Born in Carthage in the 2nd century, we know much of their story from the journal kept by Perpetua.

She came from a family of nobles and, in 203, became a Christian, as her mother had been, and soon her brother did the same thing. 

Her father, who did not know about her conversion until after the fact, was angered and terrified because he understood that, during this period of great persecution, it was a fatal decision. 

Perpetua was a young mother, and still nursing her baby. 

She was arrested, along with four other catechumens, including Felicity, who was eight months pregnant, and they were placed in an extremely crowded, dark, and hot prison. 

Two Deacons who visited and administered to the prisoners paid off the guards, and the catechumens were moved to a somewhat more comfortable part of the prison. 

In a dream, Perpetua saw that they would not be released but murdered, but she also saw heaven. A message she relayed to her brother. 

Felicity gave birth to her baby in prison. 

Perpetua, Felicity, and the other catechumens were condemned and thrown to wild beasts in the arena in front of a cheering crowd. 

When they survived that, they were then murdered by gladiators. 

Their faith and courage actually led the warden and some of the guards to become Christians themselves. 

Sts. Felicity and Perpetua, please pray for us.