From the Revd Neville Manning
Sir, - Having read Canon Andrew Lenox-Conyngham's paper on St
Jerome I note with interest your report "Historian calls for St
Jerome's reinstatement in Calendar" (News, 31
October). The possible "upgrading" of Jerome from commemoration
status to lesser-festival status in the calendar is worthy of
serious consideration.
My interest arises from having been Vicar from 1977 to 1994 of
one of the few Anglican parishes to have the St Jerome dedication
(St Jerome's, Dawley, Hillingdon, London). We always made an effort
each year to keep our patronal festival (30 September), and that
involved finding out about Jerome and his work. While it is true
that he was not always the "nicest" of people, he was none the less
responsible for the Latin Vulgate translation of the Bible, which
influenced other translations in later years, and so had a lasting
impact.
In the present time of disturbing biblical illiteracy, not only
in society at large but also in many Christian congregations, the
suggested "upgrading" would be a clear signal about something that
matters deeply. As for his lack of "niceness" - and, yes, Jerome's
record in personal relationships left much to be desired - I
remember Bishop Michael Perham once pointing out that we don't
remember saints simply for how good they were, or not, but because
of our continuing fellowship with them.
I wonder also whether there is a need to go further than tidying
up our remembrance of Christ's saints and servants in our
liturgical calendar by actively encouraging our use of those days
in both corporate and personal devotions. As I grow older, one
avenue of grace which I have come to value is the cumulative sense
that in Christ's service we are never alone, but are one with all
who have been "the chosen vessels of thy grace and lights of the
world in their several generations".
NEVILLE MANNING
7 Spinnaker Court
Salvador Close
Eastbourne BN23 5TB