Member of the Imperial Roman nobility, married to senator Toxotius. Mother of five children including Saint Eustochium and Saint Blaesilla. Widowed at age 32 in379, she devoted her fortune and the rest of her life to spiritual development and care for the poor. Friend of Saint Marcella, Saint Epiphanius, and Saint Paulinus of Antioch. Friend, spiritual student and supporter of SaintJerome whom she met in 382; he later wrote her biography. Pilgrim to the Holy Lands in 385. She settled in Bethlehem in 396 where she built churches, a hospice, monastery and convent where she served as the first abbess.
