A Biographical Dictionary of the Celebrated Women of Every Age and Country/Marcella
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MARCELLA,
A Roman widow, the intimate friend of Paula, and of Eustochium, who was instructed by her; from whence it is easy to judge, says St. Jerom, the merit of a mistress who could form such disciples. It was in 389, that, going to Rome, he became acquainted with Marcella, who, being very learned in the scriptures, consulted him on many difficult passages. She was consulted from all parts, as a great theologian; and her answers were always dictated by prudence and humility. She was a great enemy to the heresy of Origen, who mingled the dogmas of philosophy with the doctrines of Christianity. She died 409, soon after Rome was taken by the Goths.
F.C.