Pope St. Sylvester I, who led the Church during a pivotal time in early Christianity, is celebrated for his contributions to the growth of the faith and his role in the First Council of Nicaea.
About Pope St. Sylvester I
Saint Sylvester was born in Rome around the year 250. Not much is known about him, but legends surround him. Some legends state that at a young age, Sylvester was put under the care of a priest to be formed in the practice of religion and sacred literature. He enjoyed providing shelter to Christians passing through the city, and would take them with him, wash their feet, serve them at table and give them all the care the needed in the name of Christ.
One of the Christians that Sylvester hosted was Timothy of Antioch, an illustrious confessor of the faith. When he arrived in Rome, no one dared to receive him, but Sylvester considered it an honor.
For a year, Timothy preached the gospel Jesus Christ with great zeal, while Sylvester selflessly shared his own home. After Timothy died as a martyr, Sylvester buried his remains, but was quickly accused of having hidden the martyr’s treasures, and the governor had him imprisoned.
In reply to the accusation, Sylvester said, “Timothy left to me only the heritage of his faith and courage.”
After the governor one day swallowed a fish bone and died, the guards’ hearts were softened, and they set the brave young man free. Sylvester’s courageous acts became known to Pope Melchiades, who elevated him to the diaconate.
Under the tyranny of Diocletian, the persecution of Christians grew worse while Sylvester was still a young priest. Most Christians that went abroad were put to the test of offering sacrifice, with the alternative of apostasy or death.
During this difficult time, Sylvester strengthened the confessors and martyrs, and God preserved his life from many dangers.
Sylvester became Pope in 314, after Pope Mechiades died, and reigned until 335. He is remembered in particular for the Council of Nicea, the Baptism of Constantine, and the triumph of the Church.
A memorable story from Sylvester’s pontificate involved Constantine, who was attacked by leprosy. He was still a pagan at the time, and unconcerned for the Christians, whose doctrine was entirely unknown to him.
One night Saint Peter and Saint Paul appeared to him and commanded him to call for Pope Sylvester, who would cure him by giving him Baptism. He obeyed, and the Pope baptized him, with which came Constantine’s conversion.
Even though some facts about Pope Sylvester are unknown, his feast day is celebrated on December 31 in memory of his death in 335.
Why Pray the Pope St. Sylvester I Novena?
Praying the Pope St. Sylvester I Novena is a meaningful way to seek his intercession for guidance in matters of faith, leadership, and the unity of the Church. Known for his pivotal role in establishing foundational doctrines during a transformative period in Christianity, St. Sylvester inspires believers to foster harmony and strengthen their commitment to the teachings of Christ. The novena provides an opportunity for reflection and spiritual growth, encouraging individuals to deepen their faith and seek wisdom in their own lives.
Novena to Pope St. Sylvester
Novena to Pope St. Sylvester I is a nine-day prayer experience designed to deepen your faith, strengthen your relationship with God, and seek the powerful intercession of Pope St. Sylvester I.
You can pray the Pope St. Sylvester I Novena for any intention!
Novena to Pope St. Sylvester I Day 1
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O admirable St. Sylvester,
you lived through the persecutions of Diocletian
and not only survived but flourished.
Intercede for your namesake (Name of the person)
and lay before the throne of Jesus
our prayers for his/her recovery.
Heavenly Father, Almighty God,
you chose St. Sylvester to be your pope,
who would guide your Church into an era of peace.
Through his intercession,
kindly grant our petition that (Name the person)
will safely pass through this time of suffering
and be completely restored to health.
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…
Novena to Pope St. Sylvester I Day 2
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O admirable St. Sylvester,
you lived through the persecutions of Diocletian
and not only survived but flourished.
Intercede for your namesake (Name of the person)
and lay before the throne of Jesus
our prayers for his/her recovery.
Heavenly Father, Almighty God,
you chose St. Sylvester to be your pope,
who would guide your Church into an era of peace.
Through his intercession,
kindly grant our petition that (Name the person)
will safely pass through this time of suffering
and be completely restored to health.
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…
Novena to Pope St. Sylvester I Day 3
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O admirable St. Sylvester,
you lived through the persecutions of Diocletian
and not only survived but flourished.
Intercede for your namesake (Name of the person)
and lay before the throne of Jesus
our prayers for his/her recovery.
Heavenly Father, Almighty God,
you chose St. Sylvester to be your pope,
who would guide your Church into an era of peace.
Through his intercession,
kindly grant our petition that (Name the person)
will safely pass through this time of suffering
and be completely restored to health.
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…
Novena to Pope St. Sylvester I Day 4
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O admirable St. Sylvester,
you lived through the persecutions of Diocletian
and not only survived but flourished.
Intercede for your namesake (Name of the person)
and lay before the throne of Jesus
our prayers for his/her recovery.
Heavenly Father, Almighty God,
you chose St. Sylvester to be your pope,
who would guide your Church into an era of peace.
Through his intercession,
kindly grant our petition that (Name the person)
will safely pass through this time of suffering
and be completely restored to health.
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…
Novena to Pope St. Sylvester I Day 5
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O admirable St. Sylvester,
you lived through the persecutions of Diocletian
and not only survived but flourished.
Intercede for your namesake (Name of the person)
and lay before the throne of Jesus
our prayers for his/her recovery.
Heavenly Father, Almighty God,
you chose St. Sylvester to be your pope,
who would guide your Church into an era of peace.
Through his intercession,
kindly grant our petition that (Name the person)
will safely pass through this time of suffering
and be completely restored to health.
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…
Novena to Pope St. Sylvester I Day 6
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O admirable St. Sylvester,
you lived through the persecutions of Diocletian
and not only survived but flourished.
Intercede for your namesake (Name of the person)
and lay before the throne of Jesus
our prayers for his/her recovery.
Heavenly Father, Almighty God,
you chose St. Sylvester to be your pope,
who would guide your Church into an era of peace.
Through his intercession,
kindly grant our petition that (Name the person)
will safely pass through this time of suffering
and be completely restored to health.
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…
Novena to Pope St. Sylvester I Day 7
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O admirable St. Sylvester,
you lived through the persecutions of Diocletian
and not only survived but flourished.
Intercede for your namesake (Name of the person)
and lay before the throne of Jesus
our prayers for his/her recovery.
Heavenly Father, Almighty God,
you chose St. Sylvester to be your pope,
who would guide your Church into an era of peace.
Through his intercession,
kindly grant our petition that (Name the person)
will safely pass through this time of suffering
and be completely restored to health.
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…
Novena to Pope St. Sylvester I Day 8
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O admirable St. Sylvester,
you lived through the persecutions of Diocletian
and not only survived but flourished.
Intercede for your namesake (Name of the person)
and lay before the throne of Jesus
our prayers for his/her recovery.
Heavenly Father, Almighty God,
you chose St. Sylvester to be your pope,
who would guide your Church into an era of peace.
Through his intercession,
kindly grant our petition that (Name the person)
will safely pass through this time of suffering
and be completely restored to health.
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…
Novena to Pope St. Sylvester I Day 9
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O admirable St. Sylvester,
you lived through the persecutions of Diocletian
and not only survived but flourished.
Intercede for your namesake (Name of the person)
and lay before the throne of Jesus
our prayers for his/her recovery.
Heavenly Father, Almighty God,
you chose St. Sylvester to be your pope,
who would guide your Church into an era of peace.
Through his intercession,
kindly grant our petition that (Name the person)
will safely pass through this time of suffering
and be completely restored to health.
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…