Note that he wore no habit, used his given name, no title, no approval by or asking permission. he simply loved God and put God's Law of Love into action in imitation of Christ. Others wished to join in. They did. Jerome gave the effort a name. No permission of other human/s needed to live the life of a Christian and live one's vocation. People decided his life was holy so called him a saint posthumously.
How Christlike simple, genuine, utterly refreshing.
SAINT JEROME EMILIANI
(1486-1537)
St. Jerome Emiliani came from a patrician family in Venice. In early life, he was a soldier. After being appointed governor of a fortress among the mountains of Treviso, he was captured by the enemy while bravely defending his post.
Imprisoned in a dungeon, Jerome invoked the great Mother of God and promised to lead a new life if she would set him free. In reponse, Our Lady appeared, broke his fetters and led him forth through the midst of his enemies. At Treviso, Jerome hung up his chains at Mother Mary's altar, dedicated himself to Her service, and on reaching his home at Venice, devoted himself to a life of active charity.
Jerome's work was for deserted orphans during times of plague or famine. He took them in, clothed and fed them, and provided Christian education. From Venice, Jerome went to Padua and Verona; and in a few years, founded orphanages throughout Northern Italy. Some pious clerics and laymen, who had been his fellow-workers, fixed their abode in one of these establishments and devoted themselves to the cause of education. The Saint drew up for them a rule of life and thus founded the Clerks Regular of Somascha, who are active to this day.
St. Jerome passed away on February 8, 1537, from the plague, which he contracted while caring for the sick.
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