Saint of the Day

01 · Read · A life to discover

St. Cyril of Jerusalem

Cyril was educated near Jerusalem, ordained a priest, and became bishop around 348. His ministry unfolded amid disputes about the Nicene faith and the authority of neighboring bishops. Conflict with Acacius of Caesarea led to repeated periods of exile, but Cyril eventually returned to his see.

His teaching approached Christian belief as a preparation for an actual change of life. Candidates learned Scripture and the creed before receiving the sacraments; instruction associated with the newly baptized then explained the worship they had experienced. Jerusalem’s liturgical setting gave this formation a particularly concrete shape.

Cyril’s exile was prolonged as well as repeated. His final absence lasted eleven years, ending after Emperor Valens died in 378. Although opponents questioned his doctrinal loyalties, the bishops’ synodal letter of 382 affirmed his orthodoxy and recognized his service to the Jerusalem church.

His enduring importance rests especially on catechetical teaching addressed to people preparing for baptism and to newly initiated Christians. These instructions explain the creed, repentance, and the sacraments within the setting of Jerusalem's worship. The collection associated with him is a major witness to fourth-century Christian formation. He participated in the Council of Constantinople in 381 and is honored as a Doctor of the Church.

This saint is included on this recurring date in the U.S. Roman Rite calendar published by the USCCB. This reading guide gives U.S. calendar saints priority; the Mass celebrated on a particular year’s date can differ because of Sundays, seasons or higher-ranking celebrations.