Saint Cyril of Jerusalem

Cyril was born around 313, probably in or near Jerusalem, and was ordained a priest there. Around 350 he became bishop of Jerusalem. Shortly before or after, he gave a famous series of instructions to those preparing for Baptism at Easter, delivered in the newly built Church of the Holy Sepulchre. These Catechetical Lectures explain the Creed, Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist, and they remain one of the richest witnesses to the faith and liturgy of the early Church.

Cyril's years as bishop were troubled by the conflicts over Arianism and by rivalry with the bishop of Caesarea. He was driven from his see three times and spent some sixteen years in exile. He finally returned under Emperor Theodosius and took part in the Council of Constantinople in 381, which completed the Creed we profess at Mass. He died in Jerusalem in 386, and Pope Leo XIII declared him a Doctor of the Church in 1883.

His feast falls in Lent, when catechumens prepare for Baptism at Easter, so many parishes read passages from his Catechetical Lectures in their RCIA (OCIA) groups. Pilgrims in Jerusalem remember him at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.