Saint Paula

Item Number: P150 Size: 9 1/2" (24.1cm) [347-404], was a Roman lady of the patrician class. She bore five children, two of whom became saints. Widowed at thirty-two, she moved from Rome to Bethlehem to be near her friend, spiritual director and teacher, St. Jerome. There she built a monastery for men, a house for her sisterhood and a hospice for pilgrims. Jerome taught her Greek, Hebrew and Scriptures. She was so generous with her wealth that her sisters were destitute at her death. She is buried beneath the Church of the Nativity near the birthplace of Jesus. She is the patron of widows. Her feast is January 26.