St. Philomena

 Happy Thanksgiving!!

The story of the cult of St. Philomena is an unusual and interesting one. For many Saints, people who knew them during their lifetime share their story and promote their cause for Sainthood. However, devotion to St. Philomena did not begin until 1500 years after her death. Philomena's remains were discovered in the Catacomb of Priscilla in 1802. Her tomb bore the inscription, Pax Tecum Filumena (Peace be unto you, Philomena). In her tomb was the skeleton of a young female, about 13-15 years old. There was also found a small glass phial with vestiges of what was believed to be blood. It was believed at the time that the presence of the phial was a sign that this was the grave of a martyr.

Her remains became the focus of widespread devotion and miracles were credited to her intercession. St. John Vianney was very devoted to her and attributed to her intercession the extraordinary cures that others attributed to himself. 

Nothing is known for certain of Philomena's life. In 1833, a religious named Sister Maria Luisa di Gesu claimed to have received revelations from Philomena herself. These revelations are private revelation and Catholic faithful are not compelled to believe them. Sr. Maria Luisa said that Philomena told her that she took a vow of consecrated virginity at the age of 13. The Emperor Diocletian fell in love with the young woman, but she refused to be his wife. She was subject to a series of tortures and ultimately martyred.

St. Philomena's feast day is August 11. She is patron of children, youth, babies, priests, lost causes, virgins and The Universal Living Rosary Association.