Third-century bishop of Carthage who wrote on Church unity and was martyred in 258.
Life
Saint Cyprian was born in the early third century in Carthage, North Africa, and became a well-known teacher of rhetoric. He converted to Christianity as an adult and, not long after, around 248, became bishop of Carthage.
During the persecution of Emperor Decius he went into hiding and guided his church by letters. Afterwards, on the question of receiving back those who had lapsed through penance, he stood with Pope Cornelius. He wrote works such as On the Unity of the Catholic Church, and is famous for saying that no one can have God for Father who does not have the Church for mother.
He was beheaded in 258 during the persecution of Emperor Valerian. The Church remembers him with Cornelius on September 16.
Spirituality
Cyprian's spirituality is love for the Church and its unity. He stressed that bishops must work together and the faithful must be one within the one Church. At first he withdrew from danger, but when the time came he accepted martyrdom calmly.
Reflection
The Church is the mother who gives birth to us in faith and raises us. Do I cherish my parish community as a mother, and work for its unity?