Saint Jerome, the fourth-century monk, renowned for his holiness and learning is also remembered for his bad temper and acerbic personality, especially when combatting heresy. Strong and outspoken he had many virtues as well as the unpleasant fruits of a fearlessly critical nature.
Swift to anger but also swift to remorse, he was more severe on himself than on the shortcomings and errors of others. One pope is supposed to have remarked on seeing a painting of Jerome striking his breast with a stone, "You do well to carry that stone, for without it the Church would never have canonized you!"
Guido Reni, Saint Jerome, c. 1624, oil on
canvas, 111.8 cm x 86.4 cm, National Gallery, London. Meditation by Father
Emmanuel.
