St. Cyprian, the great north African bishop and martyr, lived during a time of confusion regarding the doctrine of the Eucharist and the priesthood, and he experienced harassment himself as he led the faithful entrusted to his care.  At that time, the religious leaders were particularly singled out for persecution by the Emperor Decius, and Cyprian wrote to Pope Cornelius to encourage him. 
Cyprian wrote regarding the Christians who had remained firm in the persecution:
“Your lips pronounced the name of Christ and acknowledged your unchanging  faith in Him; … your lips, [were] sanctified by the food of heaven, Our Lord’s body and blood…”                                                                     - The Lapsed, #3