Sts. Perpetua and Felicity
Early Christian Martyrs, Patrons of Mothers
📖 Life of Sts. Perpetua and Felicity
Sts. Perpetua and Felicity were Christian martyrs who lived during the early persecutions of the Church in Africa by Emperor Severus. We are fortunate to have the actual record of Perpetua and Felicity's courage from Perpetua's own hand, her teacher Saturus, and others who knew them.
In 203, Vivia Perpetua, a well-educated noblewoman, made the decision to follow her mother's path and become a Christian, even though she knew this could mean her death during the persecutions ordered by Emperor Severus. Felicity was a young pregnant slave, eight months along, who was also imprisoned for her Christian faith.
Perpetua was imprisoned with four other catechumens, including Felicity and Revocatus (slaves), and Saturninus and Secundulus. Her instructor in the faith, Saturus, chose to share their punishment and was also imprisoned. They were martyred in the arena of Carthage, facing wild beasts and gladiators with unshakeable courage.
🌟 Legacy of Sts. Perpetua and Felicity: Courageous Martyrs
Spiritual Legacy
Sts. Perpetua and Felicity left a legacy of unshakeable faith, courage in the face of death, and love for Christian truth. Their story demonstrates that faith in Christ can overcome any suffering and that Christian identity is more precious than life itself.
Model of Christian Identity
Perpetua's response to her father - "I cannot call myself by any other name than what I am - a Christian" - became a timeless example of how Christian identity should be the most important thing in our lives. Her testimony continues to inspire Christians to this day.
Witness to the Power of Faith
The account of their visions, especially Perpetua's golden ladder, shows how God strengthens martyrs with special graces. Their story was so popular in the early centuries that it was read during liturgies, inspiring generations of Christians.
📅 Feast Day
Feast of Sts. Perpetua and Felicity
Liturgical Celebration
The feast of Sts. Perpetua and Felicity is celebrated on March 7, the date of their martyrdom. It is a time to pray for courage in faith, for mothers and separated children, and to be inspired by their example of fidelity to Christ.
Traditions and Customs
Parishes and communities promote special prayers for mothers, for victims of religious persecution, and acts of charity in their memory, highlighting the importance of Christian identity and courage in faith.
🛡️ Patronage
Primary Patronages
- • Mothers: Patron of all mothers and expectant mothers
- • Pregnant Women: Patron of women during pregnancy
- • Ranchers: Patron of ranchers and cattle farmers
- • Butchers: Patron of butchers and meat workers
- • Martyrs: Patron of those facing persecution
- • Separated Families: Patron of families separated by war or persecution
Special Intentions
- • Christian Identity: Patron of those struggling with their faith
- • Courage: Helper in facing persecution or trials
- • Maternal Love: Patron of mother-child relationships
- • Prisoners: Patron of those imprisoned for their faith
- • Persecuted Christians: Patron of religious persecution victims
- • Faithful Witness: Helper in bearing witness to Christ
🙏 Prayers
Prayer to Sts. Perpetua and Felicity
"Saints Perpetua and Felicity, watch over all mothers and children who are separated from each other because of war or persecution. Show a special care to mothers who are imprisoned and guide them to follow your example of faith and courage."
Sts. Perpetua and Felicity, pray for us!
Short Prayer
"Sts. Perpetua and Felicity, patrons of mothers and martyrs, pray for us!"
Related Saints
St. Agnes
Early Christian martyr and virgin, patron of young girls and chastity.
St. Catherine of Alexandria
Early Christian martyr and patron of students, philosophers, and young women.
St. Lucy
Early Christian martyr and virgin, patron of the blind and those with eye problems.