Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian, September 16
Cornelius, pope from 251, and Cyprian, bishop of Carthage, both held that Christians who had lapsed under persecution could be welcomed back after penance. Cornelius died in exile in 253 and Cyprian was beheaded in 258. Both are named in the Roman Canon.
On the General Roman Calendar, September 16 is a memorial: Saints Cornelius, pope, and Cyprian, bishop, martyrs.
Name days on September 16
In countries that keep name days, September 16 is the day for people named Cornelius and Cyprian. These names come from the same saint, as variants, nicknames or forms used in other languages.
| Name | Feast day |
|---|---|
| Cornelius | September 16 |
| Cyprian | September 16 |
September 16 on the calendar
September 16 is the 259th day of the year (the 260th in a leap year), with 106 days left until December 31. Here is the day of the week it falls on in the coming years:
| Year | Day |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | Thursday |
| 2028 | Saturday |
| 2029 | Sunday |
| 2030 | Monday |
Keeping September 16
September 16 falls in summer. As a memorial, the saint is named in the opening prayer of every Mass celebrated that day. Families who keep name days often mark the day with a card, a candle or a favorite meal, and parishes named after the saint may hold a festival. If you know someone named Cornelius and Cyprian, it is a good day to send a note.
Saints of the week around September 16
| Date | Saint or feast |
|---|---|
| September 13 | St. John Chrysostom |
| September 14 | Exaltation of the Holy Cross |
| September 15 | Our Lady of Sorrows |
| September 17 | St. Hildegard of Bingen |
| September 18 | St. Joseph of Cupertino |
| September 19 | St. Januarius |
The day before, September 15, is the day of Our Lady of Sorrows. The day after, September 17, belongs to St. Hildegard of Bingen. Looking for a name? Try the name day calendar or go back to today’s saint.