Saint Sylvia (d.593)
for November 5
Saint Sylvia was the mother of Saint Gregory the Great. When Sylvia's husband passed away, her son Gregory converted their home into a monastery. Silvia was then able to retire to a life of solitude in a small home in close proximity to the Church of Saint Sava. She often brought fresh vegetables to her son on a silver platter. One day, when Gregory found himself with no food to give a humble beggar, he gave him the silver platter instead. Sylvia is believed to have died between 592 and 594. After her passing, Gregory had a portrait of his parents depicted in the Church of Saint Andrew. Pope Clement VIII added Sylvia to the Roman Martyrology in the the 16th century. Saint Sylvia is the patron saint of pregnant women.
Read more about Saint Sylvia (d.593)
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Reflection
Change can be difficult for us to accept, but a lot of good can come from it. Saint Sylvia had to deal with a lot of change in her life, from her husband's passing to her home's conversion into a monastery. However, after these changes Saint Sylvia was able to retire to a life of solitude and prayer near her son. How do you deal with change? Ask Jesus to help you handle changes in your life, and to always be open to his message and love.
Prayer
God, our rock, we know you are there for us. You are strong and ever-present. Be with us in these times of change. Strengthen and encourage us. We ask this in Jesus’ name. (Taken from "Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens.")
