Memorial of Saints Cornelius and Saint Cyprian

16 September, commemoration

Position: Pope and Bishop, Martyrs

Patron: Cornelius: peasants; invoked for convulsions, nervous diseases, and villains; Cyprian: invoked against the plague

Attributes: Cornelia: tiara, horn; Cyprian: book, sword, palm tree

BIOGRAPHY

Cornelius was elected Pope only when the imperial ban on the election of a Roman bishop began to weaken. The opponents then elected antipopes, and the issue of accepting apostates back into the Church became an extraordinary problem. Emperor Gallus renewed the decree to sacrifice to idols, and Pope Cornelius testified his faithfulness to Christ by martyrdom.

Originating from Carthage in the northern part of Africa, Cyprian had a speaking education and knowledge of law. He became a Christian only after being more than 30 years old. He began to study the Scriptures of St. and follow them faithfully. He became a priest and bishop of Carthage. Here, he addressed the issue of accepting apostates, which he wrote about to Bishop Cornelius, and subsequently experienced double persecution. He lost his life the second time.

BIOGRAPHY FOR MEDITATION

“THERE IS NO SALVATION OUTSIDE THE CHURCH”

This is the famous statement of Cyprian of Carthage, who was born around 205 in modern-day Tunisia. He was raised in a pagan family belonging to the local aristocracy and, thanks to his talent, quickly mastered public speaking and law. As a pagan advocate, he led, in his own words, ‘a long ungodly and vile life’. Then he became friends with Cecil, who was a priest (perhaps they had known each other since their youth). Their conversations led Cyprian to convert to the faith, which he embraced with great sincerity. He studied the Scriptures and gave his fortune to the poor. He was baptised and began his journey towards the priesthood. Soon after his ordination, he also received episcopal ordination and was put in charge of a part of Africa.

An edict was soon issued by Emperor Decius ordering all inhabitants of the Roman Empire to sacrifice to pagan gods, with severe punishments for those who would not obey, which concerned Christians.

Those, especially their representatives, were primarily targeted by the persecution. Cyprian then thought it prudent to direct his church out of seclusion by letters. At that time, he was also writing his most important work, “On the Unity of the Church.”

It was only after the emperor had been occupied with warfare against the Goths that he could fully resume his position. Among the first issues he had to deal with were the apostates, or ‘lapsi’. He proceeded gently, recognising the large number of apostates in Carthage itself. After the initial order to sacrifice to idols, many obtained certificates in various ways so that they could sacrifice to the gods and ensure peace. Some bought them without sacrificing. All the weak and those who had been severely embezzled suddenly wanted to return to the Church. However, the original practice was that the Church punished apostasy with lifelong repentance..

Some of Cyprian’s followers who had passed through prison became filled with pride and haughtiness. They even began ordering the bishops around. Led by five priests, Cyprian’s enemies demanded that he accept everyone back without distinction, regardless of the severity of their guilt. According to them, a note bearing the words ‘Let him be accepted into the church!’ was sufficient for someone to be readmitted after intercession by a martyr. The imperative method raised doubts, however, and Cyprian disagreed with such a practice. He wanted to wait for the Church’s decision.

The Church of Rome was without a bishop for about 14 months after the death of Pope Fabian, because the secular government strictly prohibited the election of a pope. While Cyprian was in seclusion in Africa, a priestly congregation led by Novatian took over the leadership of the church in Rome. He impressed his friends with his education and eloquence, but some Christians saw his unreliability and other flaws.

With the cruel persecution subsiding, the election of the Pope was being prepared, and from Carthage, Cyprian’s enemies, led by the priest Novation, set out for Rome to influence the election of the Bishop of Rome, held in mid-March. They failed; the priest Cornelius, who was the son of the Roman Castings, was elected. The defeated party rebelled and eventually elected Novatian as antipope as its bishop.

Before addressing the issue of the return of the renegades, Cornelius reached a resolution at the episcopal assembly of Carthage, which Cyprian governed. This stated that all apostates who repent sincerely may be admitted to the sacrament of repentance and reconciled with the Church, at least at the hour of death. The severity of the punishment was to be proportionate to the offense committed. Cornelius agreed with these views and convened a council of Italian bishops for final approval; 60 bishops appeared. The decision was upheld.