Today is the feast of St. Jerome, the great Scripture scholar, who is best know for his translation of the Bible into Latin as well as his famous saying, “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” Those of us who have been involved in Biblical studies often call for his intercession.

However, what is less well-known is that Jerome was probably one of the most abrasive saints in history. When he took up a cause, he used all his formidable talents – including his sharp wit and knack for sarcasm – to defend that cause. Sometimes he even used his talents both for and against a cause. Jerome originally was an energetic defender of Origen, but eventually ended up siding with the anti-Origenist movement; he attacked his opponents ferociously in both cases (some of whom were formally his allies).

His abrasiveness led him into battles with both St. Augustine and St. John Chrysostom. He mercilessly mocked one of his closest friends, Rufinus, suggesting that he sounded like a pig when he talked and looked like a turtle when he walked.

So do I think the Church made a mistake when it canonized Jerome? Absolutely not. Too often people believe that saints are sinless men and women, but with the exception of Mary, that is simply not the case. Saints are those who devote their lives to serving Christ in spite of their sins. They do not let their sins drag them down into despair or a false sense of unworthiness; they are the ones who get back up after they have fallen. A saint doesn’t lose his personality when he decides to follow Christ, he instead strives to use it for Christ’s service, and not always perfectly.

If you are frustrated that you have a quick temper or are too impatient with others, say a pray to St. Jerome today – I’m sure he’ll understand and intercede for you.

St. Jerome, pray for us!