Perpetua and Felicity

Preparation for today’s experience…
Today we will practice Visio Divina with a painting of early Christian martyrs. We will also read accounts of one martyr’s experience just before her death. Please note that this image and account may be a bit graphic.

Begin in silence…
Close your eyes and sit quietly for a few moments before beginning today’s session. Consider that from the early church to today, there are countless stories of devoted followers of Jesus.

Set the scene…
Today begins a series of devotional reflections about women beyond the New Testament. The women we will meet committed their lives to sharing the gospel. First, we will learn about two women martyrs from the third century, Perpetua and Felicity.

The word “martyr” comes from the Greek word “witness.” In 203 AD, Perpetua and Felicity, alongside many other believers, gave their lives as witnesses for Jesus. Their imprisonment and sentencing to death by wild beasts and the sword came during a time period when new converts to Christianity were being persecuted and martyred.