d. c. 399

Roman Noblewoman and Hospital Founder

Fabiola was a Roman matron of noble birth who converted to Christianity and became a disciple of St. Jerome (c. 347-419/420), dedicating her considerable wealth and energies to the care of the indigent sick. She founded at Rome the first civilian public hospital in western Europe, and also cofounded at Porto the first hospice, which offered rest and refreshment to pilgrims and travelers.

Although her date of birth in Rome is not known, some facts about Fabiola's younger years are recorded. She belonged to the patrician Roman family of the Fabia and at some time in early adulthood became a Christian convert. Her first marriage was reputedly to a violent and abusive husband; she divorced him, according to her rights as a Roman citizen. Before he died she married again, a violation of Church law. After the death of her second...