Sts. Cornelius, pope Cyprian, bishop (martyrs)

For 14 months, there was no pope after the martyrdom of St. Fabian, the church was governed by a college of Priest. St. Cyprian, a friend of Cornelius wrote that Cornelius be elected pope. This he was for two years. With the sacrament of penance, he readmitted Christians who have denied Christ during the persecution.

These men were God's instrument in helping the church find prudent path between extremes of rigorism and laxity. They are part of the Church's ever-living streams of tradition, ensuring the continuance of what was begun by Christ, and evaluating new experiences through the wisdom and experience of  those who have gone before.