Saints Library · Teaching and Sharing
St. Jerome Emiliani
Founder of the Clerks Regular of Somasca and patron of orphans
Life and historical setting
Jerome Emiliani (1481-1537) is remembered in the Church as founder of the Clerks Regular of Somasca and patron of orphans. The supplied Catholic source associates this life with Venice, Italy.
Jerome Emiliani was ordained in 1518 and devoted himself to helping children who had been abandoned or orphaned. The founding of orphanages in several towns as well as a hospital and a home for penitent prostitutes became part of Jerome Emiliani's lasting work.
Jerome Emiliani began a new Congregation called the Clerks Regular of Somasca whose members after the peasants living near the village.
The enduring witness of Jerome Emiliani is especially connected with prayer and contemplation, religious life and community, and founding and renewal. Dates, offices, and institutions are presented as biographical facts, while later devotional interpretation is kept distinct from the historical outline.
Vocation and witness
These themes were identified from the supplied source record and provide a structured guide to the life.
Prayer and contemplation
Prayer, contemplation, or a disciplined interior life is a significant part of the recorded witness.
Religious life and community
Consecrated life, community discipline, or the building of a religious family shapes this witness.
Founding and renewal
The source associates this life with founding, restoring, or strengthening a Christian work or community.
Works of mercy
Practical mercy toward people who were poor, sick, displaced, or otherwise in need is part of the recorded story.
Sharing the faith
The source presents teaching and evangelization as service to the Church and future generations.
Spiritual legacy
The enduring witness of Jerome Emiliani is especially connected with prayer and contemplation, religious life and community, and founding and renewal. Dates, offices, and institutions are presented as biographical facts, while later devotional interpretation is kept distinct from the historical outline.
Prayerful reflection
God of holiness, through the witness of Jerome Emiliani, strengthen us in patient teaching, evangelization, and the faithful transmission of the Catholic faith. Keep our attention fixed on Jesus Christ, and teach us to answer grace faithfully in the duties, relationships, and needs placed before us. Amen.
Historical and liturgical note
Current Vatican News calendar listing; local and religious calendars may add other observances.
Dates, offices, and institutions are presented as biographical facts, while later devotional interpretation is kept distinct from the historical outline.