Saint Cyprian

First Point

Saint Cyprian, one of the principal Fathers of the Church, was most zealous for her discipline and for upholding the doctrine and maxims of Jesus Christ. He had been a pagan and a most learned one. He was converted by a priest named Cecilius, whom he loved tenderly and ever afterward honored as his father. Even before receiving Baptism, he studied Holy Scripture. Filled with the truths he learned there and with the Catholic spirit, he was admitted to the sacrament. As soon as he was baptized, he sold all his possessions, distributed the proceeds to the poor,¹ and resolved to practice celibate chastity. In this way, from the moment he became a Christian, he lived stripped of all his wealth and freed from affection for all the goods and all the pleasures of the earth. That was how it was to live as a perfect Christian. It seems quite clear that this saint was altogether virtuous from the very beginning and had a heart fully imbued with the Spirit of Jesus Christ. With this disposition he could not but practice great virtues. He gave edification to everyone by his holy life, just as he won admiration by his talent and knowledge of literature. That is what enabled this saint to render great benefits in the Church. You are in a state where you must know well the maxims of the holy Gospel, both to work at your own sanctification and to procure that of others. Do you practice these maxims as this saint did? Have you, like him, renounced the goods and pleasures of life? Often you do not enjoy the goods and comforts of life because you cannot have them. Often those who lack them the most also desire them most eagerly. Are you not of this number? It is not enough to be deprived of such things unless it is done willingly and with affection. That is why Jesus Christ says that not only the poor but also the poor in spirit are blessed.² This spirit of poverty is often no less rare in religious communities than it is in the world.

Second Point

Saint Cyprian, living such a holy life, was soon made a priest and, almost as quickly, bishop of Carthage by the choice of all the people. To avoid being bishop, he fled, but he was compelled to accept the dignity. Once installed as bishop, this saint enlightened the entire Church by his excellent writings, and during persecution he worked forcefully to uphold those who were wavering in their faith.He displayed admirable zeal for the instruction of his people, and hehad, above all, a special care for the poor. When people make themselves voluntarily poor to imitate Jesus Christ, they also love, as he did, those whom God has made poor.Every day you have poor children to instruct. Love them tenderly, as this saint did, following in this the example of Jesus Christ. Prefer them to those who are not poor, for Jesus Christ does not say that the Gospel is preached³ to the rich but to the poor. These poor children are also the ones whom God has entrusted to you and to whomyou are obliged to proclaim the truths of the holy Gospel. The poor were the ones who most frequently followed Jesus Christ, our Lord. They are also the ones most disposed to profit by his teaching, because in them it meets with fewer external obstacles.Everyone agrees that this saint surpassed all the other bishops of his time in knowledge and eloquence as well as in wisdom and humility. Following his example, you must know your religion well, but you must also show how well you possess it by your wise conduct and your piety.

Third Point

This saint worked very hard for the Church; he also endured an infinite number of evils because of his zeal and the attachment he had for her. A furious persecution broke out against the faithful, and the pagans demanded that Saint Cyprian be thrown to the lions. At once he was denounced, and at the same time all his goods were confiscated. He went into hiding to continue to be of service to his people and to the Church. During this cruel persecution, it seemed important that he keep alive in order to strengthen his people. He remained in hiding for two years, ministering without interruption to the needs of his diocese and writing treatises and letters filled with the love of God. After two years of seclusion, the Emperor Decius having died, he returned to Carthage. But not long after this, the Emperors Valerian and Gallian exiled him. When he came back from this exile, the proconsul condemned him to be beheaded. That is how this saint left the exile of this life after suffering for a considerable time to defend the Church of Jesus Christ. One of the things that contributes most to impress the truth of the Gospel in people’s hearts and to make them appreciate it is when those who teach this truth, as ministers of Jesus Christ and dispensers of his mysteries,⁴ willingly endure persecution and practice what Saint Paul says, We are cursed, and we bless; we are persecuted, and we suffer it; we are insulted, and we respond with prayers;5 we are regarded as the refuse of the world, but we are not disheartened.⁶ Do you have this disposition? It is necessary for you if you wish to do good in your work.

Historical Context

Cyprian was an African who practiced law and taught rhetoric before his conversion to Christianity. His considerable talents and learning became, after his conversion and ordination to the priesthood, the reason for his being chosen as bishop of Carthage by the priests of that diocese. In this role he was zealous for orthodox belief and purity of morals among his priests and people during years of both peace and persecution. On September 14, 258, Cyprian was beheaded on orders from the Emperor Valerian.

Scripture Citation

1. Mt 19:21
2. Mt 5:3
3. Mt 11:5
4. 1 Cor 4:1
5. 1 Cor 4:12–13
6. 2 Cor 4:8