The third and fourth in our series of saints that might be missing from your parish walls are Saints Perpetua and Felicity. They were young mothers who were martyred in the early third century, in Africa, probably during a local persecution. An aristocrat, Perpetua was baptized shortly before being imprisoned, where she is allowed to nurse her young baby before handing it over to her mother and brother. She remained resolute despite the pleading of her father. A slave, Felicity gave birth in the same prison before her martyrdom. They were martyred in the course of a gladitorial game. They turned to give each other the kiss of peace before dying.
Side note: It is generally believed that the first-person narrative sections from their hagiography, the Passio SS Perpetuae et Felicitatis, were indeed written by Perpetua herself. That would make her one of the rare Christian female writers before the fourth century to have had her work survive.
A reason that their story is notable has to do with class difference. Perpetua was a member of an aristocratic family that held Roman citizenship. Her execution alongside that of slaves like Felicity demonstrated Christianity's ability to transcend social distinctions (notable amid the sharp inequality that characterized Roman religion and society). The editor of the hagiography made clear that Perpetua and Felicity became equal in Christ despite their social differences, a lesson we still need.
In the name of the Lord, holy Saints Perpetua and Felicity, pray for us!
The icon is by Elisabeth Lamour.