Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian
Pope and Bishop, Martyrs
Feast Day: September 16
Biography
Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian are honored together because they were allies in defending the unity of the Church during a time of persecution and division. St. Cornelius was elected Bishop of Rome in 251, after the persecution of the Emperor Decius had left the Roman see vacant for more than a year. Many Christians had denied the faith under threat of death, and Cornelius held that these 'lapsed' could be readmitted to communion after sincere penance. The priest Novatian rejected this and set himself up as a rival pope, causing a schism. Cornelius was upheld by a Roman synod and by bishops across the Church. When persecution resumed under the Emperor Gallus, he was exiled to Centumcellae, near Rome, where he died in June 253. The Church honors him as a martyr. St. Cyprian (c. 200–258), a convert and former teacher of rhetoric, became bishop of Carthage in North Africa around 248. He strongly supported Cornelius and wrote On the Unity of the Catholic Church, which teaches that one cannot have God for Father who does not have the Church for mother. Cyprian was exiled under the Emperor Valerian, then brought back to trial, and was beheaded near Carthage on September 14, 258. Both are named in the Roman Canon of the Mass.
Patronages
Symbols
Prayer
Holy Cornelius and Cyprian, shepherds and martyrs, you stood together for the unity of the Church and for mercy toward repentant sinners. Pray for our Holy Father and all bishops, that they may lead God's people with wisdom and courage. Help me to love the Church as my mother and to work for peace among Christians. Amen.
Asking for Intercession
Catholics ask saints to pray with us and for us, as we ask friends on earth. Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian, who lives in God's presence, intercedes before His throne. Speak from your heart: “Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian, please pray for me…” You may also pray the prayer above or include this intention in your Rosary.