Saint Jerome Emiliani

Biography

Saint Jerome Emiliani, also known as Geronimo, Gerolamo Miani, Girolamo, or Jerom Aemiliani, was born in 1481 in Venice, Italy. He was born into a wealthy family, the son of Angelo and Eleanor Mauroceni Emiliani. However, tragedy struck when Jerome's father passed away when he was just a teenager. Left to his own devices, Jerome ran away from home at the young age of 15.

During his youth, Jerome led a dissolute lifestyle, succumbing to worldly pleasures and vices. However, a turning point came in his life when he joined the military in Venice in 1506. He rose through the ranks and eventually commanded the League of Cambrai forces at the fortress of Castelnuovo near Treviso, Italy.

It was during his military service that an event occurred that would change Jerome's life forever. On August 27, 1511, he was captured by Venetian forces and thrown into a dungeon, where he was chained. In his darkest hour, he turned to Our Lady for help and miraculously, an apparition of Mary appeared and freed him from his chains. As a token of gratitude, Jerome hung his chains on a church wall as an offering.

After his release, Jerome became the mayor of Treviso while simultaneously studying for the priesthood. In 1518, during the spotted-fever plague, he was ordained as a priest. Despite the dangers posed by the epidemic, Jerome dedicated himself to caring for the sick. He even opened his own home to house and care for orphans who had been abandoned.

Jerome's compassion knew no bounds, and he often took to the streets at night to bury those who had succumbed to the disease and died unattended. His dedication and selflessness earned him the admiration of many.

In addition to his work with orphans and the sick, Jerome established six orphanages, a shelter for penitent prostitutes, and a hospital. His devotion to the welfare of others was unwavering, and his compassion became a guiding light for those he encountered.

Recognizing the need for a structured organization to continue and expand his charitable work, Jerome founded the Order of Somaschi (Company of Servants of the Poor, or Somascan Fathers, or Regular Clergy of Somasca) in approximately 1532. This congregation of clerks regular committed themselves to the care of orphans. They took their name from the town of Somasca, where they started and founded a seminary. The society received approval from Pope Paul III in 1540 and continues its work to this day in various countries.

Furthermore, Saint Jerome Emiliani is believed to have developed the question-and-answer catechism technique, which has proved to be an effective means of teaching children about their faith.

Saint Jerome Emiliani was declared the patron saint of orphans and abandoned children by Pope Pius XI in 1928. He is also revered as the patron saint of Venice, Italy. He is often depicted with a ball and chain, symbolizing his former imprisonment, and as a man shackled with a ball and chain who attends to the sick. There are also depictions of Saint Jerome Emiliani wearing a ball and chain, receiving an apparition of Mary and the Child Jesus.

Saint Jerome Emiliani died on February 8, 1537, in Italy. He had contracted a disease while tending to the sick, but his spirit and legacy lived on. Pope Benedict XIV beatified him on April 23, 1747, and he was later canonized by Pope Clement XIII on July 16, 1767.

The life of Saint Jerome Emiliani serves as an inspiring example of selfless service, compassion, and the transformative power of faith. His dedication to the welfare of the less fortunate and his tireless efforts to alleviate suffering continue to inspire people around the world today.