Sts. Perpetua and Felicity (181–203) is one of the beloved saints of the Catholic Church. Sts. Perpetua and Felicity were early Christian martyrs executed in the arena at Carthage in 203 AD during the persecution of Emperor Septimius Severus. The Church celebrates Sts. Perpetua and Felicity's feast on 03-07.
Catholic Daily brings you the life of Sts. Perpetua and Felicity as part of our commitment to helping Catholics encounter the saints of the liturgical calendar every morning. Whether you are discovering Sts. Perpetua and Felicity for the first time or deepening a long-standing devotion, this page offers biography, prayers, and practical guidance for honoring this holy patron in your daily life.
Early Life and Calling of Sts. Perpetua and Felicity
Sts. Perpetua and Felicity were early Christian martyrs executed in the arena at Carthage in 203 AD during the persecution of Emperor Septimius Severus. Perpetua was a well-educated noblewoman and nursing mother, while Felicity was her pregnant slave; both were catechumens preparing for baptism when arrested. The Passion of Perpetua, partly written by Perpetua herself, is one of the earliest and most remarkable Christian texts by a woman.
The vocation of Sts. Perpetua and Felicity reminds us that holiness is not the exclusive domain of monks and nuns but the universal call of every baptized Christian. The Second Vatican Council's Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium teaches that all the faithful are called to the fullness of Christian life and the perfection of charity — and Sts. Perpetua and Felicity's life is a shining example of that universal call answered with total generosity.
Sts. Perpetua and Felicity is honored as the patron saint of Mothers, expectant mothers, ranchers, butchers. The designation of patron saints is a beautiful expression of the Catholic doctrine of the Communion of Saints — the belief that the saints in heaven are not distant figures from the past but active intercessors who accompany us in our earthly journey.
Those who work in or are associated with Mothers have traditionally invoked Sts. Perpetua and Felicity's intercession for protection, guidance, and grace in their particular circumstances. The patronage of Sts. Perpetua and Felicity is grounded in the specific details of Felicity's life and ministry, which created a lasting bond between this saint and those who share similar callings or needs.
How to Honor Sts. Perpetua and Felicity in Your Daily Life
The Church's tradition offers many beautiful ways to honor Sts. Perpetua and Felicity and seek Felicity's intercession:
On the Feast Day (03-07): Attend Mass if possible, as the liturgy on Felicity's feast day will often include readings and prayers that illuminate Felicity's particular sanctity. Light a candle before an image of Sts. Perpetua and Felicity and spend a few minutes in prayer.
Daily Devotion: Place an image or icon of Sts. Perpetua and Felicity in your home — in your prayer corner, on your desk, or in your car. A simple morning invocation, "St. Felicity, pray for us," draws Felicity's intercession into your day.
Novena: A nine-day novena to Sts. Perpetua and Felicity can be prayed before the feast day (beginning nine days prior) or at any time of particular need. Many Catholics have reported profound graces through novena prayer.
Study: Read a biography of Sts. Perpetua and Felicity. The lives of the saints are the living commentary on the Gospel — they show us what it looks like to follow Christ in a particular time, culture, and vocation.
Prayer to Sts. Perpetua and Felicity
O glorious Sts. Perpetua and Felicity, whose life was a testament to the love and power of Almighty God, look upon us with mercy from your place before His throne. You who walked the path of holiness with courage and fidelity, intercede for us who struggle in the pilgrimage of faith. Obtain for us from God the graces we most need — especially [state your intention here] — and help us to follow your example of love, courage, and total surrender to God's will. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Feast Day Prayer (from the Roman Missal):Lord our God, you have given us Sts. Perpetua and Felicity as a witness to your goodness and mercy. May we who honor Felicity's memory imitate Felicity's virtues and one day share Felicity's joy in your presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Sts. Perpetua and Felicity in Art and Catholic Tradition
Sts. Perpetua and Felicity has been depicted in Catholic sacred art for centuries. Traditional iconography of the saints communicates theological truths through visual symbols — a language that transcends words and speaks directly to the heart.
Common symbols associated with Sts. Perpetua and Felicity in Catholic art may include:
- A halo or nimbus, indicating canonized sainthood
- Specific objects or instruments associated with Felicity's life or martyrdom
- Liturgical vestments corresponding to Felicity's state of life (religious habit, episcopal robes, or lay clothing)
- A palm branch, if Sts. Perpetua and Felicity is a martyr
A lesser-known fact about Sts. Perpetua and Felicity: Felicity gave birth to a daughter in prison just days before her execution, and the child was adopted and raised by a fellow Christian.
When praying before an image of Sts. Perpetua and Felicity, allow the symbols to draw your attention to the virtues they represent. Sacred art is not decoration but theology made visible — a window through which the heavenly reality shines into our earthly prayer.