For the Celebration of Saint Cyprian

This past Thursday we celebrated Saint Cyprian, born in 211 AD in Carthage. His family was wealthy and devout pagans. He received a brilliant education in the rhetorical and magical arts. He moved to Antioch to show his skills as a magician, living in the debauchery of the pagans of the time.

There he met the virgin Saint Justa (or Justine, later). The young pagan converted to Christianity, influencing her family as well. Her faith and purity were an obstacle to the deceptive of Aglais who, unable to conquer her, called on the magician Cyprian to help him.

Cyprian, using his magical powers and demonic spirits, attempted to spiritually impose himself on Justine and lure her into sin unsuccessfully. The power of her faith and her invocation of the Holy Cross nullified all his efforts.

His failure led Cyprian to renounce magic. He burned all his magical books, was baptized a Christian and devoted himself to his new faith. He was ordained a deacon and priest and throughout his life he gained great prestige among Christians.

As bishop of Carthage, Cyprian worked to spread the faith, while Justin became an abbess, following the paths of Christianity. In the midst of persecution, she strengthened the Christians, coordinating acts of charity. Cyprian had gained worldwide fame, contradicting even Pope Stephen on theological issues but remaining humble, considering himself unworthy of his position.

Cyprian and Justine were martyred during the persecutions of Emperor Valerian, and they did so bravely. Despite the suffering they endured, they remained steadfast in their faith, shocking pagans and inspiring the conversion of many to Christianity.