Edit Saints: Saint Felicity

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Saint Felicity, also known as Felicitas, was a Christian slave who was martyred alongside Saint Perpetua in Carthage in 203 AD during the persecutions under Emperor Septimius Severus. She was pregnant at the time of her arrest but gave birth to a daughter shortly before her execution. Her story, intertwined with that of Perpetua, is documented in "The Passion of Saints Perpetua and Felicity," one of the earliest firsthand Christian martyrdom narratives. Felicity's courage and faith, especially in the face of childbirth and martyrdom, have made her a symbol of perseverance and divine strength. ==Biography== === Birth === The exact birth date of Felicity is unknown, but she was from Carthage in the Roman Province of Africa. === Early Life === Felicity was a slave, and there are few details known about her life prior to her arrest for being a Christian. === Occupation === She was a slave, which was her status rather than a profession. === Vocation === Her Christian faith became her defining characteristic, leading her to martyrdom. === Death === Felicity was martyred on March 7, 203, in Carthage, where she was first attacked by wild animals and then beheaded. ==Significant events== * Gave birth to a daughter in prison just days before her martyrdom, showcasing her commitment to her faith despite her condition. * Her martyrdom alongside Perpetua became a significant event in early Christian history, inspiring many. == Death == Felicity faced martyrdom by being attacked by wild animals in the arena and then beheaded, shortly after giving birth. ==Canonization== === Servant of God === Like Perpetua, Felicity was not formally recognized through the modern canonization process; her sainthood stems from traditional veneration and martyrdom. === Venerable === Not applicable as this title is part of a later canonization process not used for early saints like Felicity. === Beatification === Not formally beatified; her martyrdom was her beatification in the eyes of the early Christian community. === Canonization === Felicity was not formally canonized by the modern Roman Catholic Church's procedures but is traditionally recognized as a saint due to her martyrdom. ==Miracles== Specific miracles for Felicity's canonization are not documented as her recognition as a saint was based on martyrdom rather than post-mortem miracles: === Miracle for beatification === Not applicable. === Miracle for canonization === Not applicable. === Other notable miracles === - The miraculous nature of her giving birth just before her death was seen by early Christians as a testament to her faith. ==Patronage== Felicity is the patron saint of mothers, expectant mothers, and martyrs, reflecting her personal experience and sacrifice. ==Feast day== The feast day of Saint Felicity is celebrated on March 7, shared with Saint Perpetua. ==Veneration== Felicity is venerated alongside Perpetua, with her story celebrated in various Christian denominations. Her relics, along with Perpetua's, were housed in the Basilica Maiorum in Carthage, though their current location is uncertain. ==Books== === Written about the saint === * [The Passion of Saints Perpetua and Felicity - Various translations and editions based on the original Latin text] === Written by the saint === No writings by Felicity exist; however, her story is documented in Perpetua's diary. ==External links== * [https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=97 Catholic Online - Saint Perpetua and Saint Felicity] * [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perpetua_and_Felicity Wikipedia - Perpetua and Felicity] * [https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11700b.htm Catholic Encyclopedia - Sts. Perpetua and Felicitas] ==References== {{Reflist}}