Cyril of Jerusalem (died 386), bishop and doctor (Optional memorial)

March 18

St. Cyril of Jerusalem should probably be the patron saint of those involved in the RCIA. A thorough catechist, he is perhaps best known for his 24 catechetical lectures addressed to those preparing for Baptism and those newly baptized. These lessons explain the sacraments in detail and provide us with a rich source of information about liturgy in the fourth century.

A great pastor and teacher, St. Cyril was named a Doctor of the Church in 1822, but his tenure as Bishop of Jerusalem was a difficult one. It was the time of the Arian heresy and the controversy resulted in his being exiled from Jerusalem for almost half of his episcopacy! One commentator reminds us that “it should come as no surprise that saints… will experience the same difficulties as their Master… Intellectual, emotional, and political roadblocks may slow up men like Cyril for a time. But their lives taken as a whole are monuments to honesty and courage.”

The Church is richer because of the gifts of St. Cyril of Jerusalem—his clear and thorough teaching and his persistent and courageous struggle against the heresies of his day.

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