Lenten Station Church
4th Thursday in Lent
Sts. Sylvester and Martin
(Santi Silvestro e Martino)

Sts Sylvester and Martin is a minor basilica in Rome, Italy, in the Rione Monti neighborhood. It was founded by Pope Sylvester I in the 4th century. At the beginning it was an oratory devoted to all the martyrs. In 500, the church was rebuilt and dedicated to Sts Martin of Tours and Pope Sylvester I by Pope Symmachus. It was reconstructed by Pope Hadrian I in 772 and by Pope Sergius II in 845. The structure of the present basilica follows the ancient church, and many pieces had been re-used. Remains of Pope St Martin I were said to be transferred there following his death in the 7th century in the Crimea region. In the mid-17th century, a series of frescoes, architectural additions, and altarpieces were commissioned including series landscape and architectural frescoes of typically biblical scenes. The interior has a nave and two aisles, divided by ancient columns. Under the major altar are preserved relics of Saints Artemius, Paulina and Sisinnius, brought here from the Catacomb of Priscilla. The basilica is served by the Carmelite friars. It was granted to them in 1299 by Pope Boniface VIII; their ownership was confirmed in 1559. Sts Sylvester and Martin Exterior Views Sts Sylvester and Martin Interior Views Under the reign of Pope Sylvester I, several of the magnificent Christian churches were built, including the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, Santa Croce Church, and Old St. Peter's Basilica, among others. During the papacy of St Sylvester, the Nicene Creed, which is recited by communicants of the vast majority of the world's Christian denominations, was formulated. St Sylvester is said to have healed, in the name of Christ, the emperor Constantine the Great of leprosy. After dying, St Sylvester was buried in the Catacomb of Priscilla. His remains were eventually transferred to the basilica. While St Martin was a soldier in the Roman army and stationed in Gaul, he experienced a vision which became the most-repeated story about his life. One day he met a scantily clad beggar. He impulsively cut his military cloak in half to share with the man. That night, Martin dreamed of Jesus wearing the half-cloak he had given away. He heard Jesus say to the angels: "Martin, who is still but a catechumen, clothed me with this robe." In another version, when Martin woke, he found his cloak restored to wholeness. The dream confirmed Martin in his piety, and he was baptized at the age of 18. Martin of Tours, also known as Martin the Merciful, was the third bishop of Tours. He has become one of the most familiar and recognizable Christian saints in France, heralded as the patron saint of the Third Republic, and is patron saint of many communities and organizations across Europe. As bishop, Martin ordered the destruction of pagan temples, altars and sculptures. Reference: 'San Martino ai Monti' on WikiPedia.org 'Saint Sylvester's Day' on WikiPedia.org 'Martin of Tours' on WikiPedia.org All Photographs are from Commons.WikiMedia.org Popes & Basilicas - Pope Sylvester I 161 (1953) 25th Holy Year - Pope Boniface VIII Proclaims First Holy Year 1300 134 & 138 (1949) Jubilee Popes 1300-1525 - Pope Boniface VIII 1065 (1998)