aug 14, 347 - b. Saint Jerome
Description:
Saint Jerome was born in Stridon a town in the Roman province of Dalmatia. and was best known for his translation of the Bible into Latin and his temperament (or the lack thereof).
He wrote vast scriptural commentaries, many of whichere very critical yet still accepted by the church. His strong critical judgment also extended to women.
St. Jerome spent a lot of time with many female dignitaries to which he directed his ideas of female chastity. He was very close with a member of a wealthy senatorial family, Paula.
Paula would eventually build a monastery for men in Bethlehem and St. Jerome made his pilgrimage there. Many Christian and non-believing internationals came to visit him there.
For those seeking to participate in Jerome's asceticism, they could be expected to experience extreme fasting and denial of self-satisfaction.
Eventually, Paula's daughter Blaesilla would come to convert to St. Jerome's asceticism following a near-death experience. However, her body could not withstand adhering to the strenuous rules. She died in 384 and some blamed Jerome.
Blaesilla was not the only controversy for Jerome. Many questioned how his chaste beliefs could align with his relationship with Paula. Some suspected that it was potential amorous and inappropriate.
Jerome's death is reported to have been in Bethlehem in 419 or 420.
Added to timeline:
Desert Mothers
Ascetic women of the desert
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