SAINTS PERPETUA AND FELICITAS
Martyrs

THURSDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK IN LENT

DOUBLE / RED
Vivia Perpetua, a young wife and mother of noble birth, and Felicitas, a slave girl who was with child, were among the Christians arrested in Carthage (Africa) during the year 203. Felicitas gave birth to a daughter in prison, and the baby was adopted by a fellow Christian. Three days later the martyrs were exposed to wild beasts in the arena. The people soon tired of seeing the young mothers tortured and demanded that they should be slain by the sword. Greater devotion no human beings can have than to prefer Christ to the children of their love.

Mass of a HOLY WOMAN MARTYR, except

COLLECT
O Lord Our God, grant that we may always honor the victories of Your blessed martyrs Perpetua and Felicitas. Although we are unable to pay them the honor that is due, may we at least offer them our humble tribute. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of THURSDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK IN LENT
O Almighty God, grant that we may be happy in chastising our bodies through fasting. May we bring our passions under control, and thus more easily attain the rewards of heaven. Through our Lord . . .

SECRET
O Lord, see the gifts we offer at Your altar in honor of the feast of Your holy martyrs Perpetua and Felicitas. May this sacred rite, which honors them, forgive us our sins. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of THURSDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK IN LENT
Cleanse us, O merciful God. Let the prayers of the Church, which are so pleasing to You when they are accompanied by this offering, be even more acceptable to You because our souls are free from sin. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION
We have been filled with spiritual gifts and joy, O Lord. May we always profit spiritually from the service we perform here on earth, through the intercession of Your holy martyrs Perpetua and Felicitas. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of THURSDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK IN LENT
O Lord, let us not be condemned by unworthily receiving this Gift of heaven which was instituted for the spiritual health of Your faithful. Through Our Lord . . .