The feast day of St. Jerome Emiliani is celebrated on Feb. 9. St. Jerome was born in Venice in 1486.

St. Jerome had an adventurous youth and became a soldier.  Spending time in a dungeon after being captured he turned to a life of prayer and began studying for the priesthood. After his ordination, he devoted his time to works of mercy caring for orphans and the sick. He built three orphanages, a shelter for prostitutes and a hospital. His supporters formed a group which eventually became a religious order called the Clerks Regular of Samasca.

St. Jerome was also entrusted with the organization of the Hospital of the Incurables.  Jerome died in Samasca on Feb. 8, 1537 from the plague after caring for the ill during the epidemic.

 

God did not tell us to follow Him
because He needed our help,
but because He knew that
loving Him would make us whole.

Quote of St Irenaeus; Feast day June 28

 

February is the Month of the Passion of the Lord

<