SAINT JEROME: LIFE, MISSION, ENDURING LEGACY
By Jerome Aduojo Agi Ph.D.
*ABSTRACT*
Saint Jerome (c. 347–420 CE), one of the most influential figures in early Christianity, is best remembered for his monumental translation of the Bible into Latin, known as the Vulgate. His feast day, celebrated on September 30, honors his contributions as a scholar, ascetic, and Doctor of the Church. This article explores Jerome’s background, calling, mission, works, and attributes, situating him within the broader history of the early Church. By examining his life, character, and enduring legacy, this study highlights the lessons modern Christians and scholars can draw from his zeal for Scripture, commitment to truth, and devotion to spiritual discipline.
*INTRODUCTION*
Saint Jerome occupies a distinguished place in Christian history as a theologian, historian, translator, and ascetic whose works continue to influence biblical scholarship and ecclesial tradition. Known as the patron saint of librarians, translators, and biblical scholars, Jerome’s lifelong dedication to the Scriptures shaped the theological foundations of Western Christianity. His life was marked by intellectual brilliance, sharp controversy, deep spirituality, and a tireless mission to make God’s Word accessible to the faithful.
*BACKGROUND AND EARLY LIFE*
Jerome was born around 347 CE in Stridon, a town at the border of Dalmatia and Pannonia (modern-day Croatia or Slovenia) (Kelly, 1975). Raised in a Christian family, he received a classical education in Rome, where he mastered Latin and Greek. This rigorous foundation prepared him for his later work in biblical translation and exegesis. However, his youthful indulgence in secular pleasures left him spiritually restless, leading to his eventual conversion and embrace of asceticism.
*CALLING AND MISSION*
Jerome experienced a profound spiritual awakening that redirected his ambitions from worldly pursuits to a life of service to God. He became a monk and lived as a hermit in the Syrian desert, immersing himself in prayer, fasting, and biblical study (Rebenich, 2002). His calling crystallized around the conviction that the Word of God must be preserved and understood in its purity. Jerome’s mission was to study the Scriptures deeply and to make them available to the Church in a reliable, faithful translation.
*WORKS AND CONTRIBUTIONS*
The crowning achievement of Jerome’s life was the Latin Vulgate. Commissioned by Pope Damasus I around 382 CE, Jerome revised the existing Latin translations of the Gospels and later undertook the translation of the Old Testament directly from Hebrew (Chapman, 1913/2009). The Vulgate became the authoritative biblical text of the Western Church for over a millennium.
In addition to translation, Jerome wrote commentaries on Scripture, theological treatises, and numerous letters addressing ecclesiastical controversies and pastoral concerns. His works reflect not only his erudition but also his fiery temperament and commitment to orthodoxy.
*CHARACTER AND ATTRIBUTES*
Jerome was a complex figure. On one hand, he was admired for his ascetic lifestyle, profound scholarship, and spiritual devotion. On the other, he was often criticized for his sharp tongue and polemical style in theological disputes (Rebenich, 2002). His character embodied a paradox: a man of both deep humility before God and fierce combativeness in defending truth.
*Attributes commonly associated with him include:*
-Zeal for truth
-Intellectual brilliance
-Discipline in ascetic practice
-Courage in controversy
-Pastoral concern for souls
*LESSONS FROM HIS LIFE*
*Saint Jerome’s life offers enduring lessons:*
1. *Devotion to Scripture* – He exemplifies the necessity of grounding faith in God’s Word.
2. *Lifelong Learning* – His mastery of languages and texts reminds Christians of the value of scholarship in service to faith.
3. *Spiritual Discipline* – His ascetic practices highlight the importance of self-denial in pursuing holiness.
4. *Courage in Truth-Telling* – Despite opposition, Jerome remained steadfast in defending orthodoxy.
5. *Integration of Study and Prayer* – Jerome’s legacy underscores the balance of intellectual pursuit with spiritual devotion.
*LEGACY*
Saint Jerome died in Bethlehem in 420 CE, where he had founded a monastery and continued his work until the end of his life. Canonized as a Doctor of the Church, his legacy endures in the Vulgate, which the Council of Trent (1546) declared the official Latin Bible of the Catholic Church (Chapman, 1913/2009). His feast day, September 30, continues to remind the Church of the importance of Scripture, study, and devotion.
*CONCLUSION*
Saint Jerome’s life was marked by the tension between human frailty and divine calling. His fierce temperament, ascetic rigor, and intellectual zeal combined to produce a monumental contribution that shaped Christian history. His mission to make Scripture accessible and his example of dedication to truth remain an enduring inspiration for Christians, scholars, and seekers today.
*REFERENCES*
Chapman, J. (2009). St. Jerome (Original work published 1913). Catholic Encyclopedia. Robert Appleton Company. Retrieved from http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08341a.htm
Kelly, J. N. D. (1975). Jerome: His life, writings, and controversies. Harper & Row.
Rebenich, S. (2002). Jerome. Routledge.
