Melania the Younger, Saint
Matron, born Rome, Italy, c.383; died Jerusalem, 439. A member of the noble Valerii family, she married Pinianus, a patrician. After the early death of their two children, they freed their numerous slaves, and both embraced the monastic life. They lived in Africa, with Saint Augustine, and in Palestine (417 ), where Saint Jerome guided them. Melania founded a cloister and a convent on the Mount of Olives. She aided in the conflict with Nestorianism at Constantinople (436). Cardinal Rampolla published her life (Rome, 1905). Represented holding a miniature church. Feast , 31 December . See also, patron saints index .