CECILIANO. – First archdeacon and then bishop of Carthage (311), his name is associated with the Donatist controversy, provoked by his election after the death of Mensurius, the incumbent bishop of Carthage. A good administrator and rigorous in matters of discipline, he encountered the opposition of a wealthy woman named Lucilla, whom he had rebuked for her superstitious devotions, and of several prominent men guilty of offenses against the Church. Against the validity of his election, they advanced two arguments: the absence of the bishops of Numidia, as custom required, and the unworthiness of those who had consecrated him. Having convened a synod at Carthage (312), they deposed him and elected in his place the lector Majorinus. The churches overseas, however, remained in communion with C., who was recognized by Constantine as the legitimate bishop. The Roman Synod of 313, convened under Pope Miltiades to settle the question, ruled in favor of C. and condemned Majorinus; the Synod of Arles in 314 reached the same conclusions.
The decisions of the two councils did not calm the schismatics, who appealed to the emperor. Constantine believed he could remedy the situation by condemning the Donatists, but also exiling C. to Brescia and appointing a new bishop of Carthage (316). This measure likewise failed to bring peace; in the face of the Donatist opposition, the imperial commission ruled in favor of C., who shortly afterward was able to return to his see. In 325 he was present at the Council of Nicaea. He died after 340.