Saint for Monday

Monday of this week was the liturgical memorial of Saint Cyril of Alexandria, a fourth-century Bishop and Doctor of the Church.

Cyril lived a monastic life, which meant that he chose to live simply, but was privileged to be among the few who learned how to read and write.  He was eventually ordained a priest and even managed to succeed his uncle as Bishop of Alexandria (Egypt) in 412AD.  He had a preeminent role at the Council of Ephesus, fighting bravely against the erroneous doctrines of Nestorius, and wrote many learned works explaining and defending the Catholic faith.  Cyril died in 444.