March 7 — Saints Perpetua and Felicity | The Martyrdom in Carthage скачать в хорошем качестве

March 7 — Saints Perpetua and Felicity | The Martyrdom in Carthage

Today we celebrate the memory of Saints Perpetua and Felicity, two young mothers who gave their lives for Christ in the year 203, in the city of Carthage (modern-day Tunisia). Their martyrdom is one of the most moving and well-documented in the history of early Christianity, thanks to the diary written by Perpetua herself during the days leading up to their execution — one of the oldest texts written by a Christian woman. Perpetua was a 22-year-old noblewoman, mother of a newborn son. Felicity was her slave and was eight months pregnant when they were arrested. In prison, they received baptism and were strengthened in faith. Roman law forbade the execution of pregnant women, but Felicity gave birth to a daughter two days before the martyrdom, rejoicing that she could suffer with her companions. In the amphitheater, they were thrown to the beasts. A wild cow attacked them first. Perpetua, struck, rose and helped Felicity to her feet. Together, they witnessed a courage that moved even the pagans. Before being beheaded, Perpetua exhorted her companions: "Stand firm in the faith and love one another. Do not let our martyrdom become a stumbling block for you." Saints Perpetua and Felicity are patronesses of pregnant women and mothers. Their names are remembered in the Roman Canon of the Mass, proof of their importance to the whole Church. May their testimony strengthen us in faith and courage to follow Christ to the end. Saints Perpetua and Felicity, pray for us!