St Sylvester - 15thC fresco at Montepulciano

St Peter of Alexandria with Christ - Byzantine fresco

SAINT SYLVESTER
Abbot

SAINT PETER OF ALEXANDRIA
Bishop and Martyr

DOUBLE / WHITE
Sylvester, of the noble Gozzolini family, was born in Italy in 1177. After making a distinguished record at the universities of Bologna and Padua, he was made a canon at Osimo, his native city. His inclination toward the contemplative life was strengthened by the sight of the dead body of a once handsome relative. "I am what he was," said Sylvester to himself, "and I will also be what he is." At the age of 50 he resigned his post and became a hermit. Many disciples came to him, and these he organized under the rule of St. Benedict. After his death the order became known as the Sylvestrines, especially noted for their spirit of poverty. Their founder died at the age of 90.

Mass of an ABBOT, except
COLLECT
O Most merciful God, You gave the holy abbot Sylvester his vocation to be a hermit as he stood before an open grave, contemplating the vanity of this world; and then later made his hidden life brilliant with merit. May we imitate him in despising the pleasures of this life, so that we may enjoy Your presence for all eternity. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT PETER OF ALEXANDRIA
Patriarch of Alexandria, Peter was martyred because of his orthodoxy in 310. Eusebius wrote that Patriarch Peter was "a divine model of the Christian teacher."
Almighty God, look upon our weakness and the heavy burden we carry because of our own deeds. Let the prayers of Your blessed martyr bishop Peter, in heaven, be our protection. Through our Lord . . .

SECRET
O Lord, we reverently offer these gifts to Your divine majesty. Grant that we may imitate the exemplary recollection and purity of Your blessed abbot Sylvester, so that we may be worthy to receive the Body and Blood of Your Son; who lives and rules with You . . .

Commemoration of SAINT PETER OF ALEXANDRIA
O Lord, graciously accept the gifts we offer You in honor of Your blessed martyr bishop Peter, and help us find in them unending assistance. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION 
O Lord, You have refreshed us at Your divine banquet. Grant that we may now follow in the footsteps of the holy abbot Sylvester in order that we may share Your bounteous reward with Your saints in Your glorious kingdom. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT PETER OF ALEXANDRIA
We are refreshed by the reception of Your sacred Gift, O Lord, our God. May the prayers of Your blessed martyr bishop Peter make us feel the benefit of the sacred Rite we have performed. Through our Lord . . .