Sylvester Gozzolini

Who they were

Sylvester Guzzolini was born at Osimo near Ancona in 1177 to a wealthy family. Sent to Bologna to study law, he went to Padua instead to study theology; his furious father shut him up at home and disinherited him. With the bishop's help he joined the canons of Osimo cathedral and lived an exemplary life of prayer and Gospel poverty.

Seeking still more, he became a hermit, and disciples gathered round him. After a vision of St Benedict he adopted the Benedictine Rule for his community, the Silvestrines, approved by Innocent IV in 1248. He died on 26 November 1267, nearly ninety.

The miracles

There was never a formal cause: Sylvester has been honoured as a saint since his death.

Why that counted as sanctity

Sylvester gave up a career and an inheritance to follow Christ in poverty and prayer, and founded a family of monks that grew like good seed.

Connected on this site

• Benedict of Nursia Saint
  “He remained in his hermitage with a determination to found a religious congregation and based it upon the Order of Saint Benedict after having a dream of Benedict of Nursia.” — Wikipedia
• Bonfilius Saint
  “Sylvester Gozzolini, the founder of the Sylvestrines, who was inspired by Bonfilius' life.” — Wikipedia