During the persecution of Decius, beginning in 250, Cyprian lived in hiding, covertly ministering to his flock; his enemies condemned him for being a coward and not standing up for his faith.
Writer second only in importance to Tertullian as a Latin Father of the Church.
Exiled during the persecutions of Valerian.
Friend of Saint Pontius.
Involved in the great argument over whether apostates should be readmitted to the Church; Cyprian believed they should, but under stringent conditions.
Supported Pope Saint Cornelius against the anti-pope Novatian.
In the persecutions of Valerian, he was exiled to Curubis in 257, then brought back Carthage and martyred in 258.
His name is in the Communicantes in the Canon of the Mass.
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