Saint Philomena Devotional Page

Public devotions to St. Philomena were first introduced at St. Josaphat Church (now part of Mother of Divine Mercy Parish) in August of 2005 during the 200th Anniversary of the Translation (or Transfer) of the relics of the saint from Rome to Mugnano in Italy. An image of St. Philomena was placed at St. Josaphat in 2011.

This page will help introduce you to this powerful wonderworker and also provide you with some devotions which you can incorporate into your own spiritual life.

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SCHEDULE OF PUBLIC DEVOTIONS AT MOTHER OF DIVINE MERCY PARISH

Usually held in January, May and August 

PLEASE CHECK THE LATEST MOTHER OF DIVINE MERCY BULLETIN.

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The following text was provided by Joseph G. Atkins, CFE, an active member of the Universal Archconfraternity of St. Philomena. Parts of the text have been omitted.

SAINT PHILOMENA ALL THIS FROM A THIRTEEN YEAR OLD GIRL

An excavation in the Catacombs of Priscilla at Rome in 1802 yielded a preserved tomb of a young girl with the inscription on her three tombstones-PAX -TECUM-FILUMENA which means “Peace is with you, Philomena. The tombstones were arranged differently due to construction which became a part of a controversy that has now been resolved. Along with the inscription there were symbols, the anchor, arrows, palm leaf and lily. The anchor and arrows represent tortures that were tried on her; the palm leaf is for martyrdom and lily is for virginity.

This tomb held the remains of one of the youngest saints in the church’s history. Her name is Philomena who was martyred and became a saint age the age of 13. Very little is known about Saint Philomena’s life. Twice in 1833 Saint Philomena appeared to Sister Maria Luisa of Jesus, an impassioned devotee of this saint, and told the nun her life story. Her story was not very comprehensive except for the last forty days of her life. The final days describe her imprisonment, various tortures and death under the direction of the Roman emperor, Diocletian.

In my opinion, [the author’s] there is a good reason for the ambiguity of her life except for her final days that propelled her into sainthood. The reason is that she does not want to be remembered for her human existence; she wants to be remembered as to how she is willing to help and how has helped mankind as a saint. Since the discovery of her remains miracles have happened through her intersession, She has used many people to help her to help mankind to include five popes (one being a saint) two priest (who became saints) and two lay people given the title of “Blessed” and Venerable-a step in the process of becoming a saint. Some of her famous devotees that she influenced are

SAINTS

Saint John Vianney – The Holy Cure of Ars- had a great devotion to her; he stated that most of the miracles attributed to him were not of his doing but of ST. Philomena

Saint Peter Channel considered her his main support for his missionary work. He was the first martyr of Oceania

St. Padre Pio devotee of St. Philomena is known for his stigmata’s and healing through her. He like St. John Vianney heard confessions for 12 + hours every day. He also could bilocate (be in two places at the same time). He firmly defended devotion to Her

St. John Neumann- bishop of Philadelphia who founded catholic education in the USA

St. Pious X elevated the Pious Archconfratemity of Saint Philomena on May 12, 1912 into a Universal Pious Archconfratemity. He codified Canon law; believed in frequent communion. He was against church modernism. He also sent gifts to her Sanctuary to include an exquisite gold ring with a large precious stone

St. Benilde of the Brothers of Christian Schools- educator in France who had great devotion to her, and influenced his students to pray to her and love her

St. Peter Julian Eymard- he was impassioned by the Blessed Sacrament. His goal was to give priests to the Eucharist so that they would become perpetual worshipers. He was healed by her in 1854 after making a devotion to St. Philomena

St. Madeleine Sophie Barat- Foundress of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart. She has a very intense relationship with St. Philomena. Her prayers and petitions to St. Philomena healed one of her nuns who went to the missions in America

Blessed Damien de Veuster- Catholic priest who worked in leper colony in Honolulu, Hawaii; He had great devotion to her and built a church in her honor, St. Philomena parish. He was canonized on October 11, 2009.

Saint Frances Cabrini- Missionary and “Patron of Immigrants”; she promoted St. Philomena throughout America.

POPES

Leo XII declared her The Great Thaumaturgist (miracle worker) of the 18 Th century. He had two Concessions of Mass to her.

Gregory XVI named her Patroness of the Living Rosary. A mass and proper Office in her honor was approved by him. This exceptional privilege has been granted to very few saints.

Pious IX was miraculously cured by her; he made a pilgrimage to her Sanctuary in 1849. He also had Concession of a Proper and Votive Mass to Her. He also proclaimed Her the saint “Second Patroness” of the Neapolitan Kingdom.

