St. Cyprian

Feast Day: September 16

“No one can have God as Father who does not have the Church as Mother.” – St. Cyprian

St. Cyprian, bishop of Carthage, is honored as a courageous leader, gifted writer, and steadfast defender of Church unity during times of persecution and division. His feast day is celebrated on September 16, together with St. Cornelius, his close friend and fellow defender of the faith.

A Convert Called to Leadership

Cyprian was born around 200 A.D. in Carthage, North Africa, into a wealthy pagan family. He was a highly educated and successful lawyer and teacher of rhetoric. Around the year 246 A.D., Cyprian converted to Christianity, a decision that radically transformed his life.

Shortly after his baptism, he sold much of his wealth, gave to the poor, and dedicated himself to the service of the Church. In 248 A.D., he was chosen as the bishop of Carthage, a role in which he quickly became a leading voice in the Church.

Defender of the Church in Persecution

Cyprian’s time as bishop coincided with periods of intense persecution under the Roman Empire. During these persecutions, some Christians denied the faith under threat of death, leading to heated debates about whether and how they could be reconciled to the Church.

Like Pope St. Cornelius, Cyprian upheld the path of repentance and forgiveness, teaching that those who sincerely repented could be restored to full communion with the Church. He also wrote extensively on the importance of unity, defending the role of the bishop as a visible sign of the Church’s unity and faithfulness.

Exile, Trial, and Martyrdom

In 257 A.D., during the persecution under Emperor Valerian, Cyprian was arrested for refusing to participate in pagan sacrifices. After a period of exile, he was brought to trial and, standing firm in his faith, was sentenced to death.

He was beheaded on September 14, 258 A.D., dying as a martyr for Christ. His last words were reported to be, “Thanks be to God.”

A Doctor of Unity and Charity

St. Cyprian is remembered for his powerful writings on the Church, especially his famous line: “No one can have God as Father who does not have the Church as Mother.” His work emphasized the essential role of the Church as the means through which believers are united to Christ and to one another.

He is venerated as a Father of the Church and a martyr, a model of courage, charity, and faithfulness.

A Witness to Faith and Unity

St. Cyprian’s life reminds the faithful that unity in the Church is not optional but essential. His unwavering commitment to the truth and to mercy, even in the face of persecution, continues to inspire Christians around the world.

St. Cyprian, pray for us!