Saint Lea

Saint Lea’s biographical details are mostly based on the testimony of Saint Jerome, a scholarly monk and beloved friend. According to accounts of Saint Lea’s life, she was a noblewoman of Rome, born into wealth and privilege.

After becoming a widow, she let go of her wealth and possessions to join a convent of consecrated virgins. She was later on named as the prioress of the convent. Saint Lea supported the house run by Saint Marcella, where she worked as a servant and later became the group’s superior.

In a letter by Saint Jerome after her death, Saint Lea was referred to as a woman of austerity, obedience, and remarkable penances. She was described as “blessed”, which emphasized her virtues as being worthy of heaven.