The Passion of Saint Perpetua, Saint Felicitas, and Their Companions is a record of the martyrdom of these saints and others in Rome during the reign Severus. After an edict is passed outlawing Christianity, the faith became a secret. Eager to share their beliefs and newfound freedoms, however, the Christians brethren struggled with the efficacy of keeping their faith a secret. As time passes, it becomes clear that they must make deliberate, public statements of faith as a matter of conviction.
Perpetua and Saturus both receive divine visions concerning the saints. They share these with the community as a sort of preparation for the suffering to come. Nobody is illusioned, thinking they will be spared execution. Their mission of faith if clearly dreadful. In spite of these weighty realizations, the Christians take heart from one another. They are united behind their faith and resolute in their convictions, which offers a great deal of strength for each individual.
As an account of courage and devotion to one's beliefs, this text is inspiring. Perpetua and Felicity are both strong female figures who do not allow their status as women to detract in the least from their purpose. As mothers, they both manage to nurture their infants in prison and to effectively bring these children into the world with love. Their message is not sorrow but love, hopeful and resolute.
