Saint Philomena Prayer and 5 Popular Devotions

 

The following Saint Philomena prayer is a powerful prayer to include in your daily prayer routine.

 

I first discovered devotion to Saint Philomena some years ago. My father had purchase the book “St Philomena - Powerful with God” by Sister Marie Helene Mohr. It was a fascinating book which I have read multiple times and I highly recommend to others. Two other favourite books about St Philomena are “Saint Philomena The Wonder Worker” by Paul O Sullivan and “I Ask St Philomena” by Rick Medina.

 

Saint Philomena lived during the early 4th century AD, in Greece. She was martyred under Emperor Diocletian's persecution around 304 AD in Rome, where she was buried in the Catacombs of Priscilla.

Her remains were discovered in 1802 during excavations in the catacombs, marked with an inscription "Pax Tecum Philumena" (Peace be with you, Philomena). The discovery of her tomb led to reports of miraculous healings and spiritual favors attributed to her intercession. Philomena is believed to have been around 13 years old at the time of her death, making her youth and steadfast faith in the face of persecution central to her veneration as a patroness of youth and purity.

Devotion to Saint Philomena grew rapidly in the 19th century, leading to her recognition as a saint by Pope Gregory XVI in 1837. She remains a beloved figure among Catholics worldwide, with numerous churches and shrines dedicated to her, and her feast day celebrated on August 11th.

 

Saint Philomena is venerated as the patron saint of several causes and groups within the Catholic Church. Here are some of the areas for which she is recognized as a patroness:

1. Children: Saint Philomena is particularly invoked for the well-being and protection of children. Many parents pray to her for the health, safety, and spiritual guidance of their children.

2. Youth: She is considered a patron saint of youth, often invoked to guide young people in their faith journey and to help them navigate challenges they face in their lives.

3. Infants: Saint Philomena is known for her intercession in matters concerning newborns and infants, especially for their health and protection.

4. Families: Devotion to Saint Philomena extends to the family unit, where she intercedes for family unity, harmony, and spiritual strength.

5. Those suffering from illnesses: She is invoked for healing and recovery from various ailments, with many faithful attributing miraculous healings to her intercession.

6. Prisoners: Saint Philomena is also recognized as a patroness of prisoners, offering prayers for those incarcerated and seeking their spiritual comfort and hope.

 

 

 

The discovery of Saint Philomena is intertwined with a fascinating tale of faith and divine providence in the early 19th century. In 1802, workers excavating the catacombs of Saint Priscilla in Rome stumbled upon a tomb inscribed with the words "Pax Tecum Filumena," meaning "Peace be with you, Philomena." Inside were the remains of a young girl adorned with symbols indicating her Christian faith and martyrdom.

Initially, little was known about Saint Philomena, and her relics were transferred to the Church of Our Lady of Grace in Mugnano del Cardinale, Italy. However, devotion to her quickly spread as reports of miracles attributed to her intercession began to emerge. The faithful found that prayers to Saint Philomena brought about remarkable healings and protections.

The fervor surrounding Saint Philomena grew significantly after a miraculous cure was attributed to her intervention in 1835. This prompted Pope Gregory XVI to authorize her veneration and confirm her status as a saint, despite the lack of historical documentation about her life. The discovery of her tomb and the subsequent miracles associated with her relics solidified Saint Philomena's place in Catholic devotion.

 

The story of Saint Philomena's revelations to three individuals from different parts of the world is a fascinating aspect of her cult that emerged in the 19th century. According to popular tradition and accounts from that time, Saint Philomena revealed details about her life and martyrdom to three separate individuals who were not acquainted with one another. Despite their geographical separation, the accounts they received were remarkably consistent and detailed, which strengthened the credibility of their testimonies among the faithful.

These private revelations reportedly provided insights into Saint Philomena's early life as a princess in Greece, her conversion to Christianity, and her steadfast commitment to chastity and faith despite persecution under Emperor Diocletian. They also described the tortures she endured, including being scourged, drowned with an anchor, and shot with arrows, before her eventual martyrdom through decapitation.

The convergence of these accounts, despite the individuals' lack of communication or collaboration, was seen as evidence of the authenticity of Saint Philomena's story and her heavenly role as an intercessor.

Sister Maria Luisa di Gesu (1872-1949) was a Carmelite nun from Naples, Italy, known for her profound mystical experiences and devotion to Saint Philomena. Her spiritual journey was marked by a remarkable vision of Saint Philomena, a young martyr whose relics were discovered in the early 19th century and who became widely venerated for her intercessory powers.

Sister Maria Luisa's vision of Saint Philomena occurred in 1899, where the saint revealed herself to the young nun and communicated messages of spiritual significance. This encounter deepened Sister Maria Luisa's already strong devotion to Saint Philomena, leading her to promote the saint's cult and encourage others to seek her intercession. She believed fervently in the power of Saint Philomena's prayers to bring about miraculous interventions in the lives of believers.

Sister Maria Luisa di Gesu's mystical revelations and teachings about Saint Philomena include narratives about the saint's origins and her martyrdom under Emperor Diocletian. According to Sister Maria Luisa's visions and insights, Saint Philomena was the daughter of a Greek king.

