Saint Fabiola was a Roman matron of noble rank, who lived during the 4th century. She devoted herself to the practice of Christian asceticism and charitable work under the influence of Church father Jerome. Belonging to the prestigious Fabia family, she initially enjoyed a life of luxury, but eventually sought deeper meaning through spirituality and service to others.
Fabiola’s journey towards piety started after her second husband’s death, when she returned to the Christian faith. She began by immersing herself in charitable works, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to helping the less fortunate. Notably, she established the first hospital in the Western Roman Empire around 400 in Rome, earning her a place in history as a compassionate visionary.
As a close friend and patron to Saint Jerome, Fabiola collaborated with him to further her spiritual pursuits and care for the needy. She went on to become an esteemed figure in early Christian history due to her unwavering faith, kindness, and dedication to service.
Life of St. Fabiola
St. Fabiola was a Roman matron of noble rank and a physician. She belonged to the esteemed Fabia family and was known for her charitable work and commitment to Christian asceticism. As a friend of Church father Jerome, Fabiola was greatly influenced by his teachings.
Fabiola’s first marriage was to a man with a dissolute life, leading to her divorce and eventual remarriage. However, on the death of her second husband, she returned to her faith and wholeheartedly devoted herself to helping the sick and needy. St. Fabiola then went on to become the patron saint of divorced people, difficult marriages, and victims of abuse.
During her life, St. Fabiola founded a hospital at Rome and supported monastic communities in the Eastern provinces of the empire. However, she faced challenges like the Hun invasion and controversies surrounding the teachings of Origen. These factors led her to return to Rome, where she continued her spiritual journey and dedication to Christian acts of charity.
Conversions and Religious Devotion
Early Life and Marriage
St. Fabiola was born into a wealthy Roman patrician family, the famous Fabia family. She found herself in a difficult marriage with a dissolute husband. Due to his behavior, she eventually divorced him.
Religious Conversion
Following her divorce, Fabiola underwent a significant religious conversion. She became deeply devoted to Christianity and renounced her previous worldly lifestyle. Fabiola joined a circle of noble Roman women influenced by St. Jerome, adopting Christian asceticism.
Philanthropic Endeavors
Fabiola’s devotion to Christianity and her newfound beliefs soon manifested into philanthropy. She dedicated her substantial wealth to the needs of the poor and the sick in her community. Among her most notable philanthropic efforts, Fabiola established a hospital in Rome, personally attending to the patients and treating individuals afflicted with “loathsome diseases.”
Influence on Art and Society
Depictions in Art
St. Fabiola’s devotion to the sick and her charitable work had a significant impact on art, particularly as a subject for amateur painters. Artist Francis Alÿs discovered this trend with nearly 500 amateur portraits of St. Fabiola in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her portrayal often underscores her nobility, dedication to the sick, and support of charitable work.
Impact on Healthcare
During her time, St. Fabiola was known to have established a hospital in Rome, which was a significant accomplishment in the fourth century. She used her position as a noble Roman matron to promote the wellbeing of the sick and the poor in society. This greatly contributed to the growth of healthcare, paving the way for early public hospitals and healthcare systems.
Legacy in Charity
Fabiola’s influence on charity work extends far beyond her lifetime. After converting to Christianity, she dedicated her wealth and energy to serving the indigent sick. Saint Jerome, a prominent Church Father, was highly influenced by her, and Fabiola’s example in selflessly serving others has inspired generations of both charitable workers and those in the healthcare profession.
Association with St. Jerome
Correspondence and Friendship
St. Fabiola and St. Jerome had a close friendship, as evidenced by their correspondence. Fabiola eagerly attached herself to the teachings of Jerome. Their letters covered various theological topics, such as the mystical meaning of the high priest’s dress and the 42 stations of the Israelites in the desert.
Role in Translations of Religious Texts
Fabiola played a supportive role in Jerome’s work translating religious texts. By providing financial resources and encouragement, she aided the dissemination of Christian teachings. Additionally, her devotion to asceticism and charity helped spread the influence of St. Jerome and his work within the Christian community.
Patronage and Symbols
St. Fabiola is recognized as the patron saint of divorced people, difficult marriages, and victims of abuse. Having experienced a tumultuous marriage herself, she empathizes with those facing similar struggles. Her boundless compassion and perseverance served as a guiding light to others in difficult situations.
Some of the symbols associated with St. Fabiola include the scallop shell and the hospital. The scallop shell is a symbol of pilgrimage and spiritual transformation, representing her journey through life and faith. The hospital symbolizes her dedication to helping the sick and needy, as she founded one of the first hospitals in Rome.
As a celebrated figure in Christian history, St. Fabiola’s life embodies strength, faith, and resilience. Her journey from an unhappy marriage to a life devoted to the care of others serves as an inspiration to individuals facing hardships in their own lives. Through her patronage and symbols, St. Fabiola remains an enduring symbol of hope and steadfastness in the face of adversity.
Celebrations and Feast Days
Traditional Observances
St. Fabiola is honored on her feast day, which falls on December 27th. Traditionally, Catholics attend Mass and offer prayers to commemorate her life and works. Additionally, they might engage in acts of charity, following in the footsteps of St. Fabiola, who was known for her compassion and dedication to helping the less fortunate.
Modern Commemorations
In modern times, St. Fabiola’s feast day may be celebrated by organizing events or projects that focus on helping the poor, providing medical assistance, and promoting spiritual growth. Examples include soup kitchens, clothing drives, and prayer groups. St. Fabiola’s feast day also serves as a reminder for the faithful to lead lives of devotion and to emulate her journey of faith, compassion, and spiritual transformation.
Criticism and Controversies
St. Fabiola is known for her dedication to the sick and poor, and for founding the first hospital in the Western Roman Empire. However, her life was not without controversy. In her early years, she was a part of St. Jerome’s circle, but eventually fell away.
She faced criticism for divorcing her first husband, a move that was frowned upon in the Catholic faith. Despite this, she remarried in an attempt to distance herself from her earlier transgressions and advocate for a more pious way of life.
It is important to note that St. Fabiola’s contributions to healthcare and her eventual commitment to a life of renunciation and service earned her the title of the patron saint of divorced people and nurses. While some controversies surrounded her, her impact on society and her dedication to helping others cannot be disputed.