Today
we remember and give thanks for Perpetua and Felicitas, Martyrs. At the beginning of the third century, the
Roman emperor Septimus Severus forbade conversions to Christianity. Among those
disobeying that edict were Perpetua, a young noblewoman, and her maidservant
Felicitas. Both were jailed at Carthage in North Africa along with three fellow Christians. During
their imprisonment, Perpetua and Felicitas witnessed to their faith with such
conviction that the officer in charge became a follower of Jesus. After making
arrangements for the well-being of their children, Perpetua and Felicitas were
executed on March 7, 203. Tradition holds that Perpetua showed mercy to her
captors by falling on a sword because they could not bear to put her to death.
The story of this martyrdom has been told ever since as an encouragement to
persecuted Christians.
Collect of the Day:
O
God and Ruler over all our foes of body and soul,You strengthened Your servants
Perpetua and Felicitas, giving them a confident and clear confession in the
face of roaring beasts. Grant that we
who remember their faithful martyrdom may share in their blessed assurance of
victory over all earthly and spiritual enemies and hold fast to the promise of
everlasting life secured for us through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and
reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
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