In this work, the life, personality, thought and work of Saint Jerome of Stridon are presented and the content of his correspondence is partially analysed. Jerome was born in the lost city of Stridon, travelled Europe and the Middle East to study and develop spiritually, worked for Pope Damasus in Rome, and concluded his life as a monk in Bethlehem. Having lived in the era of transition from classical to Christian antiquity, the horizon of his thought unites both classical and Christian elements. As an intellectual he always adhered to the official doctrine of the Roman Church. His most important works span the translation of the Old Testament from the original into Latin (Vulgate), commentaries on The Bible, apologies against heresy, historical pieces (including De viris illustribus – On Illustrious Men), letters, etc. Jerome’s letters provide comprehensive insight into his thought and personality. Letters sent to penitents, virgins and widows elucidate his profound appreciation of abstinence and ascetic lifestyle, while those sent to learned women of Rome also shed light on his personal life. In correspondence with Saint Augustine the lack of argued theological, especially exegetical conversation is noticeable. Slovenian reader may find especially intriguing the letters sent into contemporary Slovenian territory: to the virgins of Emona, monk Antonius and – provided that Stridon was located on Slovenian Karst – also to his aunt Castorina.
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