SAINTS CORNER- Best Buddies: The Story of Saints Felicity and Perpetua

Hello, again! It's Julia! Do you have a best friend? Well, I actually know of two saints who were best friends! Do you know the story of Saints Felicity and Perpetua?

Their story takes place in Africa. Perpetua was born into a wealthy family in Carthage, Africa. Felicity was one of her family's slaves. They were Christians, but they did not live at a good time for Christians. Emperor Severus was the emperor who ruled over their area, and he was not kind. He wanted all the Christians to go away, so he killed them. Perpetua and Felicity were part of a group of six Christians that were arrested at the same time for being Christians. Perpetua kept a diary in prison, and it is from that diary that we know much about these holy women and their companions.

Perpetua had a baby son who she was allowed to keep in prison with her for a time. Her slave Felicity, who had become her best friend, was with child.

Perpetua's father loved her so much, but he wasn't a Christian. He tried to get her out of her situation, but it didn't work. Perpetua was persistent. Even when she was told that if she sacrificed to the gods that she would be freed and could have her child back, she calmly refused and stated that she was a Christian. Her father was very angry and sad when he saw that she would not deny Jesus.

Perpetua's son was taken away from her the day before she was to die. Felicity, Perpetua, and their friends were put in a theater and hurt badly with wild animals. But when the animals didn't kill the women and their friends, they were martyred by a sword.

Everyone has the ability to have a strong faith, just like Saints Felicity and Perpetua. On March 7, we honor their strong faith with their feast day. How can you strengthen your faith?

Saints Felicity and Perpetua, PRAY FOR US!!!