Prayer to St. Sylvester

Saint Sylvester, as successor of Peter, 

you gained the liberty of Christians 

after three centuries of persecution

and shared with them the happiness

of being able to publicly profess

their faith in Jesus Christ.

You proclaimed His divinity

in the face of powerful opposition

and worked tirelessly to preserve 

the unity of all who acknowledge 

Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.

Grant your protection especially

to those who are unjustly deprived

of their freedom, to those who are 

victims of oppression and torture,

to those whose human and 

civil rights are trampled upon.

Intercede for them, 

that God may be

their refuge and strength

in all their trials.

Help us, after your example, to have

the courage of our convictions

and never betray or faith.

Be mindful of us, and inspire us

to imitate your holiness of life.

Saint Sylvester,  pray for us.

The mortal remains of Saint Sylvester 

are buried beneath the high altar of 

the Basilica of San Silvestro in Capite.

His feast is celebrated on Dec. 31st.