Born James Strain on May 15, 1882 in Brunswick, New York, near Troy, New York, he received his early education at St. Peter’s Academy in Troy. He decided to enter the priesthood and went first to the Vincentian Seminary, Niagra, New York to pursue a college degree. Eventually he became interested in the Passionists, entered the novitiate and took his vows on September 5, 1907. His religious name was Jerome. He was ordained a priest on May 26, 1915. After a year of sacred eloquence he was appointed vice-master for a number of years after which he began to preach parish missions. During his fifteen years as a preacher he gave over 250 spiritual exercises. However, part of his difficulty during these years was his ongoing battle with tuberculosis which set in soon after ordination. On January 17, 1932 he began to fail quickly. He was making his annual retreat with the community at Riverdale, New York. Form there he was transferred to St. Mary’s Hospital, Hoboken, New Jersey where he died.
Birth Date:
May 15, 1882
Profession Date:
September 5, 1907
Ordination Date:
May 26, 1915
Death Date:
February 16, 1932
Religious Name:
Jerome of the Sorrowful Virgin Strain