St. Cyprian

 We are such an impatient generation. Two-day shipping is no longer good enough - we want it today. I think of Veruca Salt in Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, "I want it now!" I think of this today as we celebrate the First Sunday of Advent. So many in our culture are impatient for Christmas. They want it and they want it now - so much so that they have already started singing the songs, feasting on the goodies and celebrating in a way that will make the day itself seem like an afterthought. There is no concept of waiting, preparing or anticipation. But Advent is a season of waiting, preparing and anticipation. Advent is a season of patience.

In a search for a "patron saint of patience", I came upon the story of St. Cyprian. Cyprian was the Bishop of Carthage in North Africa in the 3rd century. He was elected by the people, who loved him, but other members of the clergy disputed his election. During the Decian persecution, many Christians fell away from the faith. To avoid the persecution, some obtained signed papers saying that they had sacrificed to the Roman gods, others actually performed the sacrifices. When the persecution ended, a schism arose in the Church regarding how to treat those who had fallen away. Some wanted to bring them back into the fold with little or no public penance. Others were adamant that those who had lapsed could not be reconciled to the church. Cyprian convoked a council of North African Bishops and advocated for a middle way. 

During this major theological argument, Cyprian said and did some things that he later regretted. His attitude became heated, and his patience gave out even to the point of publicly disagreeing with the pope. Cyprian became known for having a problem with patience. To his credit, he recognized it and tried to correct it. He even wrote a book called On the Advantage of Patience. 

A new persecution broke out under Emperor Valerian. Cyprian tried to prepare his people for what they would face and set an example when he himself was brought before the roman proconsul. He refused to sacrifice to the gods and firmly professed his faith in Christ. After a period of banishment and imprisonment, he was executed. 

Although Cyprian is not an official patron of patience, if you are struggling with impatience, he understands your struggle. His feast day is Sept 16.