Blaesilla

Blaesilla, also Blesilla, (* 364, † 384 in Rome) was the eldest of the daughters of Saint Paula and sister of the Virgin Eustochium.

Paula and Eustochium belonged to the circle of Christian widows and virgins, that had formed in Rome to the priest and later church father Jerome. Paula encouraged the vivacious young widow (her husband died Furius seven months after the marriage) Blaesilla to the ascetic life that they themselves and Eustochium led, initially in vain. 384 after Blaesilla almost died from an illness and was recovering, however, she decided to take on the ascetic life of her mother and sister. With eagerness she ran Bible studies; Jerome praised the sincerity of her prayer and her sharp intellect. Supposedly she learned the Hebrew language faster than Origen. The asceticism, however, was too much for her weakened body and she died four months later. Paula was struck by her daughter's death so that they had to be carried unconscious from the funeral.

Jerome wrote in his letter of condolence to Paula that one should not mourn Blaesilla, but be glad that she had gone to Christ: " But we, we have put on Christ and after the Apostles, a royal and priestly race have become, you do not want us because of the dead grieve. " He wanted to honor the memory of his student in all of his writings: " As long as the spirit still rules this my limbs, (...) is my tongue proclaim their praise (...) No, I will write page which does not contain Blesillas name. Wherever reach the monuments of my mind, there is also wander with my works. (...) With Christ dwells in heaven, but also in the mouth of man will live on. (...) In my writings, they will not die. "

About the death of the young woman through their asceticism, there was great excitement in Rome. The previously harsh criticism of Jerome was more violent and resulted in 385 he left the town and went with Paula and Eustochium to Bethlehem.

Blaesilla regarded as holy; Remembrance Day is Roman Martyrology after January 22. It is regarded as a saint of young brides and widows.