Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian

Cornelius and Cyprian are Christian saints from the early Church. Cornelius was the Bishop of Rome from 251-253 AD. His tenure is known for debates on the readmission of Christians who renounced their faith during persecution. Cyprian was the Bishop of Carthage and an important Early Christian writer. He is best remembered for his ideas on the unity of the Church and his close relationship with Cornelius.

Both saints faced challenges during the Roman Empire's persecution of Christians. Cornelius was exiled and died in 253 AD, while Cyprian was executed in 258 AD. Their friendship and correspondence on issues like apostasy and the authority of the Church show a strong commitment to Christian unity and doctrine.

Conflict with Novatian

Novatian was a significant figure during the time of Cornelius and played a role that put him in direct opposition to the latter. He was a Roman presbyter and theologian who had a strict view on the readmission of lapsed Christians. When Cornelius became the Bishop of Rome in 251 AD, Novatian opposed him, largely due to their differing views on how to deal with Christians who had renounced their faith during times of persecution.

In contrast to Cornelius, who advocated for a more forgiving approach, Novatian argued that those who had lapsed could not be readmitted into the Church under any circumstances. This led to a schism, with Novatian setting up a rival congregation.

The Novatianist Church, as it came to be known, persisted for several centuries but eventually diminished. The mainstream Church, following the more lenient line of Cornelius, continued to grow and solidify its doctrinal stance.

Mutual Support

Cyprian supported Cornelius during the Novatian controversy. He, sided with Cornelius, affirming the importance of mercy and the possibility of repentance for lapsed Christians. This was in line with his broader theological views that emphasized the unity of the Church and the need for forgiveness.

Cyprian's support was crucial in lending legitimacy to Cornelius' position. They exchanged letters, and Cyprian convened councils in North Africa that backed Cornelius, thereby isolating Novatian and his more rigid stance.

The support between Cornelius and Cyprian was mutual, and their correspondence on this and other matters reflected a shared understanding of Church doctrine and governance. Their alignment against Novatian reinforced the prevailing view in the mainstream Church and contributed to its long-term stance on the issue of lapsed Christians.

Martyrdom

Both Cornelius and Cyprian were martyrs, meaning they died for their Christian faith. Cornelius was exiled to Civitavecchia, Italy, where he died in 253 AD. It's generally believed that the conditions of his exile contributed to his death. Because he died for his faith, he is considered a martyr in the Catholic Church.

Cyprian faced a similar fate but under different circumstances. He was arrested and brought to trial in Carthage, and when he refused to renounce his Christian faith, he was executed by beheading in 258 AD. His willingness to die rather than abandon his beliefs also classifies him as a martyr.

Their legacies have had a lasting impact on the Church, particularly concerning issues like forgiveness and reintegration for those who have left the faith. By looking at their lives, modern Christians can gain insights into steadfastness, integrity, and the value of unity within the Christian community.

These saints are commemorated together on September 16 in the Catholic liturgical calendar. Their friendship is often cited as an example of collegiality among early Christian leaders.

Patron Saint of ...

St Cyprian is the patron saint of Algeria and North Africa. St. Cornelius is the patron saint of those with epilepsy, earaches, and fevers.

Daily Mass Readings for the Memorial of Saints Cornelius and Cyprian

Readings for the Memorial may also be taken from may also be taken from the Mass of the day, the Common of Pastors, or the Common of Martyrs.

• First Reading - 2 Corinthians 4:7-15: We're vessels for God's power. We face troubles but aren't defeated, always reflecting Jesus' life and death in us. Our faith assures us that God will raise us, for your glory.
• Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 126: We returned from captivity, joyful and amazed. People noticed the Lord's work in us. We prayed for continued blessings. Sowing in sorrow, we knew we'd reap in joy and return celebrating.
• Gospel - John 17:11b-19: Jesus prays to the Father, asking for protection and unity for his disciples. He mentions keeping them from evil while acknowledging their difference from the world. Jesus seeks their consecration in truth.

Let us remember one another in concord and unanimity.   Let us on both sides of death always pray for one another.   Let us relieve burdens and afflictions by mutual love, that if one of us, by the swiftness of divine condescension, shall go hence the first, our love may continue in the presence of the Lord and our prayers for our brethren and sisters not cease in the presence of the Father’s mercy.

St. Cyprian to St. Cornelius

No one can have God for his Father, who has not the Church for his mother.

St. Cyprian

Whatever a man prefers to God, that he makes a god to himself.

St. Cyprian