SAINTS PERPETUA AND FELICITAS, (203 A.D.) Martyrs; EMBER FRIDAY IN LENT

SAINTS PERPETUA AND FELICITAS
Martyrs

EMBER FRIDAY 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 EMBER FRIDAY IN LENT
O Lord, be merciful towards Your people. Comfort them with Your loving help, as You have kept them loyal to You. 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 EMBER FRIDAY IN LENT
O Lord, accept our offering as a mark of our worship, and in Your mercy sanctify the gifts we bring You. 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 EMBER FRIDAY IN LENTO Lord, may this sacred rite wash away our sins and fulfill our reasonable desires. Through our Lord . . .
PRAYER OVER THE PEOPLE
O God of Mercy, hear us and enlighten our minds with Your grace. Through our Lord . . .