* Saint Cornelius was consecrated the 21st pope in 251 A.D. He was reluctant to accept the papacy because it often meant certain death by Christian persecutors. Pope Cornelius was exiled in 252 by Roman rule. He was sent to Centemcellae as a punishment not only to him but to all Christians. The Romans believed that Christians prayed that God send the plague to Rome. * Saint Cornelius died a martyrs death in 253 A.D. from the torments of exile. * The feast of Saint Cornelius is celebrated on September 16. * The remains of Saint Cornelius are buried in the Saint Callistus cemetery in Rome. Patron Saint Cornelius Saint Cornelius is the patron of many causes: * Epilepsy * Earaches * Fever * Twitching * Cattle * Domestic animals * Farmers * Epileptics * Kornelimunster, Germany Many Christians suffering from epilepsy wear a Saint Cornelius medal, praying for relief from seizures and asking for strength to accept the burden of the disease. Wearing a St. Cornelius pendant offers those suffering with epilepsy the hope of St. Cornelius' intercession with Jesus Christ, asking for His mercy for the afflicted. Saint Cornelius Prayer God our Father, in Saints Cornelius and Cyprian You have given Your people an inspiring example of dedication to the pastoral ministry and constant witness to Christ in their suffering. May their prayers and faith give us courage to work for the unity of Your Church. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. Excerpt from the Letter of St. Cyprian to his Brother, St. Cornelius "Dearest brother bright and shining is the faith which the blessed Apostle praised in your community. He foresaw in the spirit the praise your courage deserves and the strength that could not be broken; he was heralding the future when he testified to your achievements; his praise of the fathers was a challenge to the sons. Your unity, your strength have become shining examples of these virtues to the rest of the brethren. Divine providence has now prepared us. God's merciful design has warned us that the day of our own struggle, our own contest, is at hand. By that shared love which binds us close together, we are doing all we can to exhort our congregation, to give ourselves unceasingly to fastings, vigils and prayers in common. These are the heavenly weapons which give us the strength to stand firm and endure; they are the spiritual defenses, the God-given armaments that protect us. Let us then remember one another, united in mind and heart. Let us pray without ceasing, you for us, we for you; by the love we share we shall thus relieve the strain of these great trials." Copyright (c) 2011 Beverly Johnson
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