The Seventh Day of Christmas | St. Sylvester I | December 31, 2021

St. Sylvester I, Pope 314-335

Confessor of the Faith

December 31, 2021

St. Sylvester I, Pope from 314-335 CE, is another saint celebrated during the twelve days of Christmas for whom little information survives. We know that he completed much of the work begun by Constantine including the construction of cathedrals such as St. John Lateran, St. Peter’s Basilica and Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem. He was also a part of the Council of Nicea, however he only sent his representatives to the first meeting which confirmed the Nicene Creed. Legends that credit Sylvester with the Christian conversion of Emperor Constantine and healing him of leprosy have since been relegated to myth. In many European countries Sylvester is honored on December 31 with parades, races and special foods said to bring good luck in the new year.

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Resources:

Franciscan Media. (2020, December 31). Saint Sylvester I. Franciscan Media. Retrieved December 31, 2021, from https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-sylvester-i 

Various. (2021, December 20). Pope Sylvester I. Wikipedia. Retrieved December 31, 2021, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Sylvester_I 

Various. (2021, December 31). Saint Sylvester's Day. Wikipedia. Retrieved December 31, 2021, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Sylvester%27s_Day