Cyril of Jerusalem, bishop and doctor of the Church (315–386)

Biography

He was born in Jerusalem around the year 315. Nothing is known about his youth, only that there are indications that he spent it in monastic life, in study and prayer. He was about thirty years old when Saint Maximus of Jerusalem ordained him a priest. Elected Bishop of Jerusalem, he spends his time instructing the people, attracting the lost and helping the poor. The 4th century is the century of the great theological struggles. Doctors write, argue, attack each other. There is a great effervescence, to which the Councils will try to put a channel and limit. And in the midst of the discussions and controversial books, a conciliatory man emerges, Cyril, and a serene and calm book, his "CATECHESIS". Cyril suffered when he saw the fratricidal fights of the Bishops. Cyril sought moderation and compromise, but disapproved of clear errors, such as "Arianism," which denied the Divinity of Jesus Christ, and "Sabellianism," which denied the distinction of persons in the Trinity. His "Catechesis" are a model of simplicity and depth and are called mystagogic, because they introduced their listeners to the mystery. One of the mysteries that it deals with most precisely is that of the Real Presence. He says to the neophytes: "Under the figure of bread you receive the Body of Christ, and under the appearance of wine you receive his blood, and that reception makes you one body and one blood with Him." Then he explains how the faithful should approach the Sacred Table: "Make your left hand like a throne on which to rest the right hand, which is to receive the king. Then sanctify your eyes with the contact of the divine body and take communion. Do not lose the slightest particle. Tell me: if they gave you golden straws, would you not keep them with the greatest care? For more precious than gold and precious stones are the sacramental species." A prudent and moderate man, he did not want to enter into controversy or use debatable terms. More than a theologian, he is a catechist who piously instructs his faithful. The Church has always honored him as the prince of catechists. He died in 386.