Gerolamo Emiliani

Saint Gerolamo Emiliani was born in Venice in 1486. Orphaned of his father as a teenager, he ran away at fifteen to join the army and later served the Venetian Republic in positions of responsibility. Captured while defending a fortress near Treviso, he experienced a profound conversion, attributing his deliverance to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In gratitude he made pilgrimage to Our Lady of Treviso, leaving his chains behind as an offering, and began to devote himself to prayer, study, and works of mercy. During years of plague and famine, Gerolamo poured out his life for the suffering, especially abandoned children. He fed the hungry, cared for the sick, and opened homes, hospitals, and orphanages across northern Italy, drawing others into the same compassionate service. In 1532 he founded the Congregation of the Somaschi Fathers at Somasca near Vercurago, entrusting their mission to the Virgin Mary, the Holy Spirit, and Saint Raphael, and embracing evangelical poverty for the sake of the poor. He died of the plague in Somasca on February 8, 1537. He is venerated as patron of orphans and abandoned children, and of Somasca and Vercurago. His feast day is February 8.