This imperial mandate was designed to root out Christians. For by this time, the empire knew well that Christians could not commit this act of idolatry.
Some Christians, tried to get around the mandate by bribing authorities to obtain a document which stated that they had offered such sacrifices. But that document till said, basically, “I deny Christ”. It’s still a public act—still an act of apostasy.
As the persecutions died down, the question arose: can these apostates be readmitted to communion? After all, the denied Christ publicly, through public documentation.
So, in the year 251, Pope Cornelius, whom we honor today, called a synod in Rome. After hearing from his bishops and theologians, he declared that, yes, the apostates could be restored to communion, as long as they underwent what he called “the usual medicines of repentance”. He affirmed that through penance and firm purpose of amendment, a sinner could be readmitted to Communion again.
Pope Cornelius was supported in this pronouncement by many bishops, but especially St. Cyprian, the most important bishop in North Africa, and one of the most important theologians and writers of the time.
All these centuries later, we are still in possession of a letter written by Cyprian to Pope Cornelius. Listen to these words: “My very dear brother,” he wrote, “we have heard of the glorious witness given by your courageous faith. On learning of the honor you had won by your witness, we were filled with such joy that we felt ourselves sharers and companions in your praiseworthy achievements. After all, we have the same Church, the same mind, the same unbroken harmony. God’s merciful design has warned us that the day of our own struggle, our own contest, is at hand. By that shared love which binds us close together, we are doing all we can to exhort our congregation, to give ourselves unceasingly to fastings, vigils and prayers in common. These are the heavenly weapons which give us the strength to stand firm and endure; they are the spiritual defenses, the God-given armaments that protect us. Let us then remember one another, united in mind and heart. Let us pray without ceasing, you for us, we for you; by the love we share we shall thus relieve the strain of these great trials.”
Cyprian was right, that, both he and Pope Cornelius would face their own day of struggle, as Cyprian called it. Both were martyred when the persecutions flared up again. But Cyprian gives good advice for all of us, in the time that we have, to make use of the “heavenly weapons which give us strength”—fasting, prayer vigils, and prayer in common.
Through the intercession of Saints Cornelius and Cyprian may we encourage one another through all the trials we face, and bear witness to all whom we are called to forgive, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
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That the Pope and all the clergy may be effective instruments of mercy, and for the grace and strength to seek out the lost, last, and least.
That through the intercession of the martyrs Cornelius and Cyprian, lapsed Catholics will be moved to return to the Sacraments.
For an end to government corruption and politically motivated violence, and all forms of greed which breed hatred and war.
For all the needs of the sick and the suffering, the homebound, those in nursing homes and hospitals, the underemployed and unemployed, victims of natural disaster, war, and terrorism, for all those who grieve the loss of a loved one, and those who will die today, for their comfort, and the consolation of their families.
For the repose of the souls of our beloved dead, for all of the poor souls in purgatory, for the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish, for the deceased priests, deacons and religious of the diocese of Cleveland, and for those who have fought and died for our freedom.
Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord.
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