Jerome of Prague

Born circa 1380; died May 30, 1416, in Constance. Czech reformer, scholar, orator, friend and associate of Jan Hus.

Jerome was educated at the University of Prague. In 1399 he was at Oxford, where he became an advocate of Wycliffe’s teaching. In 1405–06, Jerome delivered lectures at the universities of Paris, Heidelberg, and Cologne. In 1407 he returned to Prague. In his sermons and disputes, Jerome was harshly critical of abuses by the Catholic clergy, and he called for action to be taken against the monks and prelates. He fought against German dominance in Bohemia. In 1412, together with Jan Hus, Jerome spoke out against the sale of indulgences. In 1412–13 he journeyed through Poland, Lithuania, and the western regions of the Russian state and in 1414 returned to Prague. Upon learning of Hus’ arrest, he traveled to Constance, but he was captured and thrown into prison. Under pressure from an ecclesiastical council, Jerome recanted his own views. However, at the council’s public session he rejected this recantation and declared himself to be an adherent of Hus. Condemned to be burned at the stake as a heretic, Jerome died courageously.