by Fe Marina S. Siacon
These two saints faced martyrdom hand in hand at Carthage in North Africa during the Persecution of Septimus Severus. The account of their deaths was probably written by Tertullian. The account was so highly esteemed that in the fourth century it was read publicly in the Churches of Northern Africa.
Perpetua, 22 years of age, was the daughter of a pagan nobleman and she was the mother of an infant still in swaddling clothes. Felicity, a slave, gave birth to a child prematurely while in prison. Three other catechumens were imprisoned with Perpetua and Felicity and they were soon joined by their teacher, Saturus. They were baptized while in prison, prior to their death in the amphitheater. The detailed account of their martyrdom is one of the greatest literary treasures that have come down to us from the early Church.
Reflection Their martyrdom highlights the intensity of their love for God. Felicity was asked by a prison guard to avoid martyrdom for the sake of her unborn child, but she refused, standing firmly for her faith. She said that even if she was going through the pains of labor she will never give up. Her love for God transcends one of the most powerful of human love. Her response to the prison guard can serve as a protest today against the widespread slaughter of the unborn through abortion. Today even the government officials are trying to propose a health bill leading to abortion in the guise of family planning. Let us pray for their enlightenment. Perpetua although from a pagan upbringing, grew in faith after her baptism. The account of her imprisonment would still be relevant today, for she said, “The Spirit inspired me to ask from the water of baptism nothing more than constancy of the flesh.” Both of them were given by the Holy Spirit the courage to endure the torments of martyrdom. Prayer: Father, Your love gave saints Perpetua and Felicity courage to suffer a cruel martyrdom. We too, are suffering from martyrdom; martyrdom in poverty, injustice, and inequality; degradation of values, and high level of political maneuvering. Help us grow in love for You despite our sufferings. Let Sts. Perpetua and Felicity intercede for us before You. Amen.
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