Jerome Emiliani committed his whole life and all he owned to helping others. He founded orphanages in other cities, a hospital, and a shelter for prostitutes. This grew into a congregation of priests and brothers that was named after the place where they had a house: the Clerks Regular of Somascha. Although they spent time educating other young people, their primary work was always Jerome’s first love –helping orphans. He died in 1537 at the age of 56. He is the patron saint of abandoned children and orphans.