St Cyprian of
Cathage
The earliest centuries of Catholicism testified to a
tremendous expansion throughout the Roman Empire. What is
fascinating about this growth is that various inhabitants, from
different cultures and continents, were embracing "the Way" of
Jesus Christ and His Church (cf. Acts 9:2; 19:9; 24:14).
Providentially, the Gospel reached Africa, producing one of the
greatest converts in ecclesiastical history: Cyprian of
Carthage.
Caecilius Cyprianus Thascius, better known as
St. Cyprian (A.D. 200-258), was reared in a pagan household in
Carthage, Africa. In his youth, Cyprian received an excellent
education, and became an expert in rhetoric. Over time, this
Carthagian earned some wealth via personal property, and soon
moved in the best intellectual and social circles.
Eventually, Cyprian became disheartened by the immorality and
corruption throughout his homeland. Near the age of 40, by the
grace of God, Cyprian embraced the Christian Faith and entered
the Catholic Church. After this "transformation in Christ," the
future saint sold most of his property, giving the money to the
poor. In addition, he took a vow of continence.
After entering the priesthood, Cyprian would participate in the
fullness of Holy Orders in the Catholic Church when consecrated
bishop of Carthage in A.D. 250. Incidentally, this very area of
Carthage convened several local Church councils (A.D. 393; 397;
419), which recognized the canon (i.e. collection) of inspired
books contained in the Holy Bible.
St. Cyprian's life was one of many trials. While a bishop, he
had to flee his diocese and hide out in the hills outside
Carthage: this refuge was necessary because the Catholic Church
was suffering fierce persecution under Emperor Decius (d. A.D.
251). During this time, St. Cyprian took care of his flock by
writing letters to his priests and congregations. The
Carthaginian eventually suffered martyrdom in A.D. 258, likely
the first African bishop to shed his blood for the Catholic
Faith.
St. Cyprian's literary output was impressive. He produced
treatises on various subjects of Catholic theology, including
ecclesiology (the doctrine of the Church) in The Unity of the
Catholic Church (A.D. 251-256). Eschatology (the doctrine of
the last things) was expounded in The Death Rate
(A.D. 252-253). Sanctification (the spiritual life) was covered
in The Advantage of Patience (A.D. 256). Prayer
(conversation with God) was explicated in The Lord's
Prayer (A.D. 251-252). Two main points from this last
treatise on prayer are worthy of particular focus.
Taking the "Our Father" accounts found in Mt 6:9-13 and Lk
11:2-4, St. Cyprian gave very practical advice. He wrote, "It is
a loving and friendly prayer to beseech God with His own word,
to come up to His ears in the prayer of Christ" (The Lord's
Prayer 3). Here, we see one reason why we recite the "Our
Father" at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass's” we have the
privilege of repeating the very same words uttered by the Lord
Jesus Christ. This is a prime model for conversation with God.
Fittingly, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Nos.
2759-2865, devotes an extended section to the "Our Father."
The Lord's Prayer continues: "Let us consider that we are
standing in God's sight" (4). St. Cyprian relates a magnificent
truth: the importance of taking into account who we are
addressing when elevating mind and heart to God. This attitude
toward the Creator should induce us to pour out our sorrows to
the Triune Godhead, knowing that His power and majesty can hear
and answer our most personal desires (cf. Phil 4:6; 1 Pt 5:7).
This is far different from asking a favor from a mere
acquaintance. With this in mind, we should have greater
confidence in approaching the Heavenly Father in prayer.
St. Cyprian of Carthage left many writings in the third century
that helped shape Catholic thought. The Lord's Prayer,
one of the most important tomes, contains pearls of wisdom that
are priceless today. In modern times, when many are dabbling in
Satanic "New Age" spirituality, St. Cyprian is a sure guide in
teaching us proper attitudes regarding conversation with God.
Ciresi serves on the
faculty at the Notre Dame Graduate School of Christendom
College.
By Sal Ciresi, HERALD Columnist
(From
the issue of 5/2/02)
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