Saint Silvester Gozzolini | Founder of the Sylvestrines | Catechism for Kids (November 26th)
St Joseph's Corner
Have you ever wondered how one person’s quiet search for God can grow into a whole religious family? On November 26, the Church celebrates Saint Silvester Gozzolini, an Italian priest who left behind a comfortable life to follow God more closely — and eventually founded the Sylvestrine Order, part of the Benedictine family. Born in 1177, Silvester served as a priest but felt called to deeper prayer after witnessing the funeral of a sinner who had avoided repentance. Shocked and moved, he sought a holier life and went into solitude near Montefano, where he prayed, fasted, and lived simply. Soon, disciples gathered around him, inspired by his holiness. This led to the creation of the Sylvestrines, a branch of the Benedictines known for their deep prayer, strict monastic life, blue habits, and love for simplicity. Saint Silvester spent his life teaching others how to love God with a quiet, peaceful, and devoted heart.
Topics we’ll cover: Who Saint Silvester Gozzolini was His call from priesthood to deeper prayer The moment that changed his life How the Sylvestrine Order began The connection to Saint Benedict Their focus on prayer, silence, and simplicity What kids can learn about listening to God in quiet moments
Lesson: Saint Silvester teaches children that God speaks in silence — and when we listen with our hearts, beautiful things can grow from our yes.
Albert of Haigerloch
Alypius Stylites
Amator of Autun
Basolus of Verzy
Bellinus of Padua
Bertger of Herzfeld
Conrad of Constance
Delphine of Glandèves
Egelwine of Athelney
Gaetana Sterni
Giacomo Alberione
Hugh Taylor
Humilis of Bisignano
Ida of Cologne
James the Hermit
Leonard of Port Maurice
Magnance of Ste-Magnance
Marcellus of Nicomedia
Marmaduke Bowes
Martin of Arades
Nicon of Sparta
Pontius of Faucigny
Sabaudus of Trier
Siricius, Pope
Stylianus
Vacz
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Martyrs of Alexandria – 7+ saints
Martyrs of Capua – 7 saints
Martyrs of Nicomedia – 6 saints
Martyrs of Vietnam
Ðaminh Nguyen Van Xuyên
Tôma Ðinh Viet Du
Members of the Sylvestrines
Bonaparte
Giacomo d’Attiglio
Philip of Varano
Sylvester Gozzolini
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Adam Rusdrig
Alypius Stylites
Banban of Lethglenn
Walter of Aulne
Juan Martinez
Magnanzia
Massima
Sancho de Sant’Arago
Sebaldus of Treviri
Siric of Magh-Bolg