Ss Perpetua and Felicity were martyrs who died for the faith around the year 203. St Perpetua was a young, well-educated, noblewoman and mother. At the age of 22, she was imprisoned for her faith and while she was in there she continued to care for her infant child as well as putting up with the tortures designed to make her renounce her faith. Perpetua remained steadfast until the end. St Felicity was a pregnant slave girl who was imprisoned with St Perpetua. Little is known about her life. After imprisonment and torture, Felicity was also condemned to die. Only a few days before her execution, Felicity gave birth to a daughter who was secretly taken away to be cared for by some of the faithful. These women are the patron saint of mothers and expectant mothers.
Fr. Anthony Casamento
Fr Anthony is a priest of the Congregation of St Michael the Archangel, and is currently the Director of Identity and Mission at the Australian Catholic University.