Paula of Bethlehem: Blending the Asceticand Aristocrat Worlds

Abstract

In late antique Rome, a unique lady formed a hybrid of the virtues expected for aristocrats and ascetics. Paula, a ‘daughter of Cornelia’ was a Christian who joined two paths in a life that spanned the splendor of imperial Rome and Christian reforms of the fourth century ascetic movement. Spiritual and moral disparities divided the values of church and society, yet singular virtues overlapped in the two ways of life. Paula faced a rupture in her life and overcame harsh conundrums. This elite lady was a student, patron and friend, to Jerome of Stridon for she blended the values of aristocrat and ascetic, causing two worlds to unite in her.