St. Jerome
Doctor of the Church, Translator of the Vulgate
Feast Day: September 30
Biography
St. Jerome (c. 345–420) was a priest, theologian, and historian best known for his translation of the Bible into Latin — the Vulgate — which served as the authoritative Latin text of Scripture for over 1,500 years. Born in Stridon (modern Croatia), he studied in Rome, lived as a hermit in the Syrian desert, and eventually settled in Bethlehem, where he spent the last 34 years of his life in study, writing, and translation. He was a man of towering intellect and equally towering temper, engaging in fierce polemics with his theological opponents. Yet his love for Sacred Scripture was absolute. He famously wrote: 'Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.' He mastered Hebrew, Greek, and Latin to an extraordinary degree, enabling his monumental translation work. He also wrote extensive biblical commentaries, biographies of saints, and letters that provide invaluable insight into the early Church.
Patronages
Symbols
Prayer
O St. Jerome, you devoted your life to the study of Sacred Scripture so that others might know Christ through His Word. Obtain for me a deep love of the Bible and the grace to read it with understanding and devotion. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Asking for Intercession
Catholics ask saints to pray with us and for us, as we ask friends on earth. St. Jerome, who lives in God's presence, intercedes before His throne. Speak from your heart: “St. Jerome, please pray for me…” You may also pray the prayer above or include this intention in your Rosary.