Saint Jerome, born as Eusebius Sophronius Hieronymus in 347 in the small town of Stridon (located on the border between Dalmatia and Pannonia, in present-day Croatia or Slovenia), is one of the most influential and respected figures in Christian history. He is best known for translating the Bible into Latin, a monumental work that shaped Western Christian tradition for centuries. However, beyond this translation, Saint Jerome was also a scholar, monk, theologian and father of the Church, whose life was marked by a constant quest for truth and service to God.

Youth and Education

Jerome was born into a wealthy Christian family, which enabled him to receive a careful education, first in his native region and then in Rome, where he travelled as a young man to pursue advanced studies. In Rome, he immersed himself in the study of literature, philosophy and rhetoric. A brilliant student, he excelled in these disciplines and developed a love for classical literature, particularly the works of Latin authors such as Cicero and Virgil.

Despite this classical education, Jerome was also drawn to the Christian faith. Around the age of 20, he received baptism in Rome, marking the beginning of his devotion to religion. At this time, he was still torn between his love for pagan literature and his growing commitment to the Christian faith, a tension that would run through much of his life.

Conversion to the Monastic Life

After several years of study and travel, particularly in Gaul, where he met other Christian scholars, Jerome decided to turn to the monastic life. It was during a stay in Trier, in present-day Germany, that he was deeply affected by the life of the monks and decided to devote himself entirely to God.

He then withdrew to the desert of Chalcis, in Syria, around 375, where he led a rigorous ascetic life for several years. During this time, he indulged in severe penances and deepened his studies of the Scriptures. It was there that he began to learn Hebrew, a language he came to regard as essential for a deeper understanding of the Old Testament. Although isolated from the world, Jerome continued to correspond with other Christians and to write, laying the foundations for his future theological work.

Jerome and the Translation of the Bible

St Jerome's most famous and monumental work is undoubtedly the Vulgate, his translation of the Bible into Latin. In Jerome's time, there were already several Latin translations of the Bible, but they were fragmentary, inaccurate and inconsistent. This lack of accuracy gave rise to divergent interpretations of the Scriptures, which was of growing concern to theologians of the time.

In 382, Jerome was called to Rome by Pope Damasus, who entrusted him with the mission of revising the Latin translations of the Bible. Jerome set about this colossal task with exceptional rigour and meticulousness. He began by revising the Latin text of the Gospels, and then set about revising the entire New Testament. But Jerome did not stop there. He soon realised that if he was to offer a faithful and accurate translation of the Old Testament, he would have to translate it directly from the original Hebrew texts, rather than from the Greek versions such as the Septuagint, which were commonly used at the time.

His decision to return to the Hebrew sources provoked controversy among some Christians, who saw the Septuagint as an authorised and respected version. However, Jerome persisted in his approach, convinced that only a translation faithful to the original texts would make it possible to avoid errors and misunderstandings.

The Vulgate, completed at the beginning of the 5th century, became the official version of the Bible used by the Catholic Church and remained so for centuries. It had a profound influence on theology, liturgy and Christian culture in the West, making Saint Jerome one of the most important figures in Christian history. His translation is remarkable not only for its linguistic accuracy, but also for its clarity and literary beauty.

The Fight for Orthodoxy

Throughout his life, Saint Jerome was an ardent defender of Christian orthodoxy. He was involved in numerous theological controversies, not hesitating to fight the heresies that threatened the unity of the Church in his day. In particular, he fought against Arianism, a heresy that denied the divinity of Christ, and Pelagianism, another heresy that downplayed the role of divine grace in salvation.

Jerome is also known for his often heated exchanges with some of his contemporaries, such as Rufinus of Aquileia and even Saint Augustine, with whom he maintained a vigorous correspondence on theological and scriptural issues. Although these debates were sometimes marked by harsh words, they bear witness to Jerome's passionate commitment to the truth and integrity of the Christian faith.

Life in Bethlehem and Death

In 386, after leaving Rome on the death of Pope Damasus, Jerome moved to Bethlehem in the Holy Land, where he spent the rest of his life. He founded a monastery there, where he continued his work of writing and study. Bethlehem became for him a place of spiritual and intellectual retreat, where he could devote himself fully to his work on the Bible and his correspondence with the leading theologians and figures of his day.

Although far removed from the centres of power, Jerome remained an influential figure in the Christian world. He continued to write, teach and correspond with disciples, bishops and faithful throughout the Roman Empire. He died in Bethlehem in 420, after a life devoted to studying, writing and defending the Christian faith.

Heritage and Canonisation

Saint Jerome is revered as one of the greatest Doctors of the Church, and his influence on theology, liturgy and Western Christian culture is immense. His translation of the Bible, the Vulgate, remains one of the most important works in the history of Christianity. It was adopted by the Church as the official version of the Scriptures and was used in the Catholic liturgy for over a thousand years.

His love of the study of the Scriptures, his commitment to Christian orthodoxy and his asceticism made him a model of holiness for future generations. His dedication to the truth and his quest for knowledge have earned him recognition as the patron saint of translators, librarians, scholars and students.

The feast of Saint Jerome is celebrated on 30 September in the Catholic Church's liturgical calendar. He is also honoured by the Orthodox Churches and some Protestant Churches. Beyond his feast day, Saint Jerome remains an inspiring figure for all those who seek to deepen their understanding of the Scriptures and to live a life dedicated to truth, scholarship and the service of God.

Conclusion

Saint Jerome left his mark on the history of Christianity through his monumental work of translation and his commitment to theological truth. His unconditional love for the Scriptures, his intellectual rigour and his ascetic commitment make him a key figure in Christian tradition. Through the Vulgate and his many writings, Saint Jerome left a lasting legacy that continues to influence theologians, scholars and the faithful around the world.

His example reminds us of the importance of study, prayer and devotion in the search for God. Jerome shows us that the quest for truth, when pursued with humility and perseverance, is a true path to holiness.