinds, but at the end, angels will separate the good from the bad. Those who understand this are like wise heads of households.

Homilies and Reflections

Word On Fire: St. Jerome and Fighting for Brotherhood

St. Jerome, a 4th-century Christian scholar, was known for his combative writing style, challenging anyone who strayed from Church teachings. He was motivated by a deep sense of brotherhood, a concept he interpreted through the Christian virtues of chastity, poverty, and obedience. For Jerome, brotherhood was chaste because it was rooted in undivided love for God, it was poor in the sense that it required self-sacrifice for others, and it was obedient in its dedication to unity and truth. His writings, often confronting but aimed at drawing others closer to Christ, emphasized the significance of genuine brotherly love. Jerome's approach to friendship and unity provides an example of how authentic relationships can be fostered, even among those with differing views.

Devotion to Sacred Scripture

Pope Francis' apostolic letter "Scripturae Sacrae Affectus" commemorates the 1600th anniversary of the death of St. Jerome. The letter praises St. Jerome's scholarly contributions, specifically his Latin translation of the Bible known as the Vulgate, while emphasizing the saint's deep love for the Scripture. It calls for a renewed focus on Biblical studies and highlights the importance of the Bible in shaping ethical and social frameworks. The Pope urges the Christian community to emulate St. Jerome's passion for scripture as a way to deepen faith and commitment.

Quotes from St. Jerome

"Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ." - a quote from St. Jerome
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Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.

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