General presentation of Saint Perpetua & Saint Felicity
Saints Perpetua and Felicity, Christian martyrs of the 3rd century, are two emblematic figures of the Christian faith. Perpetua, a 22-year-old young patrician, and Felicity, her slave, were arrested in 203 in Carthage under Emperor Septimius Severus, while they were catechumens, meaning preparing to receive baptism. In prison, Felicity, who was pregnant, gave birth to a daughter shortly before their execution. Their unwavering faith led them to martyrdom, where they were delivered to wild beasts in the Carthage amphitheater. They faced their death courageously, holding hands as a sign of solidarity and faith in Jesus Christ.
Correspondence table of Saint Perpetua & Saint Felicity
| Role | Martyrs |
| Patronage | Mothers, martyrs, widows |
| Feast | March 7 |
Symbols and appearances of Saint Perpetua & Saint Felicity
They are often depicted together, hand in hand, symbolizing their shared faith and friendship despite their different social statuses. Their martyrdom in the amphitheater is also frequently portrayed, notably the image of Perpetua and Felicity in a net, facing an enraged cow, one of the key moments of their passion.
Myths of Saint Perpetua & Saint Felicity
The story of the martyrdom of Perpetua and Felicity is one of the earliest accounts of Christian martyrs preserved in writings. It is unique in that Perpetua herself wrote part of this account, offering a rare and powerful testimony of her imprisonment and spiritual journey up to her death. This text was later completed by another writer who recounted the final moments of these two saints.
