Bold defenders of Christianity during persecution. They contributed to Christian doctrine and unity

Today we celebrate two saints of the early Church (3rd century). Saint Cornelius was one of the first Popes. His name means "strong as a horn." And indeed, he was: a strong Pope who defended Jesus' teachings, especially regarding the forgiveness of sins. A faction within the Church, led by the cleric Novatian, wanted to exclude and not forgive the “Lapsi,” those early Christians who renounced their faith under Roman pressure (remember, Christ came not for the healthy but for the sick). In Africa, Bishop Saint Cyprian had to mediate these disputes. Cyprian was strict but not inflexible with those who had “fallen” (by abandoning their faith). Both men were generous in charity, and in the final test, they showed the strength of the courageous: Cyprian was beheaded (and he ordered twenty-five gold coins to be given to his executioner for his work), and Pope Cornelius died in exile, remaining steadfast. —We need the Church! Saint Cyprian said: “No one can have God for his Father, who does not have the Church for his mother.”