DECEMBER 31 – ST. SYLVESTER, POPE.

SYLVESTER was born in Rome toward the close of the third century. He was a young priest when the persecution of the Christians broke out under the tyrant Diocletian. Idols were erected at the corners of the streets, in the market-places, and over the public fountains, so that it was scarcely possible for a Christian to go abroad without being put to the test of offering sacrifice, with the alternative of apostasy or death. During this fiery trial, Sylvester strengthened the confessors and martyrs, God preserving his life from many dangers In 312 a new era set in. Constantine, having triumphed under the “standard of the Cross,” declared himself the protector of the Christians, and built them splendid churches. At this juncture, Sylvester was elected to the chair of Peter, and was thus the first of the Roman Pontiffs to rule the flock of Christ in security and peace. He profited by these blessings to renew the discipline of the Church, and in two great Councils confirmed her sacred truths. In the Council of Arles he condemned the schism of the Donatists; and in that of Nicea, the first General Council of the Church, he dealt Arianism its death-blow by declaring that Jesus Christ is the true and very God. Sylvester died A.D. 335.

REFLECTION: Never forget to thank God daily for having made you a member of His undying Church, and grow daily in your attachment, devotion, and loyalty to the Vicar of Christ.

WORD OF THE DAY

SEDILIA. Seats originally on the south side of a sanctuary for the officiating clergy during the Eucharistic liturgy. Already found in the catacombs where one stone seat was placed at the side of the altar. The new Order of the Mass prescribes: “The celebrant’s chair should draw attention to his presiding over the community and leading its prayer. Hence the place for it is in the apex of the sanctuary, facing the people…Seats for others with special duties in the sanctuary should be in places convenient for their functions” (Ordo Missae, IV, 271). (Etym. Latin sedilia, seat, from sedere, to sit.)

Modern Catholic Dictionary, Fr. John Hardon SJ (Get the real one at Eternal Life — don’t accept an abridged or edited version of this masterpiece!)

DAILY CHRISTMAS MEDITATIONS

Deepen your appreciation of the Incarnation and our salvation with The Great Truths Series by Fr. Richard Clarke S.J. Read today’s “The Shepherds’ Visit & How to begin Heaven on Earth” but consider this:

In this vale of tears, even the happiest life is misery compared with the life of heaven. Even the perfect tranquillity and peace enjoyed by the saints of God on earth is confusion and trouble compared with the peace of heaven. Yet we can begin even here a life which contains the germ of Paradise.

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