The story of their life
A young North African mother whose prison account preserves an early Christian woman’s voice. Roman family authority and local persecution placed intense pressure on young converts.
Saint2nd–3rd century · Feast March 7
St Perpetua
Also known as Perpetua of Carthage, Vibia Perpetua, Saint Perpetua
Martyr
Early Christian diarist
A young North African mother whose prison account preserves an early Christian woman’s voice.
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 We do not publish invented quotations.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 family authority and local persecution placed intense pressure on young converts.
Defining moments
- Preparing for baptism
- Being imprisoned
- Caring for her infant
- Recording dreams
- Facing martyrdom
Faith and spirituality
Freedom of conscience, courageous motherhood and solidarity with companions.
Why this saint matters today
High-confidence match for mothers under coercion, prisoners of conscience and women preserving testimony.
Patronage and intercession
People turn to St Perpetua in matters of:
Mothers
Prisoners
Persecuted Christians
Women writers
A prayer
God of grace, through the intercession of St Perpetua, 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