St. Jerome Emiliani was a Venetian soldier who, after his conversion, became a priest, cared for orphans and the poor, and founded the Somascan Fathers.
Life
Jerome Emiliani was born in 1486 to a noble family of Venice. As a young soldier he was captured and imprisoned, and there, entrusting himself to Our Lady, he turned back to the faith. After his release he became a priest.
He took in children orphaned by war, famine and plague, feeding and teaching them, and he cared for the sick and the abandoned as well. With companions who shared this work he founded the Somascan Fathers. In 1537 he caught the plague while nursing the sick at Somasca and died. He was canonized in 1767, and the Church honors him as patron of orphans.
Spirituality
Jerome's spirituality is mercy born of conversion. He wanted to pass on to the weakest children the forgiveness and freedom he had received from God. He wove prayer, work and service of the poor into one life.
Reflection
There are children around us who need an adult to care for them. Like Jerome, what small way can I find to pass on the grace I have received?