Around the year 315, Cyril was born in Jerusalem. His early life is a bit of a mystery, and most biographies start when he was ordained a priest. Cyril’s Biblical knowledge was deep and exhaustive, and he was put in charge of educating catechumens prior to baptism. These lectures were written down and still exist to this day. When the bishop died in 348, Cyril was chosen as the bishop of Jerusalem. He sometimes found himself opposed by others in the Church, falsely accused of supporting the Arian heresy, and three times he was forced into exile. Despite these difficulties and challenges, he persevered. He died in 387, and his works earned him the title Doctor of the Church in 1883.
CHALLENGE
According to recent polls, only one-third of Catholics believe in the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. This is the source and summit of the Catholic faith, and something St. Cyril taught his catechumens. Today, read his “Lecture 22” about the real presence, and be prepared to use it to teach others about the real presence.
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