As one of the best know figures in early church history, Jerome (Eusebius Sophronius Hieronymus) lived a long and productive life. He spent many years as a hermit, translating the Bible into Latin, a version called The Vulgate, which served the church for centuries. This painting of him in humble prayer includes symbols of his ministry. The owl (center background), with its hollow tree home, represents Jerome's wisdom and scholarship. The book represents the Vulgate, and the red hat recalls his position as Cardinal.