Silvanus the Roman

Holy Martyr Silvanus the Roman was one of the seven sons of the martyr Felicitas of Rome, killed for faith in Christ around the year 164.

The holy martyr Felicitas had seven sons: Januarius, Felix, Philip, Silvanus, Alexander, Vitalis and Martial. She came of a rich Roman family. The priests accused her of offending the gods by spreading the Christian faith. The saint gave away her property and, with her sons, openly confessed Christ. All were put to torments. Seeing the sufferings of her sons, Felicitas prayed to God that they might stand firm in the struggle and enter the Kingdom of Heaven before her. All the sons died as martyrs before the eyes of their mother, and then she too received a martyr's end. The holy family suffered at Rome. Saint Gregory the Dialogist dedicated a eulogy to Felicitas, delivered in the church that bears her name.

Silvanus is commemorated on 7 February, in the new style, with his mother and brothers.