by Bishop Paulinus, on the condition he continue his
ascetic life. Jerome's life took him to Constantinople for
two years, then Rome, where he undertook revision of
the Latin Bible, based on Greek manuscripts of the New
Testament.
In Rome Jerome found
fellowship with a circle
of patrician, educated
women, including the
widows Lea, Marcella and
Paula, with their daughters
Blaesilla and Eustochium.
But rumors of improper
relations with Paula led
to Jerome leaving his
position in Rome; as well,
Jerome's condemnation
of Blaesilla's hedonistic
lifestyle was perceived
as leading to her death,
for he instructed her to
adopt ascetic practices
which weakened her
health. Jerome, after more wanderings, back to Antioch
and later to Alexandria, went to Israel in 388 and spent
the last 32 years of his life as a hermit near Bethlehem,
accompanied by a few friends, including Paula and
Eustochium, for whom he acted as teacher and guide.
Pictured: Madonna and Child, Delaware
HYLAND
