St_Philomena

Saint Philomena

Little is known of her life, and the information was have was received by
private revelation from her. Martyred at about age 14 in the early days of
the Church.

In 1802 the remains of a young woman were found in the catacomb of
Saint Priscilla on the Via Salaria. It was covered by stones, the symbols
on which indicated that the body was a martyr named Saint Philomena.
The bones were exhumed, cataloged, and effectively forgotten since there
was so little known about the person.

In 1805 Canon Francis de Lucia of Mugnano, Italy was in the Treasury of
the Rare Collection of Christian Antiquity (Treasury of Relics) in the
Vatican. When he reached the relics of Saint Philomena he was suddenly
struck with a spiritual joy, and requested that he be allowed to enshrine
them in a chapel in Mugnano. After some disagreements, settled by the
cure of Canon Francis following prayers to Philomena, he was allowed to
translate the relics to Mugnano.

Miracles began to be reported at the shrine including cures of cancer,
healing of wounds, and the Miracle of Mugnano in which Venerable
Pauline Jaricot was cured a severe heart ailment overnight.

Philomena became the only person recognized as a Saint
solely on the basis of miraculous intercession as nothing
historical was known of her except her name and the evidence
of her martyrdom.

Memorial: 11 August

Representation: anchor; arrows

Prayer to Saint Philomena

O great Saint Philomena, glorious Virgin and Martyr,
wonder-worker of our age, I return most fervent thanks to
God for the miraculous gifts bestowed on thee,
and beseech thee to impart to me a share in the graces and blessings
of which thou hast been the channel to so many souls.

Through the heroic fortitude with which thou didst confront the fury of
tyrants and brave the frowns of the mighty rather than swerve from thy
allegiance to the King of Heaven, obtain for me purity of body and soul,
purity of heart and desire, purity of thought and affection.

Through thy patience under multiplied sufferings,
obtain for me a submissive acceptance of all the afflictions it may
please God to send me and as thou didst miraculously escape unhurt
from the waters of the Tiber, into which thou wert cast by order of thy
persecutor, so may I pass through the waters of tribulation without
detriment to my soul. In addition to these favours, obtain for me, O
faithful spouse of Jesus, the particular intention I earnestly recommend
to thee at this moment. O pure Virgin and holy Martyr, deign to cast a
look of pity from Heaven on thy devoted servant, comfort me in affliction,
assist me in danger, above all come to my aid in the hour of death.
Watch over the interests of the Church of God, pray for its exaltation
and prosperity, the extension of the faith, for the Sovereign Pontiff, for
the clergy, for the perseverance of the just, the conversion of sinners,
and the relief of the souls in purgatory, especially those dear to me. O
great Saint, whose triumph we celebrate on earth, intercede for me, that
I may one day behold the crown of glory bestowed on thee in Heaven,
and eternally bless Him who so liberally rewards for all eternity the
sufferings endured for His love during this short life. Amen.

Novena Prayer to Saint Philomena

O faithful virgin and glorious martyr, Saint Philomena, who works so
many miracles on behalf of the poor and sorrowing, have pity on me.
Thou knowest the multitude and diversity of my needs. Behold me at thy
feet, full of misery, but full of hope. I entreat thy charity, O great saint!
Graciously hear me and obtain from God a favorable answer to the
request which I now humbly lay before thee (make your request here). I
am thoroughly convinced that through thy merits, through the scorn, the
sufferings, the death thou didst endure, united to the merits of the
passion and death of Jesus thy spouse, I shall obtain what I ask of thee
and in the joy of my heart I will bless God, who is admirable in his
saints. Amen.