Feast Day: February 8
patron saint of orphans and abandoned children
St. Jerome Emiliani was a commander in charge of a fortress in Venice, Italy. He was captured and put into chains in a dark dungeon. He didn't care much about God because he didn't think he needed Him. While in that dungeon, however, Jerome decided to get rid of the chains that bound him. He let go of his worldly attachments and embraced God.
When he finally was able to escape, he hung his metal chains in the nearby church of Treviso -- in gratitude not only for being freed from physical prison but from his spiritual dungeon as well.
Jerome cared for the children who had no one. He cared so much that he became their family, and used his own money to rent a house for the orphans. He made sure they ate, were clothed, and educated them. He opened orphanages and hospitals.
~ Activity ~
Make paper chains.
Explain spiritual chains can keep us prisoners in sin and away from a relationship with God.
Break free from the chains that bind you!
~~Prayer~~
Saint Jerome Emiliani, watch over all children who are abandoned or unloved. Give us the courage to show them God's love through our care. Help us to lose the chains that keep us from living the life God intended for us.
Amen