St. Jerome Emiliani (1481-1537) Patron Saint of Orphans & Needy Youth Who Need a Good Father -Image Courtesy: Fr. Remo Zanatta@Facebook
(EWTN) Born in Italy Venice, Jerome was the son of wealthy parents – At the age of 15, Jerome ran away from home, after dissolute youthful days according to SQPN joining the Army in 1506 — In 1508 Jerome defended Castelnuovo against the League of Cambray, subsequently taken prisoner and miraculously liberated, Jerome made a pilgrimage to the ‘Shrine of Our Lady of Treviso’ in fulfillment of a vow.
Jerome was appointed Podesta (Chief Magistrate) of Castelnuovo but after a short time, would return to Venice to supervise the education of his nephews. During his spare time, Jerome was devoted to the study of Theology and charitable works. — Following Jerome’s Ordination into the Priesthood in 1518 the hospitals and places where the poor would congregate became his favorite places.
In 1528 Fr. Jerome seemed to be everywhere and demonstrated his zeal especially to the orphans whose number had so greatly increased during the plague and famine years. Fr. Jerome rented a house for them near the Church of St. Rose and with the assistance of some devoted Laymen, ministered to their needs and welfare.
Fr. Jerome would go on to found three orphanages, a shelter for penitent prostitutes and a hospital. In 1532 Fr. Jerome and two other Priests established a congregation known as the ‘Clerks Regular of Somasca’ — present day Somascan Fathers which continue the legacy of Fr. Jerome commitment in serving the poor and taking care of orphans and abandoned youth.
In 1537 Fr. Jerome fell as a martyr to his zeal, contracting a disease at Bergamo, he would pass away on this date at Somascha — Fr. Jerome was Beatified in 1747 by Pope Benedict XIV and Canonized in 1767 by Pope Clement XII
More here on the Life of St. Jerome Emiliani
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