Sts. Perpetua and Felicity-- a reflection

 Hey everyone!

Today is the Feast of my Confirmation saint and her friend: Sts. Perpetua and Felicity.They were two young mothers who were martyred in Carthage, Tunisia, in the year 203. They were still catechumens when they were arrested, but were baptized in prison. Perpetua had an infant son and Felicity was pregnant but gave birth to a daughter two days before the contest. The two young women died with three other men by being scourged, thrown to wild beasts, and beheaded. They are very influential and are mentioned in the cannon of the Mass.

These two saints are very special to me for so many reasons that I can't possibly name here. So, in their honor, I would like to share a quote from another martyr: an unnamed pastor from Zimbabwe who wrote this in a letter before he died. It shows how he --and the two saints we celebrate today -- really said no to the things of this world and yes to God:

"I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have the Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I'm a disciple of His. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean in His presence, walk by patience, and uplifted in prayer, and I labor with power. My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, diluted, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And, when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me...  my banner will be clear."

But of course, I can't really leave you without giving you two quotes from St. Perpetua herself. ;D

"Just as a vase cannot be called anything other than what it is, so I cannot call myself anything other than what I am: a Christian."

"Whatever happens will be what God wants, for we need to understand that we are not formed in our own power, but in God's. "

So that's it! Happy Feast Day and a Blessed Lent, everyone!