Painting by Maria Conte, 2023
Silverio was presumably born in Frosinone (Italy), in 480. The legitimate son of Pope Ormisda, he was the 58th Pope of the Catholic Church of Rome.
History relates that Silverio acquired the papal office from Theodatus, King of the Ostrogoths, in 536. His pontificate was rather short, just over a year, partly because it took place during a rather turbulent period that involved war between the Byzantines and Goths for possession of the Italic peninsula. The war lasted for 18 years. Silverio also suffered the aversion of Theodora, Byzantine empress, who would have wanted Vigilius on the papal throne. Vigilius was in favor of Monophysitism. Recall that Monophysitism was a theological doctrine that denied the human nature of Christ, affirming his unique divine nature.
Silverio was intransigent toward the empress’s request. So, Theodora put a plan into action, accusing him of colluding with the Goth King Vitiges, who laid siege to Rome in 537. Because of this, Silverio was forced to renounce the papal throne. By order of Empress Theodora, Silverio was sent by Belisarius, one of the greatest Byzantine generals, to the island of Palmaria as a prisoner. Legend has it that Palmaria is the small islet of Palmarola. Palmarola is part of the Pontine Archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Silverio died on December 2nd the same year as a result of hardship and hunger he suffered.
On Palmarola, there is a rock called the rock of St. Silverio: on its summit is a small chapel, which, legend has it, was allegedly built on the remains of the forced residence of the deceitfully dismissed pope.
*His body, unlike those of other popes who died in exile, was not transferred to Rome, remaining on the island; his tomb became a center of healings and miracles and thus a destination for pilgrimages.
*News of the cult paid to him in Rome is documented only from the 11th century. The two pontiff saints, Ormisda and Silverio, father and son in life, are the patron saints of the city of Frosinone, of which they were natives.
Silverio is also the patron saint of Ponza. The feast of St. Silverio is celebrated annually on June 20th, the date he was proclaimed Bishop of Rome. The island’s inhabitants pay tribute with a spectacular celebration. The main streets of Ponza are decorated with enchanting illuminations and garlands. The procession takes place along the streets of Ponza’s harbor with a marching band, followed by the traditional sea procession. The day ends with an evening fireworks display from the port of Ponza. In addition, entertainment activities are diverse and last for a few days. Moreover, St. Silverio is also the protector of fishermen. Another festival in his honor is held in Ponza: Le Forna, on the last Sunday of February. It’s not out of the question that St. Silver’s Day is celebrated in New York and other parts of the world.
Happy Feast of St. Silver’s Day!
Buona Festa di San Silverio!
¡Feliz Fiesta de San Silverio!
Maria Conte Programs 