Codice prodotto: L10339
Memorial Day: March 7
When did Saint Perpetua live: 2nd century AD
BIOGRAPHY:
Saint Perpetua, born in Carthage (present-day Tunisia), grew up as a well-educated noblewoman. She followed her mother's Christian convictions, although society and her own father were committed to the pagan faith. She was imprisoned under Emperor Septimius Severus and refused to recant her Christian faith, saying: "I cannot call myself anything other than what I am - a Christian". During her imprisonment, she wrote a diary in which she recorded visions, such as that of the ladder. The ladder reached up to heaven and sharp weapons were attached to the end of the ladder, indicating the impending martyrdom. On the day of her execution, Perpetua was taken to an amphitheater where she was thrown to wild animals. When she survived this, it was decided to seal her fate with a sword.
PATRONAGE:
St. Perpetua is the patron saint of mothers and expectant mothers as well as butchers and shepherds.
SYMBOLISM, DEPICTION:
The symbols of San Perpetua are a book as a sign of her wisdom, a palm branch, which generally stands for martyrdom, and lilies, which emphasize her innocence.
PATRON SAINT OF:
Perpetua