Pope Saint Sylvester I

Life story

Sylvester was bishop of Rome from 31 January 314 until his death on 31 December 335. Very few details of his life are certain. The main source is the Liber Pontificalis, an early medieval compilation, which mostly lists the gifts said to have been made to the Church by Constantine I. It names his father as a Roman called Rufinus.

His pontificate coincided with major events: the Council of Arles in 314, which condemned the Donatists, and the First Council of Nicaea in 325, which aimed to settle the Arian controversy. In the same period large churches were built or begun, among them the Lateran basilica, the basilica of the Sessorian palace (Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, in Rome) and Old St Peter's, along with churches over martyrs' graves.

Later legend tied Sylvester closely to Constantine: in one version he cures the emperor of leprosy through baptism. The dragon-slaying story is also legend. The forged Donation of Constantine, from the eighth century, used these legends to support papal authority over emperors. He sent legates to Nicaea; his own role there is not confirmed by the sources.

He was buried on 31 December in the catacomb of Priscilla, and his feast is also 31 December. In German-speaking countries New Year's Eve is called Silvester after him.

Works and witness

• Bishop of Rome from 314 to 335
• His pontificate saw the Councils of Arles (314) and Nicaea (325)
• Large churches built in his time, including the Lateran and Old St Peter's
• Buried in the catacomb of Priscilla

Saints from the same country

Saint Agnes, Saint Lawrence, Saint Cecilia, Saint Sebastian

References

• Catholic Encyclopedia, "Pope St. Sylvester I" (newadvent.org/cathen/14370a.htm)

Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.