March 18th: Memorial of Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, bishop and doctor of the Church
Gospel text Jn 15:1-8
Jesus said to his disciples: "I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit."
Gospel's Commentary
Today our attention is focused on St Cyril of Jerusalem. He stood out as a great theologian, pastor, preacher, and author of great works that clearly exposed Christian doctrine. Cyril was exiled three times within the course of approximately 20 years: the first time was in 357, after being deposed by a Synod of Jerusalem; followed by a second exile in 360, instigated by Acacius; and finally, in 367, by a third exile —his longest, which lasted 11 years— by the Emperor Valens.
—Of Cyril's writings, 24 famous catechesis have been preserved, which he delivered as Bishop in about 350.