Saint Felicity
| Saint Felicity | |
|---|---|
| Saint | Saint Felicity |
| Stage | Saint |
| Birthdate | Unknown |
| Birthplace | Carthage, Roman Province of Africa (modern-day Tunisia) |
| Birth Coordinates | |
| Deathdate | March 7, 203 |
| Death Place | Carthage, Roman Province of Africa |
| Death Coordinates | |
| Cause of Death | Martyrdom (beheading after attack by wild animals) |
| Notable Location 1 | |
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| Notable Location 2 | |
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| Notable Location 3 | |
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| Notable Location 4 | |
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| Notable Location 5 | |
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| Beatification Date | Not formally beatified |
| Beatified by | |
| Beatification Location | |
| Canonized | Yes (traditional recognition) |
| Canonization Date | Not formally canonized |
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| Miracle 1 | |
| Miracle 2 | |
| Miracle 3 | |
| Feast Day | March 7 (with Perpetua) |
| Profession | Slave |
| Religious Affiliation | Early Christian |
| Patronage | Mothers, expectant mothers, martyrs |
| Attributes | Palm of martyrdom, chains |
| Primary Shrine | Basilica Maiorum, Carthage |
| Additional Veneration | |
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
- Catholic Online - Saint Perpetua and Saint Felicity
- Wikipedia - Perpetua and Felicity
- Catholic Encyclopedia - Sts. Perpetua and Felicitas