Sts. Cornelius, Pope, & Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs–R (III) – Sts. Euphemia, Lucy & Geminianus, Martyrs–R (Comm.)

ST. CORNELIUS, the successor of St. Fabian, Pope and Martyr, was one of the greatest Popes of the third century. He was beheaded in 253. CYPRIAN was born around the beginning of the 3rd century in North Africa, perhaps at Carthage, where he received a classical education. After converting to Christianity, he became a bishop soon after in 249. A controversial figure during his lifetime, his strong pastoral skills, firm conduct during the Novatianist heresy and outbreak of the plague, and eventual martyrdom at Carthage vindicated his reputation and proved his sanctity in the eyes of the Church.