June 27, 2025

Dear Friend,

Saint Cyril of Alexandria reminds us that even the greatest teachers of the Church begin as flawed, fiery people. His early years as Archbishop were marked by impulsive and at times harmful actions. And yet, over time, Cyril grew—learning to lead with more wisdom and humility. He ultimately became a key defender of our faith, championing the truth that Jesus Christ is one Person, fully human and fully divine—and that Mary is truly the Mother of God.

Cyril’s journey was far from perfect, but he never stopped responding to God’s call. That’s what makes today’s Minute Meditation so fitting: “Life is a process. We respond to God’s gift, but sometimes with a lot of zigzagging.” Whether you feel full of faith or fumbling in your prayer life, your growth matters. Your quiet yes—despite doubts or missteps—is the same kind of courage Cyril showed as he matured into sainthood.

At Franciscan Media, we offer the stories and reflections that help us all stay rooted in this truth: holiness is not about perfection—it’s about persistence. If this mission inspires you, would you consider becoming a monthly donor? Your faithful generosity helps us share God’s grace and wisdom with others—especially those who are still zigzagging their way toward it.

With profound gratitude, 

Patty Crawford
Director of Marketing

Saint of the Day for June 27:

Listen to Saint Cyril of Alexandria’s Story Here

Saints are not born with halos around their heads. Cyril, recognized as a great teacher of the Church, began his career as archbishop of Alexandria, Egypt, with impulsive, often violent, actions. He pillaged and closed the churches of the Novatian heretics—who required those who denied the faith to be re-baptized—participated in the deposing of Saint John Chrysostom, and confiscated Jewish property, expelling the Jews from Alexandria in retaliation for their attacks on Christians.

Cyril’s importance for theology and Church history lies in his championing the cause of orthodoxy against the heresy of Nestorius, who taught that in Christ there were two persons, one human and one divine.

The controversy centered around the two natures in Christ. Nestorius would not agree to the title “God-bearer” for Mary. He preferred “Christ-bearer,” saying there are two distinct persons in Christ—divine and human—joined only by a moral union. He said Mary was not the mother of God but only of the man Christ, whose humanity was only a temple of God. Nestorianism implied that the humanity of Christ was a mere disguise.

Presiding as the pope’s representative at the Council of Ephesus in 431, Cyril condemned Nestorianism and proclaimed Mary truly the “God-bearer”—the mother of the one Person who is truly God and truly human. In the confusion that followed, Cyril was deposed and imprisoned for three months, after which he was welcomed back to Alexandria.

Besides needing to soften some of his opposition to those who had sided with Nestorius, Cyril had difficulties with some of his own allies, who thought he had gone too far, sacrificing not only language but orthodoxy. Until his death, his policy of moderation kept his extreme partisans under control. On his deathbed, despite pressure, he refused to condemn the teacher of Nestorius.

Reflection

Lives of the saints are valuable not only for the virtue they reveal but also for the less admirable qualities that also appear. Holiness is a gift of God to us as human beings. Life is a process. We respond to God’s gift, but sometimes with a lot of zigzagging. If Cyril had been more patient and diplomatic, the Nestorian church might not have risen and maintained power so long. But even saints must grow out of immaturity, narrowness, and selfishness. It is because they—and we—do grow, that we are truly saints, persons who live the life of God.