Sept. 16th - Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian

 Today we celebrate the martyrs St. Cornelius, Pope and St. Cyprian, bishop, both of whom are honored in the Roman Canon. In the third century, there was controversy over the sacrament of confession. The Novatian heretics absolutely denied forgiveness to apostate Christians. Cornelius and Cyprian took the middle ground and insisted apostates could obtain forgiveness, but had to do rigorous penance. Pope Cornelius was forced into exile and died of harsh treatment in the year 253.

Here is the account of the martyrdom of St. Cyprian:

“On the morning of the 14th of September, a great crowd gathered at the Villa Sexti, in accordance with the order of the governor Galerius Maximus. That same day the governor commanded Bishop Cyprian to be brought before him for trial. After Cyprian was brought in, the governor asked him, "Are you Thascius Cyprian?" The bishop replied, "Yes, I am." The governor Galerius Maximus said, "You have set yourself up as an enemy of the gods of Rome and our religious practices. You have been discovered as the author and leader of these heinous crimes, and will consequently be held forth as an example for all those who have followed you in your crime. By your blood the law shall be confirmed." Next he read the sentence from a tablet. "It is decided that Cyprian should die by the sword." Cyprian responded, "Thanks be to God!" After the sentence was passed, a crowd of his fellow Christians said, "We should also be killed with him!" There arose an uproar among the Christians, and a great mob followed after him. Cyrprian was then brought out to the grounds of the Villa Sexti, where, taking off his outer cloak and kneeling on the ground, he fell before the Lord in prayer. He removed his dalmatic and gave it to the deacons, and then stood erect while waiting for the executioner. When the executioner arrived, Cyprian told his friends to give the man 25 gold pieces. The most blessed martyr Cyprian suffered on the 14th of September under the emperors Valerian and Gallienus, in the reign of our true Lord Jesus Christ, to whom belong honor and glory forever. Amen.”

St. Cyprian was the first African bishop to be martyred, he was beheaded in 258.

Both Cornelius and Cyprian are inspiring examples of dedication to the pastoral ministry, and a constant witness to Christ in their suffering. Through the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church, Our Lady of Unity, we ask for the “courage to work for the unity of the Church and to embrace all of the teachings of our Holy Mother the Church.”