Today, September 16, is the memorial of Pope Saint Cornelius and Saint Cyprian.
Cornelius, a Roman, was the 21st Pope during the reign of the Emperor Gallus and Volusian. He had to oppose Novatian, the first anti-pope, who believed that apostates who repented could not be forgiven. Helped by St. Cyprian, Cornelius confirmed his papal authority. Pope Cornelius was beheaded in exile at Civitavecchia, Italy in 253. Cyprian was also beheaded in 258 in Carthage, North Africa.