July 20 - St. Jerome Emiliani

“He hath distributed, he hath given to the poor: 

his justice remaineth for ever and ever: 

his horn shall be exalted in glory.” - Psalm 111:19

Jerome Emiliani was born in Venice in 1481 to a noble family. 

At the age of 15 he became a soldier. He was appointed as the governor of a fortress in the mountains of Treviso. While defending his post, he was made prisoner by the enemy. 

In the misery of the dungeon, he invoked the Mother of God for help. If she would come to his assistance, he promised to lead a new and better life. He credits his escape to the help of Our Lady, and so at Treviso, he hung up his chains at her altar, dedicated himself to her service, and on reaching home in Venice devoted himself to a life of active charity.

Back in Venice he supervised the education of his nephews and devoted his spare time to studying theology and doing works of charity.

“Deal thy bread to the hungry, and bring the needy and the harbourless into thy house: when thou shalt see one naked, cover him, and despise not thy own flesh.” - Isaiah 58:7

The year 1528 was a year of plague and famine, and Jerome seemed to be everywhere with his zeal. He cared for the sick and fed the hungry at his own expense, renting a house for them and caring for them with other laymen. He was also put in charge of a hospital for incurables.

In 1531, he went to Verona and induced the citizens to build a hospital. He erected orphanages for both boys and girls. He also founded a hostel for repentant prostitutes.

Then two priests joined him in his works of charity, and in 1532 he founded a religious society. The motherhouse was at Somasca and so the members became known as Somascans. 

In the Rule of this Society, Jerome stated that the principal work of the community was the care of orphans, poor and sick, and he demanded that the dwellings, food and clothing of the members would bear the mark of religious poverty.

“When thou shalt pour out thy soul to the hungry, and shalt satisfy the afflicted soul then shall thy light rise up in darkness, and thy darkness shall be as the noonday. And the Lord will give thee rest continually, and will fill thy soul with brightness, and deliver thy bones, and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a fountain of water whose waters shall not fail.” - Isaiah 58:10-11

During an epidemic, Jerome was assisting the sick when he contracted the plague. He died in Somasca, 8 February 1537.

During the four centuries of its history, the Somascan Order has never ceased its apostolate for the needy youth.

“Jesus saith to him: If thou wilt be perfect, go sell what thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come follow me.” - Mt 19:21