Jerome Emiliani | |
|---|---|
 Saint Gerolamo Emiliani by Giandomenico Tiepolo | |
| Born | 1486 Venice |
| Died | 8 February 1537 (aged 50–51) Somasca |
| Venerated in | Catholic Church |
| Beatified | 23 April 1747 by Pope Benedict XIV |
| Canonized | 16 July 1767 by Pope Clement XIII |
| Major shrine | St. Girolamo Emiliani Sanctuary, Somasca |
| Feast | 8 February 20 July (General Roman Calendar, 1769–1969) |
| Patronage | orphans and abandoned children |
Gerolamo Emiliani, CRS (Italian: Gerolamo Emiliani also Jerome Aemilian, Hiëronymus Emiliani) (1486 – 8 February 1537) was an Italian humanitarian, founder of the Somaschi Fathers, and is considered a saint by the Catholic Church.
Born in Venice, he spent some time in the military, and later served as a magistrate. Emiliani provided for the sick, the hungry, and orphans; and persuaded others to do likewise. Through his good offices a number of hospitals and orphanages were established in several northern Italian towns. He was canonized in 1767 and is the patron saint of orphans.[1]