Many saints are remembered by name, but their incredible stories often remain untold. Sts. Perpetua and Felicity are mentioned in Eucharistic Prayer I (the Roman Canon), yet few know the details of their bravery, faith, and ultimate sacrifice.
Their story is not only dramatic but also deeply personal, as Perpetua herself recorded her experiences and visions before her martyrdom.
As the Church celebrates their feast on March 7, let’s dive into their story and uncover ten key facts about these remarkable early Christian martyrs.
1. Who Was St. Perpetua?
Perpetua was a young Christian woman who lived in North Africa and was martyred shortly after the year 200. At the time of her arrest, she was still a catechumen—someone preparing for baptism.
She came from a respectable family and was well-educated. According to the ancient text The Martyrdom of Perpetua and Felicity, she was 22 years old and had a young infant.
Her husband is never mentioned, leading to speculation that he may have passed away.
Despite the immense pressures she faced—including her father’s desperate pleas—Perpetua chose to stand firm in her faith, even when it meant death.
2. What Is The Martyrdom of Perpetua and Felicity?
This ancient text is a firsthand account of Perpetua’s imprisonment, trial, and visions.
What makes it particularly unique is that a significant portion of it was written by Perpetua herself—an extraordinary rarity for early Christian women.
The document consists of:
- A preface and final chapters written by an anonymous editor who likely witnessed the events.
- Perpetua’s personal account (Chapters 1-3) detailing her arrest, imprisonment, and visions.
- A contribution from her fellow martyr, Saturus (Chapter 4).
This text remains one of the most powerful and intimate testimonies of faith from the early Church.
3. A Father’s Desperate Pleas
Perpetua’s father was not a Christian, and he was relentless in his attempts to persuade her to renounce her faith. His appeals were emotional, heartfelt, and at times desperate.
One particularly moving moment recorded by Perpetua describes how he begged her:
“Have pity, my daughter, on my gray hairs. Have pity on your father… do not deliver me up to the scorn of men.”
His distress deeply pained Perpetua, yet she remained resolute. She responded with a powerful analogy:
“Father, do you see this pitcher? Can it be called by any other name than what it is?”
When he replied no, she firmly stated:
“Neither can I call myself anything else than what I am, a Christian.”
Her father even brought her infant son in an attempt to sway her, but her faith remained unshaken.
4. Perpetua’s Visions
While in prison, Perpetua received several visions that gave her strength and hope.
The Ladder to Heaven
She saw a narrow golden ladder leading to heaven, guarded by a fierce dragon.
Those who ascended carelessly would be torn by weapons attached to its sides.
In the vision, her companion Saturus climbed first and encouraged her to follow.
As she stepped on the first rung, she crushed the dragon’s head and ascended to meet a shepherd figure who welcomed her.
Her Brother’s Redemption
Perpetua also had two visions of her deceased brother, Dinocrates, who had died of a painful illness.
Initially, he appeared suffering and unable to drink from a high water source.
After Perpetua prayed for him, she saw him again—he was healed, happy, and able to drink freely.
This vision is considered one of the earliest affirmations of praying for the souls of the departed.
A Battle Against the Devil
In another vision, Perpetua saw herself transformed into a male gladiator, fighting against an Egyptian warrior—interpreted as the devil.
She emerged victorious, a symbol of her spiritual triumph over evil.
5. Who Was Felicity?
Felicity, a fellow Christian, was arrested alongside Perpetua.
She was eight months pregnant at the time, and Roman law forbade executing a pregnant woman.
However, she and her companions prayed fervently, and she miraculously gave birth early.
Her daughter was adopted by a fellow Christian, allowing Felicity to face martyrdom with her friends.
6. Their Martyrdom
Perpetua, Felicity, and their companions were sentenced to death in the arena.
The men were attacked by wild beasts, while Perpetua and Felicity faced a fierce cow.
Even in the chaos, Perpetua displayed remarkable composure—adjusting her torn clothing for modesty and tying up her hair so it would not appear that she was mourning.
Eventually, the executioner hesitated, and Perpetua herself guided his sword to her throat, demonstrating her unbreakable resolve and faith.
The anonymous editor of The Martyrdom of Perpetua and Felicity concluded:
“Possibly such a woman could not have been slain unless she herself had willed it, because she was feared by the impure spirit.”
7. Are Perpetua’s Visions Considered Authentic by the Church?
While the Church did not have a formal process for approving private revelations in Perpetua’s time, her visions align with Christian beliefs and do not contradict the faith. Given her sainthood and the spiritual depth of her visions, they are widely regarded as divinely inspired.
8. The Legacy of Sts. Perpetua and Felicity
The story of these two brave women continues to inspire Christians today.
Their names remain enshrined in the liturgy, and their courage serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of faith.
Their feast day, March 7, is a time to reflect on their extraordinary witness and the sacrifices they made for Christ.
For those who want to read their full story, The Martyrdom of Perpetua and Felicity is available in various translations online.
Their legacy endures as a testament to the power of faith, the resilience of the human spirit, and the ultimate triumph of eternal life over earthly suffering.