Saints of Christmas: Sylvester I
Posted by Rebecca Teti in Faith on Thursday, December 31, 2009 10:00 AM
Born in Rome, St. Sylvester passed through the terrible Diocletian persecutions, winning acclaim among Christians of the time for his noble behavior.
He was made Pope two years into Constantine’s reign, and thus was the first pope to rule after the Church emerged from the catacombs.
It was he who established the Lateran church as the cathedral of Rome. Though he didn’t attend himself, through legates he participated in the Councils of Arles and Nice, respectively, repudiating the Donatist and Arian heresies.
Fr. James Schall has a lovely reflection today on St. Sylvester and the close of the year.
The 13th century fresco depicts “The Donation of Constantine,” by which the emperor was said to have given the city of Rome to Pope St. Sylvester. (This was, unfortunately, a pious legend based on a forgery.)
Traditions? In Poland, St. Sylvester’s feast is celebrated with a delectable (and highly potent!) punch.
A Continual Feast
has the recipe from which this is adapted.
St. Sylvester’s Punch
2 oranges, juice & grated rind
2 lemons, juice & grated rind
1 cup sugar
4 c. white wine
2 c. light rum
Grate the rinds. Combine with sugar, wine and rum in a large pan. Add strained juices. Heat—don’t let boil. Serve hot. (Dilute with water if you like—this really is strong.)
Anyone who could inspire something so wonderful must have been a very good man indeed!
Also today: this evening the Pope will celebrate first vespers of the new year, which will be available here.
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