Jerome

(c. 347-Sept. 30, 420). One of the four great Doctors of the Western Church. He was born in Stridon, Italy. His full name was Eusebius Sophronius Hieronymus. He studied Hebrew and Greek and became the leading biblical scholar of the early church. In 382 Pope Damasus I commissioned Jerome to translate the scriptures into Latin, the “vulgar” or common tongue. This translation was therefore known as the Vulgate. The Vulgate played a large role in shaping western Christianity and in extending Jerome’s influence. After the Pope’s death in 384, Jerome went to Bethlehem and established a monastery where he lived until his death. He was the most learned of the Western Fathers and a promoter of monasticism. He is commemorated in the Episcopal calendar of the church year on Sept. 30.