From: rich <richarra@gmail.com>

November 26th - St. Silvester Gozzolini

Sylvester was born in 1177 to the noble Gozzolini (Guzzolini) family
of Osimo, Italy. Little is known of his early life. He did study law
at Bologna and Padua, but became interested in theology. The story is
told that when he switched his studies to theology and sought the
priesthood, his father was so infuriated that he refused to speak to
Sylvester for ten years.

After ordination Sylvester was a canon at Osimo where he worked
diligently to bring the Gospel values to his people. His zeal did get
him into difficulties with his bishop who lived a lax and unedifying
life. When Sylvester respectfully rebuked him for his behavior, the
bishop threatened to remove him from his post.

In 1227, Sylvester, who had long been drawn to the contemplative life,
is said to have had a vision of the decaying body of a very handsome
man. He resigned his rich post and became a hermit 30 miles from Osimo
in a very lonely spot. He subsequently moved to Grotto Fucile and was
soon surrounded by disciples who were drawn to his simple and holy
life.

In 1231 He built his first monastery in a pagan ruins at Monte Fano
near Fabriano, Italy. He chose a very austere interpretation of the
Rule of St. Benedict as the rule for his monks to follow, and thus was
born the Silvestrine order. This community was approved by Pope
Innocent IV in 1247.

Sylvester governed his community for 36 years with great wisdom,
prudence and love. At his death in 1267 there were 11 monasteries,
either new or reformed, under his rule and guidance. These would later
increase to 56 throughout Italy, Portugal and Brazil. Sylvester was
canonized by Pope Clement VIII in 1598.

Today the congregation is part of the larger Benedictine
Confederation, and while small, has monasteries in Italy and Ceylon.
They are identified by their dark blue habits. While we don't have a
lot of historical data about Sylvester, what we do have gives us a
picture of a man of great courage and simplicity. He faced the anger
of his noble father to pursue a call to the unpopular service of God.
He was not afraid to confront sin and was willing to give up his
comfortable and rich position to live a life totally dedicated to
prayer and service to God.


Saint Quote:
The saints must be honored as friends of Christ and children and heirs
of God, as John the theologian and evangelist says: 'But as many as
received him, he gave them the power to be made the sons of God....'
Let us carefully observe the manner of life of all the apostles,
martyrs, ascetics and just men who announced the coming of the Lord.
And let us emulate their faith, charity, hope, zeal, life, patience
under suffering, and perseverance unto death, so that we may also
share their crowns of glory.
-- Saint John of Damascus

Bible Quote:
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for... he will receive the
crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him.=C2 [James
1:12]

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"Divine Master, Spouse of My Heart"

Divine Master, Spouse of my heart, I will follow Thee
everywhere with Mary, my Mother. Having Thee, do I not
possess all riches? To love Thee and please Thee--is not
that the greatest happiness of life? To share Thy sacrifices,
Thy sufferings, Thy death--is not that the most glorious
victory of love? O my God, my mind is made up! I make no
more conditions or reservations in my love for Thee. I will
follow Thee in all things, yes, even to Calvary! Speak, pierce,
cut, burn! My heart is altar and victim!
--St. Peter Julian Eymard

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