Saints Perpetua and Felicity were Christian martyrs who lived during the early persecution of the Church in Africa. In 203, Perpetua was charged with violating a decree issued the previous year by the Roman emperor Septimus Severus outlawing conversion to Christianity. She was 22 year old and the mother of an infant baby when she was arrested. With her were a few companions, including her slave, Felicity, who was eight months pregnant. While she was in prison, Perpetua wrote about the circumstances leading up to their death in a diary that was later published as The Passion of Saints Perpetua and Felicity – one of the earliest writings by a Christian woman.
Perpetua had the vision of a golden ladder guarded by the dragon and strewn with hooks and weapons that made difficult the ascent to a garden. But, she trod over the dragon and, climbing the ladder, reached a beautiful place where a tall man in the garment of a shepherd welcomed her and offered her curd and milk. This vision was the premonition that she was to suffer and die.
Felicity was worried that her pregnancy would prevent her from being martyred, as Roman law did not permit the execution of pregnant women. Felicity feared that she would not give birth before the day set for their martyrdom. Two days before the execution, Felicity went into a painful labor. She gave birth to a healthy girl who was adopted and raised by one of the Christian women of Carthage.
Perpetua, Felicity, and their companions steadfastly upheld their Christian faith despite persecution and death threats. As a consequence of their unwavering commitment, all were sent to the public games in the theater. Perpetua and Felicity were beheaded, while the others faced death by wild beasts. Perpetua and Felicity are the patron saints of mothers, expectant mothers, ranchers, and butchers.
Saints Perpetua and Felicity, pray for us to remain steadfast in our faith when we face trials and temptations.
Prepared and updated by:
Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,
Penampang, Sabah Malaysia.
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