Pope St. Sylvester I: Feast Day, Patronage & Prayers
Updated: Oct 3
Feast day: December 31 (optional memorial)
Patron of: No widely recognized patronage.
About Pope St. Sylvester I
St. Sylvester I was bishop of Rome from 314 to 335, one of the longest pontificates of the early Church. He was elected just after the emperor Constantine had granted freedom of worship to Christians, and so he guided the Church through the great change from persecution to peace. Many later legends grew up around him, including the story that he baptized Constantine, but the historical facts are fewer and still impressive.
During his years as pope the Church was able to build openly for the first time. Constantine endowed the great churches of Rome, including the Lateran Basilica, whose dedication the whole Church still celebrates, and the first basilica of St. Peter over the apostle's tomb. In 325 the first ecumenical council met at Nicaea to defend the divinity of Christ against Arius and produced the core of the Nicene Creed. Sylvester did not attend in person, being elderly, but was represented by two priests. He died on December 31, 335, and was buried in the Catacomb of Priscilla. In many countries the last day of the year is still called Sylvester.
Prayers to Pope St. Sylvester I on Daily Catholic Prayers
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