St. Jerolamo Emiliani: Patron Saint of Orphans and Children in Need

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Saint Details

ST. JEROLAMO EMILIANI

St. Jerolamo Emiliani was an Italian priest and founder of the Congregation of Somaschi. Known for his deep charity, he dedicated his life to the care of orphans and the poor. His legacy as a compassionate servant of God continues to inspire those who work to alleviate the suffering of the most vulnerable.

St. Jerolamo Emiliani was born on March 15, 1486, in Venice, Italy, into a noble family. Despite his privileged background, he lived a life that would be marked by service to the poor, orphaned, and abandoned children of his time. As a young man, Jerolamo had a carefree life and was initially drawn to the world of politics and the military. However, his life took a dramatic turn when he was captured by the enemy during a war and imprisoned for several months.

It was during this time in captivity that Jerolamo underwent a profound spiritual transformation. He experienced a deep conversion and committed himself to the service of God. After his release, he left his former life behind and entered into religious life. He became a priest and devoted himself to the spiritual and material welfare of the poor and orphaned children in his community.

St. Jerolamo Emiliani is most famous for his founding of the Congregation of Somaschi in 1532. The congregation’s primary mission was the care and education of orphans and abandoned children, which was a significant need at the time. Jerolamo established institutions dedicated to the education and welfare of young boys who were left orphaned by the wars, disease, and poverty that plagued Italy during the Renaissance period.

Jerolamo's work focused not only on providing shelter but also on nurturing the spiritual and moral development of the children in his care. His holistic approach to education combined the teachings of the Catholic faith with practical skills, helping the children become self-sufficient and grounded in their faith. His efforts to care for the marginalized and most vulnerable members of society were rooted in his deep sense of compassion and his commitment to serving God through service to others.

St. Jerolamo also faced significant hardships throughout his life. He struggled with sickness, poverty, and opposition from local authorities, but he remained steadfast in his mission to care for the needy. He died on February 8, 1537, at the age of 50, after a brief illness. Despite his relatively short life, St. Jerolamo Emiliani’s legacy was profound, especially in the area of child welfare.

In recognition of his extraordinary work and dedication to the poor and orphaned, St. Jerolamo Emiliani was canonized by Pope Clement XIII on June 1, 1767. He is the patron saint of orphans, abandoned children, and those who work in the field of child welfare. His feast day is celebrated on February 8, and his life continues to serve as an inspiration to those committed to charitable works and the care of children.

Feast Day

8-2-

Birth Date

15-3-1486

Died Date

8-2-1537

Canonised Date

1-6-1767

Treviso, Italy

“God, our Father, through the intercession of St. Jerolamo Emiliani, grant us the grace to follow his example of charity, humility, and love for the poor and orphaned. May we dedicate our lives to helping those in need. Amen.”
ST. JEROLAMO EMILIANI

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ST. JEROLAMO EMILIANI

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