St. Augustine and St. Jerome were contemporaries, sharing much of the cultural and ecclesial life of the time, although in different geographical contexts.
Augustine was born in 354 and died in 430, spending most of his life in North Africa and Italy.
Jerome, on the other hand, was born in Stridon, on the eastern Adriatic coast, in 347, and died in Bethlehem in 420, his death being commemorated every year on September 30.
The relationship between the two, although physically distant, was close and rich in intellectual exchange, as evidenced by their correspondence.
In Letter 82, Augustine addresses Jerome with a significant gesture: “holy brother worthy to be honored in the bowels of Christ and co-priest”.
This fraternal greeting reveals a spiritual connection that transcends possible theological differences.
Their relationship was not free of tensions, rather it involved a profound complexity, where mutual respect and camaraderie coexisted with intense intellectual debates.
Throughout their correspondence, both show a clear desire to discuss theological issues in a serious and profound manner.
Augustine, in particular, lets his preference for a rigorous debate on the Scriptures show, stating that he prefers to “discuss seriously” rather than “play” with the sacred texts.
Augustine invites Jerome to a serious discussion of the Scriptures, rejecting superficial interpretations. This exchange of ideas reveals that the search for truth was a fundamental pillar of their relationship, and that both saints took their intellectual task very seriously.
The tensions that arose between Jerónimo and Rufino, lamented by Agustín, are a clear example of the difficulties they were going through.
The loss of the friendship between these two men also impacted the dynamic between Augustine and Jerome, who, despite this, shared a common concern for reconciliation and forgiveness.
This desire to restore unity within the body of Christ reflected their deep conviction that the Christian community should remain united despite differences.
The correspondence between Augustine and Jerome raises relevant questions even today.
How do we deal with differences in our communities?
What role does dialogue play in the search for truth?
Their relationship reminds us that respect and humility are essential in any theological discussion.
In a world where divisions can run deep, the example of these two great Christian thinkers invites us to value diversity of thought within the framework of a shared faith, and to prioritize mutual understanding over discord.
The correspondence between the two is a testimony to the power of intellectual and spiritual dialogue.
Through their exchanges, both saints teach us that, even in the midst of profound disagreements, there is always room for respect, reflection and, above all, fraternal love in the joint search for truth.