Roncalli –
Sylvester is a Latin male name which means Wooded or Wild
St Sylvester was born in Rome and was ordained by Pope St Marcellinus during the peace that preceded the persecutions of Diocletian. He passed through those days of terror, witnessed the abdication of Diocletian and Maximian and saw the triumph of Constantine in 312 AD.
Two years later, he succeeded St Melchiades as Bishop of Rome. In the same year, he sent four legates to represent him at the great Council of the Western Church, held at Arles. He confirmed it’s decisions and imparted them to the church.
The Council of Nice was assembled during his reign, in 325 AD, but was not able to assist it in person on account of his great age. He sent his legates, who headed the list of subscribers to its decrees, preceding the Patriarchs of Alexandria and Antioch. St Sylvester occupied the chair of St Peter for twenty – four years and eleven months. He died in 335 AD.
St Sylvester, pray for us. Amen
Happy feast day to all Sylvester and Sylvia.
