Saint Jerome in his Study

by Flemish painter

Marinus van Reynerswale

Saint Jerome was born to a wealthy Christian family who sent him to Rome to be educated.  While in Rome, Saint Jerome became a priest, and Pope Damasus I asked Saint Jerome to translate the bible from Hebrew into Latin.  This translation has come to be known as the Vulgate bible which we still use today.

Saint Jerome removed a thorn from a lion's foot, and the lion became Saint Jerome's pet.

Saint Jerome had a hot temper and was difficult to get along with.  He was tactless, outspoken, satirical, and vindictive.  As examples, Saint Jerome was in conflict with the bishop of Jerusalem, and Saint Jerome was forced to leave Rome after his protector, Pope Damasus I, died, because he had made so many enemies by his thoughtless words.

After Saint Jerome left Rome, he went to Palestine and lived his last 34 years in Bethlehem until his death in the year 420. 

Saint Jerome's feast day is September 30.