St. Sylvester I

Their story

Sylvester became bishop of Rome in 314, just after one of the most important turning points in Christian history. For nearly three centuries, Christians had faced periods of brutal persecution. In 313 the emperor Constantine granted freedom of worship throughout the empire, and the Church could at last live and worship in the open. Sylvester led the Church in Rome for more than twenty years during this new era. Great churches began to rise in the city, including the Basilica of St. John Lateran, which is still the cathedral of the bishop of Rome, and the first Basilica of St. Peter, built over the apostle’s tomb. During his time, the Council of Nicaea met in 325 and proclaimed that Jesus Christ is true God, one in being with the Father, the faith we profess in the Creed every Sunday. Sylvester, though elderly, was represented at the council by his legates. Many later legends grew up around Sylvester, but history tells us little about his personal life. He died in 335 and was one of the first saints honored who was not a martyr. In many countries New Year’s Eve, his feast day, is still called Silvester.