EUSEBIUS of CREMONA, St. — Priest and disciple of St. Jerome. Born into a distinguished family of Cremona about the middle of the 4th century, he renounced the allurements of the world while still young in order to consecrate himself entirely to God. Having gone to Rome to visit the tombs of the Apostles, he met St. Jerome and formed a bond of spiritual friendship with him.
From that moment, Eusebius found in Jerome his ideal master, who would guide him securely along the paths of learning and piety. He accompanied Jerome to the East, following him through the various travels in Egypt and Palestine, so as to visit the most famous monasteries and the places sanctified by the life of the Savior. Finally, he retired with him to Bethlehem, in the monastery founded by his master, whose administration he assumed after the latter’s death. Jerome dedicated his commentaries on Jeremiah and St. Matthew to Eusebius. A treatise on the mystery of the Cross was attributed to him, but its authenticity is now widely doubted. He died before the middle of the 5th century. He is honored as a saint at Cremona on March 5 and at Bethlehem on October 19; however, his name is not included in the Roman Martyrology.