Saints Perpetua and Felicity are early Christian martyrs who lived in the 3rd century in Carthage, North Africa (modern-day Tunisia). They are celebrated for their steadfast faith and courage in the face of persecution. Their story is primarily known through the “Passion of Perpetua and Felicity,” a document believed to include Perpetua’s own writings, making it one of the earliest known Christian texts authored by a woman.
Perpetua was 22-year-old noblewoman, recently married, and a mother to an infant son. She was a catechumen when arrested. Felicity was a pregnant slave who was also a catechumen. She gave birth to a daughter in prison just before her martyrdom.
They were part of a group of Christians arrested around 203 AD during the reign of Emperor Septimius Severus, who had outlawed conversions to Christianity. Despite pressure from family—Perpetua’s father pleaded with her to renounce her faith; and despite the harsh conditions of imprisonment, they refused to abandon their beliefs.
After their arrest, Perpetua and Felicity were baptized in prison. Perpetua recorded visions she experienced, including one of a ladder to heaven guarded by a dragon, which she interpreted as a symbol of their impending martyrdom. Felicity, who feared she might not die with the others because Roman law forbade executing pregnant women, gave birth prematurely and therefore was martyred.
On March 7, 203 AD, they were taken to the arena in Carthage where they faced wild beasts, but were ultimately killed by the sword when the animals didn’t finish them off. Witnesses recorded that they went to their deaths with remarkable composure, even exchanging a kiss of peace before their execution.
Their story became a powerful testament to early Christian resilience and faith. We actually have writings in The “Passion of Perpetua and Felicity”, which inspired many in the early Church.
They are venerated as saints in the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Oriental Orthodox Churches, Anglican Communion, Lutheran Church.
Saint Perpetua is the Patron Saint of Widows and Mothers of Deceased Sons. Saint Felicity is the Patron Saint of expectant mothers and is often invoked for the protection of pregnant women and their unborn children
We celebrate the Feast Day of Saints Perpetua and Felicity on March 7.