Who Was Saint Cyprian?

Saint Cyprian of Carthage was born around the year 200 in Carthage, and was raised without any particular religion. As an adult, he was active in the social and public life of Carthage as a teacher and lawyer. He came to know an older priest, Caecilian, who inspired him to explore the Christian life. Under Caecilian’s care, Cyprian was baptized and reformed his life. His conversion to Christianity was so complete that he gave his considerable fortune away to the poor, and began to study theology. He was soon ordained a priest, and later was appointed bishop of Carthage against his will. He ended up becoming a charitable and courageous bishop who inspired respect and love. 

When the emperor Decius began a systematic persecution of Christians in 249, Bishop Cyprian became a target as the authorities such to kill him. Cyprian felt that he was of more use to his people alive, so he found himself guiding his flock from a place of hiding through letters in which he encouraged them to persevere in their faith. Bishop Cyprian also made sure that the faithful who were martyred for their faith received proper Christian burials. When a pestilence broke out, he helped with the ministry to the dying. 

The persecution under Decius eventually came to an end. The Church in Carthage was faced with a difficult pastoral situation, and struggled to decide how to treat Christians who had renounced the faith during the persecution but wanted to return to the Church when others had suffered imprisonment or death.  Cyprian was active in this debate, urging a strict policy, but enforcing it with mercy.  He appealed to his good friend, Pope Cornelius in Rome, and the two mutually reinforced the orthodox position of readmitting Christians to the community after penance.

Another Christian persecution broke out—there was a new law prohibiting the faithful from gathering and commanded bishops and priests to offer sacrifice to the imperial idols. The courageous Bishop Cyprian remained faithful to Christ and refused to sacrifice to idols. He was eventually arrested and condemned to death by beheading so as to be an example to others. When his sentence was read, Bishop Cyprian replied, “Thanks be to God.” He then suffered martyrdom. He remained faithful to Christ till the very end.

Saint Cyprian protected the unity of the early Church and bore the ultimate witness to Christ by the shedding of his blood. He inspired many Christians and continues to inspire us to stand steadfast in their faith is the face of persecution. He is a model for us to follow.
Saint Cyprian pray for us, that we may always be merciful and just toward repentant sinners, and that we may never waver in our Faith, no matter what difficulties we might face.  Amen!