E02865: Augustine of Hippo delivers a Latin sermon on the feast of *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411). Sermon 313, preached probably in Carthage, at an unknown date between 391 and 430.

Augustine of Hippo, Sermon 313

[In natali Cypriani martyris

'On the birthday of the martyr Cyprian']

1.Sanctissimus et solemnissimus dies, atque huic ecclesiae ornamento familiarior et praeclarior, laetificandis nobis hodiernus illuxit, quem suae nobis gloria passionis Cyprianus beatissimus illustrauit. Cuius reuerendi episcopi et uenerandi martyris laudibus nulla lingua sufficeret, nec si se ipse laudaret. In hoc itaque sermone nostro, quem de illo debitum uestris auribus reddimus, magis approbate uoluntatis affectum, quam exigite facultatis effectum.

'A most holy and solemn day has dawned upon for us to rejoice in, and one that is very special and glorious for this Church as its crowning ornament, seeing that the most blessed Cyprian filled it with light for us by the glory of his sufferings. For praising this revered bishop and venerable martyr no tongue would be sufficient, not even were he to praise himself. So in this sermon of mine, which I am paying to your ears something owed to you on his account, please acknowledge lovingly readiness of my will, rather than demanding an effective display of any skill.'

In what follows Augustine emphasises that when praising the martyrs we praise God who had armed the martyrs for the battle that they won.

Text: Patrologia Latina 38, 1423. Translation: Hill 1994, 86. Summary: Robert Wiśniewski.