Perpetua and her companions were martyrs in the third
century. The group consisted of Perpetua,
a noble woman, Felicitas a slave, Revocatus, another slave, and two freemen,
Saturninus and Secundulas. They were
catechumens and were later joined by their catechist, Saturis.
Though implored to abandon the faith, the small group was
baptized before being imprisoned.
Encouraged by dreams and visions the group was offered up to wild
animals to be tortured by a boar, a bear and a leopard for the men, and a wild
cow for the women. They were severely wounded by the animals, and gave each
other the kiss of peace before being killed by the sword. The swordsman assigned to Perpetua was inept
and at first only caused her pain. She
had to guide the sword to the proper place, and it is said in the Martyrlogy
regarding her, that “perchance so great a woman could not else have been slain
had she not herself willed it.
Collect: Dear Lord,
you gave Perpetua and her companions boldness to confess your name before the
rulers of this world, and courage to encourage one another. Grant us boldness to proclaim your name, and
help us to always build up one another in the true faith and perseverance in
that faith. This we ask through the
author of our faith, Yeshuah haMoshiach who lives and reigns with you and the
Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen
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