St. Lea
This letter, written by St. Jerome to St. Marcella, describes the fate of St. Lea.
St. Lea was a fourth century widow who retired to a Roman monastery after the death of her husband. Below is the only written account of her life.
"Who will praise the blessed Lea as she deserves? She renounced painting her face and adorning her head with shining pearls. She exchanged her rich attire for sackcloth, and ceased to command others in order to obey all. She dwelt in a corner with a few bits of furniture; she spent her nights in prayer, and instructed her companions through her example rather than through protests and speeches. And she looked forward to her arrival in heaven in order to receive her recompense for the virtues which she practiced on earth. So it is that thence forth she enjoyed perfect happiness.... Lea who was willing to be considered a fool on earth, has been received into the house of the Father, at the wedding feast of the Lamb. Hence, I tearfully beg you to refrain from seeking the favors of the world and to renounce all that is carnal. It is impossible to follow both the world and Jesus. Let us live a life of renunciation, for our bodies will soon be dust and nothing else will last any longer."
St. Lea was a fourth century widow who retired to a Roman monastery after the death of her husband. Below is the only written account of her life.
"Who will praise the blessed Lea as she deserves? She renounced painting her face and adorning her head with shining pearls. She exchanged her rich attire for sackcloth, and ceased to command others in order to obey all. She dwelt in a corner with a few bits of furniture; she spent her nights in prayer, and instructed her companions through her example rather than through protests and speeches. And she looked forward to her arrival in heaven in order to receive her recompense for the virtues which she practiced on earth. So it is that thence forth she enjoyed perfect happiness.... Lea who was willing to be considered a fool on earth, has been received into the house of the Father, at the wedding feast of the Lamb. Hence, I tearfully beg you to refrain from seeking the favors of the world and to renounce all that is carnal. It is impossible to follow both the world and Jesus. Let us live a life of renunciation, for our bodies will soon be dust and nothing else will last any longer."