Leo XIII made two pilgrimages to her sanctuary while he was a Cardinal; He also sent a stunning cross to her Sanctuary. He took important measures to help promote devotion to her

Pious VII In 1805 he donated the remains of St. Philomena to Mugnano del Cardinale. The priest at shrine, Don Francesco DeLucia had to obtain special permission to receive her remains.

Benedict XV- very devoted to St. Philomena and continued efforts to spread her devotion.

Pious XI great devotee to Her; He donated many gifts to Her as did his predecessors.

Paul VI- his goodwill was used to promote the devotion to St. Philomena by his works.

John Paul II- He was an influential advocate of our “Little Saint”

Blesseds

Blessed Bartholomew Longo a devotee of ST. Philomena placed under her patronage, Opere Pompean

Bartolo Longo- founder of the Sanctuary of Pompeii.

Louis Petit- Abate- great apostle of St. Philomena in France. He founded the “Messenger of Saint Philomena”

VENERABLES

Jean Claude Colin- founder of the Society of Mary (Marist Priests). He was cured by using holy oil from her lamp. He erected a statue of her in his monastery.

Pauline Jaricot- She was miraculously healed in 1835 at the Sanctuary. She founded the Propagation of Faith. Her phenomenal healing helped propel St. Philomena into sainthood.

King Ferdinand II and wife Queen Maria Cristina (she a venerable). He a great devotee; his wife wanted to set up an orphanage next to shrine.

SERVANTS OF GOD

Maria Christina di Savoia, The Servant of God, conceived the heir to the throne of Naples, FrancisII, through this saint’s intercession. For this miracle she donated the Sanctuary and a baby made out of silver

Sister Maria Luisa of Jesus- fervent devotee of St. Philomena. She founded the religious order Sisters of Our lady of Sorrows and Saint Philomena. Saint Philomena appeared to the holy sister when she was in prayer before her statue. Saint Philomena told the nun her life story. Coincidently, she and St. Teresa had a vision of hell; both were thirteen years old- the same age as St. Philomena

Jean-Leon Le Prevost- founder of the Brothers of St. Vincent de Paul. He had a great devotion to her for her help to make his foundation succeed. When it did, his brothers became passionate propagators of the devotion to her.

Guilia Colbert- Marquise of Barlo, very devoted to St. Philomena, visited the shrine several times.

St. Philomena is known around the world; she has thousands of devotees. People have discovered that nothing is too trivial or insignificant for her. She will help any one. All she asks is for your prayers.

Our relic of Saint Philomena is a second class relic of stones from the original tomb of Saint Philomena in the Catacombs of Saint Priscilla. This relic has a letter of authentication from the Abbess who looks after the catacombs. This relic was given to our community in 2006.

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You are invited to make a Monthly Novena from the 3rd-11th of each month.

In order to join in this novena, say the prayer provided below or any prayer to St. Philomena that you know of or prefer to use. 

The intentions of this private monthly novena are:

– For the conversion of sinners, the return of those separated from the Church, and the perseverance of the just.

– For the well being of Mary, Mother of Divine Mercy Parish, for our pastor, deacon, for all parishioners, benefactors and for all present and past visitors and guests

– For the intentions in the petition box before St. Philomena’s image at St. Josaphat Church.

NOVENA PRAYER IN HONOR OF SAINT PHILOMENA

Illustrious Virgin and Martyr, St. Philomena, behold me prostrate before the throne whereon it has pleased the Most Holy Trinity to set thee. Full of confidence in thy protection, I entreat thee to intercede for me with God. Ah! from the heights of Heaven deign to cast a glance upon thy humble client. Spouse of Christ, sustain me in suffering, fortify me in temptation, protect me in the dangers surrounding me, obtain for me the graces necessary to me, and in particular….Above all, assist me at the hour of my death. Amen.

Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…

 

Those accustomed to using the older prayers and/or offering a perpetual novena every Friday may continue to do so. 

ORGANIZATIONS OF INTEREST

• Consider joining the Living Rosary Association. This is a wonderful way to honor the Immaculate Heart of Mary and St. Philomena. More information may be found at www.philomena.org
• Consider joining the Universal Archconfraternity of St. Philomena. The author of the above biographical sketch states, “The Archconfraternity seeks to spread the devotion of this young BUT POWERFUL SAINT world wide, and to encourage a commitment of Christian life lived according to the examples of Jesus Christ and the special example of Saint Philomena.” For more information visit www.philomenafamily.com