Paula of Rome

Paula of Rome (AD 347–404) was an ancient Roman Christian saint and early Desert Mother. A member of one of the richest senatorial families which claimed descent from Agamemnon, Paula was the daughter of Blesilla and Rogatus, from the great clan of the Furii Camilli. At the age of 16, Paula was married to the nobleman Toxotius, with whom she had four daughters, Blaesilla, Paulina, Eustochium, and Rufina. She also had a boy, also named Toxotius. Disciple of Saint Jerome, she is considered the first nun in the history of Christianity.


Paula
Saint Paula (or An Abbess) - 17th century. Painting of Juan de Valdés Leal in Musée de Tessé, Le Mans, France.
Patroness of the Order of Saint Jerome
BornAD 347
Ancient Rome
Died26 January 404
Bethlehem
Venerated in
Feast
  • January 26
  • September 28
AttributesDepicted as a Hieronymite abbess with a book; depicted as a pilgrim, often with Jerome and Eustochium; depicted prostrate before the cave at Bethlehem; depicted embarking in a ship, while a child calls from the shore; weeping over her children; with the instruments of the Passion; holding a scroll with Saint Jerome's epistle Cogite me Paula; with a book and a black veil fringed with gold; or with a sponge in her hand.
Patronage
InfluencesSaint Jerome, Saint Marcella
InfluencedSaint Jerome, Saint Blaesilla, Saint Eustochium
Tradition or genre
Desert Mothers
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