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What did St. Jerome teach the Roman widows and virgins who studied with him?

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José de Ribera: Saint Jerome — St. Jerome *Saint Jerome*, oil on canvas by José de Ribera (Jusepe de Ribera, Lo Spagnoletto), c. 1638–40; in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

During his time in Rome (382–385), St. Jerome held classes for a circle of noble Roman widows and virgins, including figures such as Marcella, Paula, and her daughters Blesilla and Eustochium.1

As their master in spirituality, Jerome provided the following instruction:

Scriptural Study: He taught them the Hebrew text of the Psalms and answered their specific questions regarding the Bible.1
Spiritual Guidance: He served as their mentor in the ascetic life, offering guidance both orally and through his letters.1
Theological Defense: During this period, he wrote a defense of the perpetual virginity of Mary and actively argued against those who claimed that marriage and virginity were of equal status.1