THE FEAST OF STS. PERPETUA AND FELICITAS AND THEIR COMPANIONS
2 March Anno + Domini 2011 (Observed)
Matthew 24:9-14 (Heb. 10:32-39)
In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
At the dawn of the Third Century, Roman emperor Septimus Severus banned conversions to Christianity. Among those disobeying that edict were Perpetua, a young noblewoman, and her maidservant Felicitas (or Felicity). Both were jailed at Carthage in North Africa along with three fellow Christians, Revocatus and Saturninus, and Saturus, their teacher.
Perpetua and at least some of the others had not completed catechesis and weren't yet baptized when arrested. Evidently, they received Holy Baptism before being taken to prison. Perpetua was also a new mother and a fairly recent widow. Felicitas was near the end of her own pregnancy when arrested.
During their imprisonment, Perpetua and Felicitas witnessed to their faith with such conviction that the officer in charge became a follower of Jesus. For some time, doubts remained about their fates, but Perpetua had a vision of a golden ladder guarded by a fierce dragon. She climbed it, stepping on the dragon's head to do so. At the top, she found a green meadow with many white-robed figures. In their midst stood a Shepherd, who welcomed her and gave her cheese from the sheep's milk. She awoke understanding that martyrdom was assured, but that she would triumph.
Perpetua's father came to plead that she recant her confession of faith and renounce Jesus Christ. This she steadfastly refused. On one occasion, she pointed to a pitcher and said, "Father, do you see that this is a pitcher or something else?†Her father answered that it was a pitcher. She asked, "Can it be called by any other name?†"No,†he answered. "Neither can I call myself anything else than what I am, a Christian.â€
Roman law forbade the execution of pregnant women and Felicitas feared that Perpetua and the men being held at the same time would face martyrdom but leave her behind. However, she gave birth two days before the scheduled execution and was allowed to join her companions in the arena on March 7, 203.
By God's grace, both Perpetua and Felicitas were able to make arrangements for the well-being of their children before they would bear witness to Christ with their blood. This was possible because the imperial decree only concerned recent converts to Christianity (or Judaism). Since those entrusted with their children's care were believers of long standing, they were safe from persecution, at least for the time being.
The accounts say that the five were first scourged at the crowd's urging. Then the men faced a boar, a bear, and a leopard, while a wild cow was set against the women. After they were all injured, Perpetua and Felicitas exchanged the kiss of peace before the Romans put them to the sword. One tradition holds that Perpetua showed mercy to her captors by guiding the sword of a trembling young gladiator to her own heart because he could not bear to put her to death.
The martyrs were interred in Carthage in North Africa and the story spread throughout Christendom. Later, a basilica was erected over their tomb. The story of the martyrdom of Saint Perpetua, Saint Felicitas, and their faithful companions, has served for centuries as encouragement to persecuted Christians.
Perpetua herself left a written record of the story of the imprisonment and martyrdom of she and her companions, which is just dripping with Holy Spirit-wrought faith. The account has been titled "The Passion of Perpetua.†The conclusion of this account was written by an eyewitness to the blessed martyrdoms of Perpetua, Felicitas, and their companions, who ends by writing:
"O most brave and blessed martyrs! O truly called and chosen unto the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ, whom whoever magnifies, and honors, and adores, assuredly ought to read these examples for the edification of the Church, not less than the ancient ones, so that new virtues also may testify that one and the same Holy Spirit is always operating even until now, and God the Father Omnipotent, and His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, whose is the glory and infinite power forever and ever. Amen.â€
Amen, indeed! This, dear friends in Christ, is why we remember and honor the saints, that we might see the example of our Lord's mighty grace in their lives, which moved them in faithfulness to remain steadfast even when facing the cruelest of deaths. They had the Lord's promise that He would bring them home. And, so He has. Perpetua, Felicitas, and their companions fell dead in that arena, but their spirits were immediately welcomed by their Lord in heaven, as the angels sang the Sanctus in unencumbered joy to greet them.
This promise is also for you. The Lord will provide. He will give the strength you need to bear the cross that He insists upon, whatever that may be. He will see you through. The God who died and rose for you has not forgotten you. He will never abandon you. He loves you. He is with you. He feeds you, provides, encourages, strengthens, and revives you. He redeems and sanctifies you. His death and resurrection are enough. They are complete. He does not forget. Your day will come. He will not fail. And, you will join the blessed saints of old, including Perpetua, Felicitas, and their companions, and the holy angels will greet you with joy unknown. Even now, you sing with the holy angels and receive the very Body and Blood of the One they hallow as "Holy, Holy, Holy.†Thus, are you healed and strengthened, and made ready to endure to the end.
In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.