Mary's Castle Library

 THE CATHOLIC FEAST 

SEPTEMBER 16 

SAINT CORNELIUS - Pope And SAINT CYPRIAN - Bishop [Both Were Martyrs]

PATRONAGE

SAINT CORNELIUS

●Against earache

●Against epilepsy

●Against fever

●Against twitching cattle

●Domestic animals

●Earache sufferers

●Epileptics

SAINT CYPRIAN

●Algeria (Proclaimed On 6 July 1914 By Pope Pius X)

●North Africa (Proclaimed On 6 July 1914 By Pope Pius X

THEIR PROFILES 

In the middle of the third century the Church was still being suppressed. The fierce persecution of Emperor Decius claimed the life of Pope St. Fabian. 

The Church was without a pope for nearly a year. 

A holy priest of Rome, Cornelius, was elected in 251. 

He accepted because he loved Christ. 

He would serve the Church as pope even if his ministry cost him his life. 

That is why Pope Cornelius was so greatly admired throughout the world. 

 

The bishops of Africa were especially outspoken in their love and loyalty to the pope. 

 

Bishop Cyprian of Carthage sent him letters of encouragement and support. Cyprian had been a convert at the age of twenty–five. 

 

He had astonished the Christians of Carthage by pledging a vow of perpetual chastity before his Baptism. He had eventually become a priest and, in 248, a bishop.

 

Bishop Cyprian greatly encouraged and supported Pope Cornelius. St. Cyprian’s writings explain the love that Christians should have for the whole Church. 

 

This love should be for the pope as well as for the local diocese and parish. 

 

Cyprian wrote a scholarly work on the unity of the Church. This remains an important topic for all times, including our own.

 

Pope St. Cornelius died in exile at the port of Rome in September 253. 

 

Because he suffered so much as pope, he is considered a martyr. 

 

St. Cyprian died five years later during the persecution of Valerian. He was beheaded at Carthage on September 14, 258. 

 

Together they share a feast day to remind us of the unity that the Church should always enjoy. This unity is a sign of the presence of Jesus as Head of the Church.

 

PRAYER

God our Father, in Saints Cornelius and Cyprian You have given Your people an inspiring example of dedication to the pastoral ministry and constant witness to Christ in their suffering. May their prayers and faith give us courage to work for the unity of your Church. Amen.

 

SAINTS CORNELIUS AND CYPRIAN, 

PRAY FOR US. AMEN!