Cyprien de Carthage
v. 210-258 3rd century Feast day: September 16
Common prayer that holds the Church together when all falls apart.
Who was Cyprien de Carthage?
An African rhetorician converted in midlife, he became bishop of Carthage in the midst of persecution. He guided his Church through plague and apostasy, seeking the balance between firmness and mercy toward those who had faltered. Arrested under Valerian, he was beheaded before his people, the first bishop martyr of Africa.
In their own words
When we pray, let our prayer come from the whole heart.
He cannot have God for his Father who has not the Church for his Mother.