<p>Jerome was born in Dalmatia about 342. He studied Latin and Greek in Rome where he was baptized at 18 by Pope Liberius. Having experienced a vision of Christ, Jerome withdrew into the Syrian desert for four years, praying, fasting and learning Hebrew. He was ordained in 377.</p>
<p>Jerome's mastery of languages enabled him to translate Hebrew and Greek books of the Bible, at the request of Pope Damasus, into the language of the common people, that is, Latin; this translation is called the Vulgate. In the 16th century, the Council of Trent (1545-63) declared Jerome's Vulgate an official text of the Catholic Church.</p>
<p>Jerome's rhetorical skill coupled with his fiery temperament made him a fierce opponent in theological debate and involved him in controversy most of his life. His last years were spent in Bethlehem where a group of Roman noblewomen under his spiritual direction used their wealth to build convents, monasteries and hospices. These consecrated women, led by Saint Paula, are regarded in Church history as a powerful witness to early Christian feminine spirituality.</p>
<p>Jerome died on this day in 420. His accomplishments in biblical studies are without parallel in Christian history. He is a doctor of the Church, and patron of scripture scholars.<br /></p>
<p>©2011 <em>Living with Christ, </em>Novalis - Bayard Press Canada Inc., <strong>http://www.livingwithchrist.ca/</strong>. Reprinted with permission.</p>
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