Saint Philomena

Biography

Saint Philomena, also known as Filomena, Filumena, Philumena, Philomene, Thaumaturga of the Nineteenth Century, and Wonder Worker of the Nineteenth Century, is a Catholic Saint whose life remains largely unknown. The information about her was received through private revelation. It is believed that she was martyred at the young age of 14 during the early days of the Church. In 1802, the remains of a young woman were discovered in the catacomb of Saint Priscilla on the Via Salaria in Rome, Italy. The symbols on the stones covering the body indicated that it belonged to a martyr named Saint Philomena. These bones were excavated, documented, and subsequently forgotten due to the limited knowledge available about the person. In 1805, Canon Francis de Lucia from Mugnano, Italy visited the Vatican's Treasury of the Rare Collection of Christian Antiquity. While examining the relics of Saint Philomena, he experienced a spiritual joy, prompting him to request permission to enshrine them in a chapel in Mugnano. After some initial disagreements, which were resolved following Canon Francis' cure through prayers to Philomena, he was allowed to transfer the relics to Mugnano. Miracles started to occur at the shrine, including healings of cancer, wounds, and the renowned Miracle of Mugnano, in which Venerable Pauline Jaricot was cured of a severe heart ailment overnight. Notably, Philomena was the only person recognized as a Saint solely based on miraculous intercession, as nothing historical was known about her except her name and evidence of martyrdom. The recognition and veneration of Saint Philomena continued to grow over the years. Pope Leo XII granted permission for the establishment of altars and churches in her honor. Pope Gregory XVI authorized her public veneration and named her the patroness of the Living Rosary. Pope Blessed Pius IX attributed his cure, while still Archbishop of Imola, to Philomena and declared her the patroness of the Children of Mary in 1849. Pope Leo XIII approved the Confraternity of Saint Philomena and elevated it to an Archconfraternity. Pope Pius X further raised the Archconfraternity to a Universal Archconfraternity and designated Saint John Vianney as its patron. Saint John Vianney himself had a strong devotion to Saint Philomena and referred to her as the New Light of the Church Militant. Various saints and blessed individuals have expressed their devotion to Saint Philomena, including Saint Anthony Mary Claret, Saint Mary Euphrasia Pelletier, Saint Francis Xavier Cabrini, Saint John Nepomucene Neumann, Saint Madeline Sophie Barat, Saint Peter Chanel, Saint Peter Julian Eymard, Blessed Anna Maria Taigi, and Blessed Pauline Jaricot. Saint Philomena is often depicted with symbols such as an anchor, arrows, crown, and lily. Her memorial feast day is celebrated on August 11th, with some calendars also commemorating her on September 6th. However, her inclusion in the general calendar was removed in 1961 by Pope John XXIII, although the devotion to her continues to be permitted. Saint Philomena is revered as a powerful intercessor for various causes, including against barrenness, bodily ills, infertility, mental illness, sickness, sterility, and for the protection of babies, children, the Children of Mary, desperate causes, forgotten causes, impossible causes, infants, lost causes, the Living Rosary, newborns, orphans, poor people, priests, prisoners, sick people, students, test-takers, toddlers, young people, and youth. Although her historical details are scarce, Saint Philomena's cult has gained widespread popularity and devotion through the numerous miracles attributed to her intercession. She remains an inspiration to many believers who seek her help and protection in their lives.