BENEDETTINI SILVESTRINI. – They were founded at Monte Fano near Fabriano in 1231 by St. LANDINI, SILVESTRO (v.). Originally they were called the Order of St. Benedict of Monte Fano, then the Silvestrine Benedictine Congregation, or, more briefly, Silvestrini. The first companions, attracted by the austerity of his life, soon gathered around the founder, so that, when the dwelling at Monte Fano proved insufficient, the Saint was compelled to build other monasteries in the surrounding regions: S. Maria di Grottafenile, S. Bonfiglio di Cingoli, S. Marco di Ripalta near Arcevia, and S. Giacomo in Settimiano in Rome. The Rule was that of St. Benedict, without particular constitutions, which were later drawn up by the third successor of St. Silvestro, the Ven. Andrea di Giacomo.
The institution encountered envy and suspicion at its inception, and some saw the new religious as innovators and heretics. Silvestro was summoned to Rome to give an account of his work, which he did with good results, so much so that Innocent IV, by a bull of 27 June 1247, fully approved it and placed it under his immediate protection. Having won this first battle, the number of followers increased and the Congregation underwent extensive development, which continued to grow until the end of the 14th century. With the commendatory benefices began its decline and a perceptible relaxation of its former rigor. In the 16th and 17th centuries there was a certain revival with the foundation of new monasteries. In Portugal the Congregation established itself in the 16th century through the work of Francesco di Gesù Maria. Under the pontificate of Alexander VII, by a bull of 29 March 1662, the Congregation was united with that of Vallombrosa; but the union was short-lived. After a few years it in fact regained its autonomy. The Napoleonic suppression of 1810 and the Italian suppression of 1866 marked its end, and its entire artistic, scientific, historical, and literary heritage was destroyed.
After 1870, however, a revival began and several houses were reopened in Italy, while the evangelization of Ceylon was initiated through the work of Fr. Giuseppe M. Bravi, later bishop of Colombo. In the United States the Silvestrini established themselves in 1910, and the first house was opened in Kansas, where churches and monasteries with adjoining schools were founded.
Alongside the male branch, a female branch also arose in 1233; it lasted until 1822, when the few remaining nuns were united with the Cistercians. At present the Congregation has 8 houses, two apostolic colleges, and three theological and philosophical student houses, with approximately 200 religious.