Saint Ðaminh Mau

Biography

Saint Jerome Hermosilla, also known as Jerónimo Hermosilla or Jerónimo Hermosilla Aransáez, was a Dominican priest and missionary born on 30 September 1800 in Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Old Castile, Spain. He dedicated his life to spreading the teachings of the Catholic faith and serving the people of Asia. In the early 19th century, Saint Jerome Hermosilla embarked on a missionary journey that brought him to the distant lands of the Philippines and Vietnam. He was known for his zealous commitment to his vocation and his deep love for the people he served. Saint Jerome Hermosilla first arrived in Manila, Philippines, where he began his work as a missionary. He served the local communities with great dedication, sharing his knowledge of the Gospel and providing pastoral care to the faithful. His compassionate nature and tireless efforts to embrace the local culture helped him forge strong connections with the people he encountered. In 1828, Saint Jerome Hermosilla continued his missionary journey and set foot in Vietnam. He tirelessly preached the word of God, spreading the message of love, hope, and salvation to the Vietnamese people. His humble and compassionate nature made him an effective servant of God, as he embraced the challenges of cultural differences and language barriers in his mission. Recognizing his unwavering faith and dedication, Saint Jerome Hermosilla was appointed as the Vicar Apostolic of Eastern Tonkin, Vietnam, and was consecrated as the titular bishop of Miletopolis on 2 August 1839. He worked closely with Saint Joseph Khang, another missionary dedicated to spreading the Catholic faith in Vietnam. During his time as a bishop, Saint Jerome Hermosilla faced numerous hardships and persecutions. He lived in a time when Catholicism was not widely accepted in Vietnam, and the authorities often opposed the efforts of missionaries. Despite the dangers, he continued to preach and minister to the faithful, unwavering in his commitment to his vocation. Tragically, on 1 November 1861, Saint Jerome Hermosilla, along with Saint Valentin Faustino Berri Ochoa, was captured, tortured, and eventually beheaded in Hai Duong, Vietnam. His martyrdom was a testament to his unyielding faith and his courageous witness to the Gospel teachings. Saint Jerome Hermosilla was venerated on 24 June 1905 by Pope Saint Pius X, who recognized his exemplary life and martyrdom. He was beatified on 20 May 1906 by the same pope, and his sainthood was ultimately declared on 19 June 1988 by Pope John Paul II. Today, Saint Jerome Hermosilla is remembered for his unwavering faith, his dedication to spreading the Catholic faith, and his ultimate sacrifice as a martyr. His life serves as an inspiration for all who strive to embrace and live out their calling as faithful disciples of Christ.