The story of their life
An enslaved pregnant woman who gave birth in prison and faced martyrdom with Perpetua. Roman slavery denied freedom, while pregnancy and childbirth in custody created exceptional danger.
Saint2nd–3rd century · Feast March 7
St Felicity
Also known as Felicitas of Carthage, Felicity of Carthage, Saint Felicity
Martyr
An enslaved pregnant woman who gave birth in prison and faced martyrdom with Perpetua.
A note on content. This profile is a prototype draft. Devotional traditions, historical facts and uncertain traditions will be clearly identified once entries are reviewed. We do not publish invented quotations.
Historical context
Roman slavery denied freedom, while pregnancy and childbirth in custody created exceptional danger.
Defining moments
- Preparing for baptism
- Being imprisoned while pregnant
- Giving birth in prison
- Facing martyrdom with companions
Faith and spirituality
Solidarity across class, courage in childbirth and equal dignity in Christ.
Why this saint matters today
High-confidence match for pregnancy under unsafe conditions, imprisonment, trafficking and unsupported motherhood.
Patronage and intercession
People turn to St Felicity in matters of:
Pregnant women
Mothers
Enslaved people
Prisoners
A prayer
God of grace, through the intercession of St Felicity, guide us in faith, courage and love. Amen.
Timeline
Sources and further reading
- https://www.vaticannews.va/en/saints.html
- https://www.liturgyoffice.org.uk/Calendar/
Source-quality status: unverified prototype