In the middle of the third century, which is around the year 250 the Church was still being badly treated and Christians were being killed.

Emperor Decius put Pope St. Fabian to death and the Church was without a pope for nearly a year.

A holy priest of Rome, Cornelius, was elected in 251. He was willing to become Pope because he loved Christ. He would serve the Church as pope even if it meant he might die. That is why Pope Cornelius was so greatly admired throughout the world.

The bishops of Africa spoke bravely about their love and loyalty to the pope. Bishop Cyprian of Carthage sent him letters of encouragement and support.

Cyprian who was a non-Catholic, converted and became a Catholic at the age of twenty-five. He later became a priest and in 249 he became a bishop.

Bishop Cyprian encouraged Pope Cornelius by reminding him that even though their lives were in danger, in Rome not a single Christian had given up the faith.

St. Cyprian’s writings explain the love that Christians should have for the whole Church. This love should be for the pope as well as for their parish. Cyprian wrote a book on the unity of the Church which is important to us even today.

Pope St. Cornelius was sent away to the port of Rome where he died in September, 253. Because he suffered so much as pope, he is considered a martyr.

St. Cyprian died five years later when they chopped off his head on September 14, 258.

Together they share a feast day to remind us of the unity that the Church should always enjoy. This unity is a mark of the presence of Jesus who is the Center.

So today, let us specially pray for unity among people of different cultures, races, nations, and religions.