http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14370a.htm
Pope Saint Sylvester was the first pope after the Edict of Milan by which the emperor Constantine lifted the harsh persecution of Christians. He led the early Church into an era of growth and development. Churches were acquired or built; liturgy and doctrine organically grew; Christians witnessed to their faith openly and the Catholic Faith spread throughout the world. We ought to be most grateful for his papacy. This was the first time the Church was free to be herself. We see by 325 the solidifying of the liturgical rites, the formulation of essential doctrines at Nicea and devotion to Eucharistic Adoration. Prior to 313 the Church was in hiding and under persecution so her limited activity cannot be used as a complete model for Church life. With Constantine and Sylvester we see how the Church was meant to grow and develop under the Spirit's guidance and in freedom. Then we see that immediately she displays devotion to the Eucharist, recorded as reserved and adored in convent chapels by 325. (See the work of Fr. John Hardon). Also doctrine is codified and liturgy established. From those days a process of organic development begins that continues for centuries.