Emperor Diocletian, known for his persecutions of Christians in the late 3rd and early 4th centuries, figures prominently in the account of Saint Philomena's martyrdom as recounted by Sister Maria Luisa. Diocletian's reign marked a period of intense persecution against Christians, and Philomena's refusal to renounce her faith led to her suffering and eventual martyrdom.

According to tradition, after her father sought peace in Rome, Diocletian became enamored with Philomena's beauty and proposed marriage. However, Philomena, dedicated to her Christian faith and vow of chastity, steadfastly refused the emperor's advances.

In response to her rejection, Diocletian subjected Philomena to horrific torture as punishment for her defiance. She was scourged, drowned with an anchor tied around her, and shot with arrows. Despite these brutal assaults, each time Philomena was miraculously healed by angels who appeared at her side, demonstrating the divine protection she enjoyed due to her unwavering faith and purity.

Ultimately, the emperor ordered Philomena's execution by decapitation, which occurred on a Friday at three in the afternoon, symbolically mirroring the hour of Christ's death.

Saint Philomena's connection with Saint John Vianney, also known as the Curé of Ars, is a celebrated aspect of Catholic devotion, highlighting her role as a heavenly intercessor and protector of priests.

Saint John Vianney had a profound devotion to Saint Philomena, whom he affectionately referred to as his "dear little saint." He credited her intercession with numerous miracles and graces in his pastoral ministry. According to accounts, Saint Vianney discovered a neglected statue of Saint Philomena in the church at Ars and felt compelled to honor her, sensing her spiritual presence and assistance in his work.

One notable episode attributed to Saint Philomena's intervention involved a young girl who had been possessed by a demon. Saint Vianney invoked Saint Philomena's aid, and the girl was freed from the demonic influence, a miracle that solidified his devotion to her.

Saint Philomena's connection with Saint Vianney was marked by his promotion of her cult among the faithful. He encouraged pilgrimages to her shrine and promoted her as a model of purity, faith, and perseverance in the Christian life. Saint Vianney often recommended prayers to Saint Philomena for the conversion of sinners and the healing of the sick, citing her powerful intercession before God.

Saint Philomena's veneration by Saint John Vianney contributed to her popularity and spread throughout the Church, particularly in France and beyond. Her feast day on August 11th became a significant occasion for devotion among the faithful, who continue to invoke her aid in various spiritual and temporal needs.

 

One of my favourite books about Saint John Vianney is “The Cure of Ars: Patron Saint of Parish Priests” by The Rev. Father Bartholomew J. O'Brien. It's an easy and enjoyable read.

Pauline Jarricot (1799-1862) was a devout French Catholic laywoman known for her deep spirituality and significant contributions to missionary work. Born in Lyon, France, she experienced a profound conversion in her youth and dedicated herself to prayer and charity.

Jarricot suffered from a debilitating illness in her early twenties, which left her bedridden and in chronic pain. Seeking solace in prayer, she received a miraculous cure through the intercession of Saint Philomena, whom she had invoked fervently. This experience deepened her devotion to Saint Philomena, whom she regarded as a special patroness and intercessor.

Inspired by a vision, Jarricot founded the Living Rosary in 1826, organizing groups of fifteen people who collectively prayed the fifteen decades of the Rosary each month, symbolically forming a "living" chain of prayer. This initiative garnered widespread support and contributed significantly to the spiritual and material support of missionaries worldwide through the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, which she founded in 1822.

Pauline Jarricot's devotion extended to Saint John Vianney, the Cure of Ars, whom she supported spiritually and materially. She gifted the Cure of Ars with the relic of Saint Philomena, believing in the saint's powerful intercession for the mission of Ars.

 

“Pauline Jaricot: Foundress of the Living Rosary and the Society for the Propagation of the Faith” by Mary Fabyan Windeatt. With a reading age of 8 – 14 years, this is another easy read and very enjoyable book.

 

Have you ever wondered why Catholics pray to saints? We took a look at this question and you can read more about why Catholics pray to saints in this link here.

 

Saint Philomena is known by several titles and epithets that reflect her role as a patroness and intercessor in various aspects of life. Some of her titles include:

1. Virgin Martyr: This title emphasizes her purity and commitment to chastity, even in the face of persecution and martyrdom.

2. Wonder-Worker: Saint Philomena is often referred to as a wonder-worker due to the numerous miracles attributed to her intercession, especially healing miracles.

3. Patroness of Youth: She is recognized as a special patroness for young people, guiding them in their faith and protecting them from harm.

4. Patroness of Children: Saint Philomena is invoked for the well-being and protection of children, with many parents seeking her intercession for their sons and daughters.

5. Patroness of Babies: She is also known for her care and protection over infants, with prayers often offered for their health and safety.

6. Patroness of the Living Rosary: Saint Philomena is associated with the Living Rosary devotion, which involves groups praying the Rosary collectively for various intentions.

7. Patroness against Sterility: Some invoke Saint Philomena's intercession for couples struggling with infertility, seeking her help for the gift of children.

8. Patroness of Impossible Cases: Due to the many reported miraculous healings and interventions attributed to her, Saint Philomena is often regarded as a patroness of difficult and seemingly impossible situations.

 

Saint Philomena is a powerful saint to have a devotion to. Another popular saint is Saint Rita of Cascia, known as the saint of the impossible. Read about Saint Rita here.