03/07/2023
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“I cannot be called by any other name than what I am - A Christian.” - Perpetua (181-203), “Jesus will suffer for me… I will be suffering for Him.” - Felicity (?-203), Martyrs
Perpetua was a noblewoman in the Roman province of Africa (now known as ‘Tunisia’). At 22 she was a nursing mother, preparing for baptism. She was arrested, along with an enslaved, pregnant woman named Felicity. Both women, of different social ranks and societal influence, were imprisoned in the same cell for the same reason - they were Christians and refused to deny Christ. Perpetua wrote in her diary during her imprisonment, recording the physical and emotional agonies of separation from her baby. Felicity gave birth while in prison. Perpetua, Felicity, and four other Christians, were condemned to die in the arena, as entertainment for the birthday celebration of the Emperor. Before her death, Perpetua received a vision, confirming that through the Lord she would be victorious over Satan. The two women were killed by gladiators and wild animals in an African amphitheater. In the midst of their cruel death, the women gave each other the kiss of peace before being put to the sword. Perpetua’s diary account was widely circulated with the title “The Passion of Saints of Perpetua and Felicity.” This document is one of the oldest known surviving pieces of Christian literature written by a woman, and attests to the power of God, granting courage, unity, and confidence to early Christians as they faced unspeakable agonies.
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Almighty God, you gave your servants Perpetua and Felicity boldness to confess the Name of our Savior Jesus Christ before the rulers of this world, and courage to die for this faith: Grant that we may always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us, and to suffer gladly for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
