Sylvester Gozzolini facts for kids
Quick facts for kids SaintSylvester Guzzolini |
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| Priest | |
| Born | 1177 Osimo, Papal States |
| Died | 26 November 1267 (aged 90) Fabriano, Papal States |
| Venerated in | Catholic Church |
| Beatified | 1267/69 by Pope Clement IV |
| Canonized | 1598, Rome, Papal States by Pope Clement VIII |
| Major shrine | Chiesa di Monte Fano |
| Feast | 26 November |
| Patronage | Silvestrini |
Saint Sylvester Guzzolini (born 1177, died 1267) was an Italian Catholic priest. He is famous for starting a religious group called the Silvestrini.
Sylvester used to work as a church official, a "canon," in Osimo. But he bravely spoke up when his bishop was not behaving well. Because of this, he decided to leave his job and live as a hermit in a quiet place.
He felt strongly that he should start a new religious group. After having a special dream about Benedict of Nursia, he decided to base his new group on the rules of Saint Benedict. His new order was officially approved by Pope Innocent IV. This helped his group grow and spread to many cities in Italy.
Sylvester was declared "Blessed" (a step before sainthood) soon after he died in 1267. Later, in 1598, he was officially made a saint.
Contents
Early Life and Calling
Sylvester Guzzolini was born in Osimo to his parents, Gislerio and Bianca Guzzolini. In 1197, his parents sent him to study law at universities in Bologna and Padua.
However, Sylvester didn't enjoy studying law. He felt it was too focused on worldly things. Instead, he felt a strong pull to become a priest and study about God and the Bible.
When he returned home in 1208, his father was very upset about his change of plans. It's said that his father refused to speak to him for ten years!
A New Path
In 1217, Sylvester became a priest. He then took a job as a "canon" (a type of priest who helps the bishop) in Osimo. He worked very hard helping people and serving the church.
But his strong dedication caused problems with his bishop. Sylvester respectfully told the bishop that his actions were causing problems and setting a bad example. The bishop became angry and threatened to fire him.
Around 1227, Sylvester decided to leave his job and the busy world behind. He was at a funeral and saw the body of someone who had once been very beautiful. This made him think deeply about life and how quickly things change.
Life as a Hermit
Sylvester moved to a quiet, deserted place far from Osimo. He lived there in great simplicity and poverty. He ate only raw plants and drank water, and he slept on the bare ground.
A nobleman named Corrado, who owned the land, recognized Sylvester. He offered him a better place for his hermitage. But that spot was too damp, so Sylvester moved again.
He settled at a place called Grotta Fucile. Here, he later built a small building for the religious group he hoped to start. He might have been inspired by Saint Bonfilius, another hermit from Osimo.
Founding the Sylvestrines
Soon, many people came to Sylvester, wanting to learn from him and follow his way of life. He realized he needed to choose a set of rules for his followers.
In 1228, Pope Gregory IX heard about Sylvester's growing fame. The Pope sent two friars to invite Sylvester to join their order, but he said no.
Legend says that different founders of religious orders appeared to him in a vision, each asking him to follow their rules. In 1231, after a vision of Benedict of Nursia, Sylvester chose the rules of Saint Benedict for his group.
He built his first monastery on Montefano near Fabriano. Before building, he removed the remains of an old pagan temple that was there.
On June 27, 1248, Pope Innocent IV gave official approval to Sylvester's new order. This allowed the order to grow. By the time Sylvester died, he had founded eleven monasteries.
Death and Sainthood
Sylvester Guzzolini passed away on November 26, 1267, after getting a bad fever. It is said that when his body was prepared, a sweet smell filled the room. His body was later moved to a special shrine at the church of Monte Fano, where it remains today.
Stories of miracles connected to Sylvester and the special honor given to him can be found in historical writings. Pope Clement IV declared Sylvester "Blessed" (beatified him) soon after his death. Later, in 1598, Pope Clement VIII officially declared him a saint.
In 1890, Pope Leo XIII added Saint Sylvester's feast day to the main calendar of the Catholic Church. However, in 1970, his feast day was removed from the main calendar and is now celebrated mostly in places where he is especially important.
See also
- Sylvestrines
- Tridentine calendar
- General Roman Calendar of 1954
- General Roman Calendar of 1960
