Saints Felicity and Perpetua

Two Brave Women Who Defied Their Persecutors

Sts. Perpetua and Felicity, revered as Christian martyrs, lived during the early persecution of the Church in Africa under the reign of Emperor Severus. In an era where historical details surrounding early martyrs often remain obscured by legend, the invaluable firsthand account of the courage exhibited by Perpetua and Felicity, documented by Perpetua herself, her mentor Saturus, and other contemporaries, is a fortunate exception. Their inspiring story, encapsulated in "The Passion of St. Perpetua, St. Felicitas, and their Companions," gained such prominence in the early centuries that it became a fixture in liturgical readings.

In 203, Vivia Perpetua, a highly educated noblewoman, made a resolute decision to embrace Christianity, following the spiritual path charted by her mother. Perpetua made her choice despite the grim awareness that it could lead to her demise amidst the persecutions sanctioned by Emperor Severus. In a show of familial solidarity, her surviving brother, inspired by her leadership, also embraced Christianity and became a catechumen, undergoing instruction from a Catechist in the tenets of the Catholic Christian faith, preparing for Baptism.

Despite her noble lineage, Perpetua's pagan father vehemently opposed her decision. At the age of 22, with every conceivable reason to cherish a prolonged life, including a nursing infant son, Perpetua stood unwavering in her commitment.

When Perpetua's father implored her to reconsider, she responded with a straightforward analogy, likening herself to a pot; an object with an immutable identity: “I cannot call myself by any other name than what I am — a Christian."

This steadfast declaration led to a physical altercation with her father, resulting in Perpetua experiencing a sense of relief upon being separated from him during her subsequent arrest and imprisonment. Baptized before her incarceration, Perpetua received divine messages, urging her to pray for endurance in the face of forthcoming trials.

The prison conditions were deplorable — cramped, devoid of light, and oppressively hot. Perpetua noted, “I was very much afraid, because I had never felt such darkness.” While Perpetua acknowledged her fear, her most agonizing pain stemmed from the separation from her infant.

Arrested alongside four other catechumens, including slaves Felicity and Revocatus, and Saturninus and Secundulus, their mentor Saturus willingly shared their fate. Despite the harsh conditions, Perpetua's mother and brother managed to visit her, bringing her baby along.

Perpetua's father persisted in attempts to sway her convictions. During the trial, he pleaded with both Perpetua and the judge. Perpetua's resolute stance resulted in her sentencing, along with her companions, to face wild beasts in the arena.

Her brother prophesied of her honour and foretold great acclaim for her. During Perpetua's prayers, she received a vision of a golden ladder reaching heavenward. The ascent required looking upward, for the weapons adorning its sides posed harm if not approached with due care. A dragon guarded the ladder's base to dissuade attempts to reach heaven but bowed at Perpetua's command. The ascent led her to a magnificent garden, where a shepherd welcomed her.

Felicity, facing a unique predicament as a new mother, had given birth to a daughter just two days before their scheduled execution. Calmly responding to taunts from the guards, she expressed faith that another would take her place in the arena.

The Christian prisoners' influence became apparent to the officers, alternately working to their advantage or instilling superstitious fear. Perpetua's leadership prompted the warden to permit visitors which later led to his conversion.

The day preceding their execution, a feast was arranged for public mockery. The martyrs reversed the narrative, exhorting the crowd to follow their Christian example.

In the arena, Perpetua and Felicity confronted ferocious animals. They were told to wear the garments of pagan priestesses and they refused. As a result, the women were stripped naked, covered with nets and sent to face a maddened cow which was said to have been used as an insult to their maternity and womanhood. The crowd intervened, touched by the valiance of the Sts. Perpetua and Felicity, leading to their removal, re-clothing, and eventual encounter with gladiators.

Perpetua's parting words to her brother and fellow Christians were a simple yet powerful message, “Stand fast in the faith and love one another”. United, Perpetua and Felicity faced martyrdom by the sword at Carthage in the Roman province of Africa.

Canonized and recognized as the patron saints of mothers, expectant mothers, ranchers, and butchers, their feast day is celebrated on March 7.

Prayer to Sts. Perpetua and Felicity

Sts. Perpetua and Felicity, we ask for your prayers and guidance as we navigate the challenges and trials of our daily lives. Help us to remain faithful to God's will, just as you did, and to never lose hope in the face of difficulty.

May we always be mindful of your example, and may we strive to live our lives with the same courage and conviction that you demonstrated.

We pray, Sts. Perpetua and Felicity, that you intercede on our behalf, that we may be granted the strength and wisdom to live our lives in accordance with God's holy will.

May we always be mindful of your example, and may we honour your memory by living lives of unwavering, faith, hope, and love.
Amen.

© COPYRIGHT AFRICAN CATHOLIC COLLECTIVE 2024