St. Jerome is renowned for translating the Bible from the original Hebrew into Latin, which was one of the most commonly spoken languages of his time and place. While that is obviously his most famous work, his other writings have also been very instructive to Catholics and historians down through the ages.

It is not surprising to learn that a devoted scholar like Jerome would have a great care for the education of his fellow men. His common sense and insights on good teaching can be seen in a letter he wrote nearly 1,600 years ago. Interestingly, this letter was written to Laeta, who was married to Toxotius, the son of St. Paula of Rome. The little girl spoken of below is St. Paula’s grand-daughter, Paula the Younger. St. Jerome is advising Laeta regarding her daughter’s education.

"Let her have an alphabet of little letters made of boxwood or ivory so that she may play with them, and in this way learn, while amusing herself. When she is a little older, let her try to form each letter in wax with her finger, guided by another's hand. Then, let her be invited, by prizes and presents suited to her age, to join syllables together.

"Let her have companions to learn with her, so that she may be spurred on by emulation and by hearing their praises. She is not to be scolded or browbeaten, if she is slow, but rather to be encouraged and made to feel sorry to see herself outstripped by others. The greatest care must be taken that she does not acquire a hatred of study because such an aversion is very difficult to shake off.

"Her nurses must never allow her to chop her words. Above all, she must be taught to speak her own language with the greatest correctness. She should at the same time learn to spin, weave and make her own clothes."

Jerome’s advice was heeded well. Paula the Younger was given an excellent education. In everything from language and weaving to faith and morals, this much-loved child was raised with great care.

St. Jerome was a good friend to their family. With the help of her grandmother, St. Paula, he founded a convent and monastery in the Holy Land. Joined with them was one of St. Paula’s daughters, St. Eustochium, who succeeded her mother as abbess to the convent.

In 404, the year St. Paula died, Paula the Younger came to the Holy Land to join her aunt. 15 years later, Eustochium died, and the next year, Jerome likewise passed to his reward. Paula the Younger, blessed to be family and companion to these saints, was to carry on their legacy.

With the passing of her saintly aunt, Paula the Younger governed the convent as its third abbess.