The story of young Perpetua and her companion, Felicity, stands out amongst the many legendary stories of martyrdom in the early Church. Their story is worth our time and reflection this month, as we ponder our Christian call to visit the sick and imprisoned in our world.
Perpetua was a newly-married, catechumen, noblewoman in Carthage (Northern Africa), who lived during the tumultuous Christian persecutions of the 200's. Her mother, a Christian, encouraged her daughter to privately nurture her faith, while her father, a pagan, pleaded with his daughter to publicly denounce her faith. Both parents quickly learned of the great depth of their young daughter's love for Jesus Christ, especially as the persecution of Emperor Septimius Severus took place!
As Perpetua's personal diary describes...Perpetua (having recently become a new mother with her first child), her pregnant servant, Felicity, and three other Christian companions, were rounded-up and threatened with imprisonment and death if they didn't denounce their christian beliefs. To which Perpetua replied, "Do you see this vessel, this water pot? Can it be called by any other name than what it is? So also I cannot call myself by any other name than what I am, a Christian!"
For their courageous refusal to denounce their faith, the group was imprisoned until their public execution could take place in the amphitheater.
Perpetua's diary contains a glimpse into her imprisonment:
"What a day of horror! Terrible heat, owing to the crowds! Rough treatment by the soldiers! To crown all, I was tormented with anxiety for my baby. Such anxiety I suffered for many days..."
A Roman law at the time outlawed the execution of a woman while she was pregnant, so it was Perpetua's servant girl, Felicity, whom allowed the group to remain a little longer in prison. this was a good thing, as the prolonged imprisonment gave the young group of Catechumens the opportunity to be officially baptized and to boldly call themselves Christians before entering the amphitheater!
Young Felicity bravely cried out as she gave birth to her baby girl in the night before the group's execution. She knew full well the suffering that she was passing onto her child, an uncertain life without her birth mother. Yet, great joy fell upon Felicity as she learned that her newly born daughter was adopted by a fellow Christian believer!
And so it was, the soon-to-be martyrs joyfully entered the amphitheater, as though they were on their way to heaven. Welcomed by a jeering crowd, Perpetua and Felicity were beheaded, while their Christian companions were fed to wild beasts. For their courage and example, these young martyrs are now mentioned in the first Eucharist Prayer of the Mass.
As we reflect on the amazing story of Perpetua, Felicity, and their Companions this month, I encourage you all to read more from Perpetua's diary here:
http://www.ewtn.com/library/MARY/PERPETUA.htm
The story of Perpetua and Felicity reminds us of the humanity of all those who are imprisoned. Regardless of their story, all humans should be the object of our respect and deserve to be treated with great dignity.
As our Year of Mercy draws to a close next month, we continue to reflect on our Christian call to live the Works of Mercy in bold and courageous ways. As Catholics, we are blessed to have the holy lives of saints to show us the way to an elevated call to holy living. We are not being called to simply do nice things for those in need...rather we are called to transform the lives of those around us-to carry the joy of Christ to all those we encounter-especially the sick and the imprisoned!
Thank you God for the example of the saints!
Saints Perpetua and Felicity...Pray for us!
Guest Blogger
Joe Tallman
SPX Middle School Religion Teacher
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