Editing Jerome (section)

=== Ministry in Rome ===
[[File:Antonio da Fabriano II - Saint Jerome in His Study - Walters 37439.jpg|thumb|upright|''Saint Jerome in His Study'', 1451, by Antonio da Fabriano II, shows writing implements, scrolls, and manuscripts testifying to Jerome's scholarly pursuits.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[The Walters Art Museum]] |url=http://art.thewalters.org/detail/27087 |title=Saint Jerome in His Study |access-date=18 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516145200/http://art.thewalters.org/detail/27087 |archive-date=16 May 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Walters Art Museum.]]
[[File:Colantonio, Jerome in his Study.jpg|thumb|''[[Saint Jerome in His Study (Colantonio)|Saint Jerome in His Study]]'', by [[Niccolò Antonio Colantonio]] {{c.|1445|lk=no}}–46, depicts Jerome's removal of a thorn from a lion's paw.]]

As protégé of [[Pope Damasus I]], Jerome was given duties in Rome, and he undertook a revision of the ''[[Vetus Latina]]'' Gospels based on [[Greek language|Greek]] manuscripts. He also updated the Psalter containing the Book of Psalms then in use in Rome, based on the [[Septuagint]].

Throughout his epistles, he shows himself to be surrounded by women and united with close ties; it is estimated that 40% of his epistles were addressed to someone of the female sex and,<ref>D. Ruiz Bueno. (1962). Cartas de S. Jerónimo, 2 vols. Madrid.</ref> at the time, he was criticized for it.<ref>Epistle 45,2-3; 54,2; 65,1; 127,5.</ref>

Even in his time, Jerome noted [[Porphyry (philosopher) |Porphyry's]] accusation that the Christian communities were run by women and that the favor of the ladies decided who could accede to the dignity of the priesthood.<ref>Gigon, O. (1966). ''Die antike Kultur und das Christentum''. pp. 120.</ref><ref>Deschner, Karlheinz (1986). ''[[Kriminalgeschichte des Christentums|Christianity's Criminal History]]''. Volume 1. pp. 164-170.</ref>

In Rome, Jerome was surrounded by a circle of well-born and well-educated women, including some from the noblest [[Patrician (ancient Rome)| patrician]] families. Among these women were such as the widows [[Saint Lea|Lea]], [[Saint Marcella|Marcella]], and [[Saint Paula|Paula]], and Paula's daughters [[Blaesilla]] and [[Eustochium]]. The resulting inclination of these women towards the monastic life, away from the indulgent lasciviousness in Rome, and his unsparing criticism of the [[secular clergy]] of Rome, brought a growing hostility against him among the Roman clergy and their supporters. Soon after the death of his patron Pope Damasus I on 10 December 384, Jerome was forced to leave his position at Rome after an inquiry was brought up by the Roman clergy into allegations that he had an improper relationship with the widow Paula. Still, his writings were highly regarded by women who were attempting to maintain vows of becoming [[consecrated virgin]]s. His letters were widely read and distributed throughout the Christian empire, and it is clear through his writing that he knew these virgin women were not his only audience.{{sfn|Williams|2006|p=}}

Additionally, Jerome's condemnation of Blaesilla's hedonistic lifestyle in Rome led her to adopt ascetic practices, but these affected her health and worsened her physical weakness to the point that she died just four months after starting to follow his instructions; much of the Roman populace was outraged that Jerome, in their view, thus caused the premature death of such a lively young woman. Additionally, his insistence to Paula that Blaesilla should not be mourned and complaints that her grief was excessive were seen as heartless, which further polarized Roman opinion against him.{{sfn | Salisbury | Lefkowitz | 2001 | pp=32-33}}