Memorial of Saint Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church
Today, the church recalls the life and work of St. Jerome. St. Jerome died in 420 and he is known for his translation of the scriptures into the vulgate or the popular language of the day. His work was scholarly, and he applied the best sources and a knowledge of various languages to create the translation that served the church until more accurate translations were made beginning in the renaissance and up to modernity. Jerome touched upon an important aspect of the Christian faith, the need to maintain the truths of the faith but to present these truths in such a way that they make sense in various times and places. Translation is a tricky thing and even the best translators make mistakes. Risks are part and parcel with communication, which was the ultimate task of Jerome who wanted the faithful to be able to read the scriptures. The task of Jerome is our task today: How do we make the faith understood to different people and different circumstances?