Today we commemorate Jerome, Translator of Holy Scripture. Beginning his studies in Rome, Jerome would choose a monastic life and spend five years in the Syrian desert, there learning Hebrew. After settling in Bethlehem, Jerome set about translating Scripture into Latin, a task that would produce the Vulgate — the authoritative translation used by the Western Church for over a thousand years. Originally buried in Bethlehem, Jerome’s remains were moved and now reside in Rome.

Today we celebrate the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels. One of the archangels, tradition names Michael as patron and protector of the Church and of Christians. Mentioned in the Biblical books of Daniel, Jude, and Revelation, Michael leads the hosts of Heaven into battle against Satan and his demons — a victory assured by the blood of Christ, and announced in Revelation 12:10 by a voice from Heaven:

“Now the salvation and the power and the Kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down[.]”