All for the Joy of Being with the Bridegroom

A reflection on the martyrdom of Sts. Felciity and Perpetua from the Doctor of Grace, St. Augustine

Today we are celebrating the feast of two holy martyrs, who were not only outstanding for their surpassing courage when they suffered, but who also, in return for such a great labor of piety, signified by their own names the reward awaiting them and the rest of their companions. Perpetua, of course, and Felicity are the names of two of them, but the reward of them all. The only reason, I mean, why all the martyrs toiled bravely for a time by suffering and confessing the faith in the struggle was in order to enjoy perpetual felicity. So it
was by an ordination of divine providence that these women were not only martyrs but also the closest companions, in order to set the seal of their glory on one single day, and to leave posterity with a joint festivity to celebrate.

By the example, you see, of their glorious struggle they encourage us to imitate them. And likewise by their names they bear witness to the indivisible gift we are going to receive. May they hold on tight to each other, bind themselves together. We are not hoping for one without the other. Perpetual, after all, is not much good if there is no felicity there; and felicity fades away if it is not perpetual.

These few words must suffice for the time being upon the names of the martyrs to whom the day is dedicated. As regards the women themselves…these two of such strength of character and merit were not only women, they were wives as well. And one of them was also a mother…. [Thus the enemy supposed] that, as they would not be able to endure the hard, cruel burdens of persecution, they would give in to him straightaway and very soon be his to gloat over. They, however, being watchfully and firmly on guard in the strength of
the inner self, scotched all his crafty tricks and broke the force of all his attacks.