Perpetua was a young wife who lived long ago in the early days of the great Roman Empire. Her father was a rich nobleman, so Perpetua had everything she wanted. But she loved Jesus more than anything in this world.
Perpetua’s father was a pagan, and he did everything possible to make her give up her Christian faith to save her life. But Perpetua did not give in, no matter how her father cried and begged and threatened her. At last, he fell onto his knees and kissed her hands, calling her “Lady,” instead of “daughter.” Still Perpetua did not give up her resolution to be loyal to Christ - not even when she was asked to do it for the sake of her little baby.
She and her Christian maid, Felicitas, were condemned to death.
Felicitas was also a young wife, and while she was in prison for her Faith, she became a mother, too. Her little baby was at once adopted by a good Christian women. Felicitas was happy because now she could die as a martyr.
Perpetua and Felicitas bravely faced martyrdom together, encouraging and helping each other.
The martyrs were faithful to Christ as to make great sacrifices and to give up their lives for Him. Let us learn from them at least to make cheerfully the little sacrifices that come our way.
