CrucisSt. Cyprian of Carthage
St. Cyprian was born around 210 at Carthage in Roman North Africa (in modern Tunisia), into a wealthy pagan family, and died a martyr there on 14 September 258. A distinguished teacher of rhetoric, he converted to Christianity in middle age, gave much of his wealth to the poor, and within a few years was chosen bishop of Carthage. His episcopate was tested by the Decian persecution, which he guided his flock through from hiding, and by a plague during which he organized the care of the sick.
He is remembered as a Father of the Church and a wise pastor, especially for his teaching on the unity of the Church in his treatise On the Unity of the Catholic Church, and for his balanced handling of the difficult question of how to readmit Christians who had lapsed under persecution. When a new persecution arose under the Emperor Valerian, he refused to sacrifice to the gods and was beheaded before his people, dying a courageous martyr and bishop.
Selected quotes
“Unity is the garment of the Church; schism tears it, and the one who tears it will have much to answer for before the Lord who prayed that all might be one.”
“Charity toward the poor is never wasted — it is the seed that grows into mercy at the judgment, the coin that purchases what money cannot buy.”
“The martyrs do not die — they are promoted; the last breath taken on earth is the first breath of a life that knows no end and fears no enemy.”