Saints Perpetua and Felicity

Saints Perpetua and Felicity were two Christian women who lived in the early Church. They were killed for their faith in the year 203. This happened in Carthage, a city in North Africa. At that time, the Roman Empire was in control, and it was dangerous to be a Christian.

Perpetua was a young noblewoman. She came from a wealthy family. She was also a new mother. Felicity was a slave. She was pregnant when she was arrested. Even though they were from different backgrounds, they were both Christians. They were arrested together with a few others.

Perpetua and Felicity were put in prison because they refused to give up their faith. They were told to worship the Roman gods. They said no. They chose to stay faithful to Jesus, even though it meant they would be killed. They were both baptized before they died.

Perpetua kept a short diary while she was in prison. Her words tell us what she saw, felt, and believed. The story of their death was also written down by others. This writing is called The Passion of Saints Perpetua and Felicity. It is one of the oldest stories of Christian martyrs that we still have today.

Perpetua and Felicity were killed in the arena. They were thrown to wild animals and then put to death by the sword. The Church remembers them as brave witnesses for Christ. Their feast day is March 7.

Perpetua is also known as Vibia Perpetua. Together with Felicity, she is remembered in the Roman Canon at Mass. They remind us that faith is worth everything, even when it is hard.

Perpetua and Felicity lived in North Africa around the year 200. This area was part of the Roman Empire. Carthage, where they lived, was a large and busy city. Many people lived there, and it was an important place for trade and government. The Roman Empire had many gods. People were expected to honor the Roman gods and the emperor.

Christianity was still new at this time. It was growing, but it was not accepted by everyone. Christians did not worship the Roman gods. They believed in one God and followed Jesus. Because of this, people thought they were strange. Some believed Christians were dangerous or disloyal to Rome.

In the year 202, Emperor Septimius Severus gave an order. He said that no one could become a Christian or a Jew. Those who did could be punished. This made life very hard for people who believed in Jesus. Some were arrested. Some were tortured. Some were killed. Perpetua and Felicity lived during this time of fear and danger.

Even with the risk, many people still became Christians. They met in homes and prayed in secret. They helped each other and stayed strong in their faith. The story of Perpetua and Felicity shows what many early Christians faced. It also shows how the Church began to grow, even when the world was against it.

Perpetua and Felicity were arrested because they were Christians. They were part of a group preparing for baptism. The Roman officials found out and took them to prison. They were not the only ones. A few other young men were also arrested with them. One of them was their teacher, Saturus.

Perpetua was only about 22 years old. She had just given birth to a baby boy. Felicity was pregnant at the time. In prison, things were hard. The prison was dark, crowded, and hot. There was little food and water. The guards were cruel. The prisoners were treated badly.

Perpetua’s father came to visit her. He was not a Christian. He begged her to give up her faith. He did not want her to die. But Perpetua said no. She told him she could not deny Jesus. She loved her father, but she loved Christ more.

Felicity was worried she would not suffer with the others. Roman law said pregnant women could not be killed. But just before the day of their death, she gave birth to a baby girl. The baby was taken and cared for by other Christians. Felicity was happy she could now die with her friends.

Even in prison, they prayed and stayed strong. They encouraged one another. They knew death was near, but they trusted God. They did not run away from their faith. They faced suffering with courage.

While she was in prison, Perpetua wrote about what was happening. Her writing is part of a longer story called The Passion of Saints Perpetua and Felicity. This story was finished by another Christian after the martyrs died. It is one of the oldest Christian writings by a woman.

In her diary, Perpetua wrote about her father’s visits. He begged her again and again to give up her faith. She loved him, but she would not turn away from Jesus. She wrote that her faith was more real to her than anything else. She also had dreams while in prison. These dreams gave her peace. They helped her understand that she would suffer, but she would be with God.

One dream showed her climbing a ladder guarded by a dragon. She had to step on its head to reach the top. At the top, she saw a garden and a shepherd. She believed this dream showed her path to heaven. Another dream showed her fighting a wild beast, like in the arena. She knew that this meant she must be brave.

The whole story shows how early Christians saw death. They did not want to die, but they were not afraid. They believed death was not the end. They believed they would be with Jesus. Perpetua’s words show this hope. The writing also shows how Christian women, even young mothers, stood strong for their faith.

Felicity did not leave any writing, but she shared in the same courage. The story says she gave birth in prison and then faced death with peace. The other Christians with them also prayed, sang, and gave thanks. Their words and actions became a witness to others who watched.

Perpetua and Felicity were not just Christians. They were also mothers. Perpetua had a baby boy. Felicity gave birth in prison just days before she died. They loved their children. But they still chose to follow Jesus, even when it meant they would die.

This was not easy. Perpetua’s father begged her to think of her child. He told her she had a duty to live and raise him. Felicity knew she might be left behind if she gave birth too late. But both women trusted God with their children. They believed that God would care for them.

They showed great courage. They did not hate their enemies. They did not fight back. They simply stood firm in their faith. They faced pain, prison, and death because they would not say no to Christ. This kind of courage is rare. It shows how much they believed.

As women and mothers, their witness is special. Many people think of strength in terms of power. But Perpetua and Felicity showed strength in love, trust, and peace. They did not lose hope. They did not run. They stayed true to Jesus, even when it cost them everything.

Their story helps us remember that women have always had a strong place in the Church. They show that motherhood and faith can go together. They remind us that anyone—rich or poor, noble or slave—can follow Jesus with courage.

The Church has remembered Saints Perpetua and Felicity for many years. Their story was passed down from the early days of Christianity. People were moved by their bravery and strong faith. They were honored as saints not long after they died.

Their names are included in the Roman Canon, which is the oldest prayer in the Mass. Not many saints are named there. This shows how important they were to the early Church. They are remembered with a feast day on March 7. On this day, Catholics around the world thank God for their example.

Perpetua and Felicity are the patron saints of mothers, expectant mothers, and women who have lost children. They are also patrons of people facing hard trials. Many people pray to them for strength and courage. Women especially look to them for hope in times of fear or sorrow.

Churches have been named after them. Art, songs, and stories have been made to honor them. Their witness still speaks today. They remind us that faith is worth living for, and worth dying for. Their story gives hope to anyone who suffers for what is right.

The Passion of the Holy Martyrs Perpetua and Felicity

The Passion of the Holy Martyrs Perpetua and Felicity is one of the oldest Christian stories. It includes a prison diary written by Perpetua, a young mother who was killed for her faith in 203 AD. Felicity, a pregnant slave, was martyred with her. The story also shares the visions of Saturus, another Christian who died with them. The book may have been edited, but most believe it is real. Tertullian, an early Christian writer from Carthage, helped preserve this story. He wrote many Christian texts in Latin and spoke out against false teachings.