Standing Firm in Faith
The guards tried to force them to wear the robes and dresses of the Roman priests and priestesses, but Perpetua resisted so strongly that the military tribune relented. She said, “We came to this (execution) of our own free will – that our freedom should not be violated. We agreed to pledge our lives provided that we would do no such thing as worship an idol.” Her eloquence won the day.
Facing the Beasts
As they were led out, Perpetua and Felicity, since they were women, were to be killed by a maddened female cow. Both of the women were tossed in the air by the cow, but they were only left dazed. Perpetua rose from the dusty arena floor first and offered Felicity her hand, raising her up in a gesture of sisterly love. The cow dashed away and the women were returned to the “Gate of Life” in the west entrance of the arena. Walking to the Gate, Perpetua looked at the Christian supporters standing nearby and encouraged them, “You must all stand fast in the faith and love one another, and do not be weakened by what we have gone through.”
The Final Act of Martyrdom
Since the beasts were no longer interested in attacking the martyrs, and it was time for the gladiator tournament to begin, Hilarianus put an end to the Christian exhibition and condemned the ones still alive to “die by the sword”. Those who had not been killed by the beasts were called onto a scaffold to be beheaded but they kissed one another first before ascending, that they might consummate their martyrdom with “the kiss of peace.”
As Perpetua walked up the steps, it was as though she was treading on the dragon’s head one final time. Perpetua held her head high and walked in grace and peace. Unfortunately, the young gladiator who was performing the beheadings was inexperienced. His first blow to Perpetua did not kill her, and she had to guide his hand to her neck so the deed would be finished.
Date: 30th March 2024
Martyr: Vibia Perpetua & Felicity
Location: Carthage (modern-day Tunisia), North Africa
Source: God’s Generals – The Martyrs
Author: Roberts Liardon
Suffering Saturday 084
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