Saint Jerome (347-420 AD), was one of the most significant Christian theologians in the early Church. His contributions to Christian thought and biblical studies, particularly through his Latin translation of the Bible, known as the Vulgate, have had a lasting influence on Christianity. 

Jerome was born Eusebius Hieronymus Sophronius in Stridon, a town in what is now Croatia. Raised in a Christian family, he received a well-rounded classical education in Rome, where he studied grammar, rhetoric (the art of speaking and writing effectively), and philosophy. 

Jerome’s spiritual life took a turn when, after a period of inner turmoil and illness, he resolved to devote himself fully to Christ. He traveled extensively, spending time in Gaul (modern-day France) and then, in Antioch (ancient Greek community located in what is now Turkey) where he began his theological studies. He was eventually ordained as a priest, though reluctantly, as he preferred the monastic life to clerical office. For three years, Jerome lived as a hermit in the Syrian desert where he immersed himself in prayer, fasting and the study of Hebrew and Greek. 

One of Jerome’s most important contributions to Christianity came in 382 AD, when Pope Damasus I commissioned Jerome to produce a reliable Latin translation of the Bible. Jerome moved to Bethlehem, where he translated the Old Testament from Hebrew and the New Testament from Greek into Latin in a basement room. This translation, known as the “Vulgate” (meaning “commonly used”), became the standard Bible for the Latin-speaking Church for over 1,000 years. 

Jerome remains highly respected for his writings on theology. His “Letters,” numbering more than 150, cover a wide range of topics, from biblical exegesis to spiritual guidance. Jerome was a spiritual man. His advocacy for celibacy and rigorous spiritual discipline left a mark on Christian monasticism. 

Jerome’s influence on Christianity is immeasurable. The “Vulgate” not only shaped the development of theology and biblical interpretation but also had a profound impact on Western culture, particularly on language and literature. Jerome’s emphasis on studying Scripture in its original languages laid the groundwork for biblical scholarship and later  translations of the Bible. 

Jerome’s life exemplifies a powerful blend of intellectual rigor, deep spirituality, and a fierce commitment to the Christian faith. His legacy endures as one of the most significant figures in the history of the Church.

So What?

Every individual leaves a legacy in their lifetime. What Christian values are you imparting for the next generation?