St Sylvester Gozzolini was a Catholic priest and the founder of The Sylvestrines.
He was born in 1177 in Osimo, Marche, Italy.
He died on November 26 1267 in Monte Fano, Fabriano, Italy.
We celebrate his feast day on November 26 every year in the Catholic Church.
| St Sylvester Gozzolini Biography | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 20 1676 |
| Place of Birth | Porto Maurizio, Italy |
| Profession | Founder of the Sylvestrines |
| Date of Death | November 26 1267 |
| Place of Death | Monte Fano, Fabriano, Italy |
| Feast Day | November 26 |
| Beatification | Beatified by Pope Clement IV in late 1260’s |
| Canonization | Canonized by Pope Clement VIII in 1598 AD |
| Patron Saint of | The Sylvestrines |
Saint Sylvester Gozzolini Biography
St. Sylvester Gozzolini was born in 1177 in Osimo, Marche, Italy, into an Italian noble family. He initiated his studies in civil law in Bologna and Padua, Italy, in 1197.
However, he later abandoned his legal studies, turning to theology and ultimately being ordained in the diocese of Osimo, Italy, in 1217.
This dramatic change caused his father to be so upset that he refused to speak to his son for a decade.
He served as a canon in Osimo, Italy, and his ministry was highly successful, to the point that his local bishop became envious.
At the age of 50, Sylvester chose to live as a hermit, sustaining himself with herbs and water, sleeping on the ground, and dedicating his time to study and prayer.
His reputation for wisdom and holiness attracted many students. In 1231, he received a vision of Saint Benedict of Nursia and understood that he should establish a formal community with his spiritual students.
Sylvester founded a Benedictine community at Monte Fano in Fabriano, Italy, on the site of an old pagan temple he had demolished.
This community, known as the Sylvestrines or Blue Benedictines, strictly adhered to the Benedictine Rule and was officially approved by Pope Innocent IV in 1247.
Sylvester led this order until his death several decades later, founding eleven houses during his lifetime. The Sylvestrines continue their work to this day.
St. Sylvester Gozzolini died on November 26 1267 at Monte Fano, Fabriano, Italy, and his body was re-interred in a shrine within the monastery church of Monte Fano around 1280.
He was canonized by Pope Clement VIII in 1598, initially added to the Martyrology, and later, in 1890, Pope Leo XIII included his office and Mass in the General Roman Calendar.
Related Links
Other Saints Whose Feast Days are in November
Powered By SEO Experts
Follow @ReadingCatholic
