Saint Jerome Emiliani was born in Italy in the year 1481. As a young man Jerome was imprisoned after attempting to defend the town of Castelnuovo. While in prison, Jerome converted and became a man of God. Having been freed from his captors, Jerome became a priest in 1518. His efforts focused primarily on providing aid to orphans by educating them and building multiple orphanages. These efforts eventually led to the formation of the Clerks Regular of Somascha, which helps build hospitals and shelters and provide for orphans. Saint Jerome is the patron saint of the abandoned. His feast day is February 8. Now that you know about Saint Jerome, how might he be living out his faith today?