Paula of Rome

Paula of Rome was an ancient Roman Christian saint and early Desert Mother. A member of one of the richest senatorial families which claimed descent from Agamemnon, Paula was the daughter of Blesilla and Rogatus, from the great clan of the noble Furii Camilli. At the age of 16, Paula was married to the nobleman Toxotius, with whom she had four daughters, Saint Blaesilla, Paulina, Saint Eustochium, and Rufina. She also had a boy, also named Toxotius. She was a disciple of Saint Jerome, Doctor of the Church, and was one of the first abbesses of a convent of nuns.