Saint Cyprian and Saint Cornelius
September 16 is the feast day of Saints Cyprian and Cornelius. But who are these saints of the day?
Who are Saint Cyprian and Saint Cornelius?
Saint Cornelius was the 21st pope; appointed in 251, he served for only two years. He was kind and generous. During the persecution led by Emperor Gallus, Cornelius was sentenced to exile, where he died in 253—considered a martyr—in Civitavecchia, Italy.
Saint Cyprian was bishop of Carthage, in North Africa, at the beginning of the third century, after converting at the age of forty-six. He devoted all his time to helping the poorest, supporting and comforting Christians condemned to the mines or to exile, and encouraging sinners to seek God’s forgiveness.
Sixty-five letters written by Saint Cyprian have been preserved. In one of them, he recounts his friendship with Pope Saint Cornelius: “If the Lord grants one of us the grace to join Him soon, may our friendship continue with Him.”
During the persecutions of Valerian, he was arrested and exiled on August 30, 257. Brought back to Carthage, he was beheaded in 258.
When did Saint Cyprian and Saint Cornelius live?
Saint Cyprian was born in 210 in Carthage.
Saint Cyprian and Saint Cornelius died as martyrs. Saint Cornelius died in 253 in Civitavecchia, and Saint Cyprian on September 16, 258.
With Hozana, pray to the saints every day!
Sign up for free on Hozana and discover many prayer communities centered around the saints, including !
