Vibia Perpetua

c. 181 – March 7, 203

Early Church Martyr

I cannot be called by any other name than a Christian

Biography

Young noblewoman of Carthage martyred in the arena at age 22. Her diary, The Passion of Perpetua and Felicity, is one of the earliest Christian writings by a woman.

Faith & Testimony

When her father begged her to recant, she pointed to a water vessel and asked, 'Can you call a vase by any other name? Then I cannot be called by any other name than a Christian.' She went to her death with extraordinary courage.

Sources

Perpetua — Wikipedia — Account of the early church martyrs of Carthage
The Passion of Saints Perpetua and Felicitas — One of the earliest Christian texts, partly written by Perpetua herself — a rare first-person account of early Christian martyrdom
Early Church Texts: Passion of Perpetua and Felicitas — English translation with introduction and historical context