St. Philomena Medal

St. Philomena Biography

St. Philomena is a saint of the Roman Catholic Church. Her cult (or veneration) dates back to the early 19th century, but the historical origins of her story are difficult to discern.

According to tradition, Philomena was a young Greek princess who was martyred in the early 4th century. The story goes that she refused to marry the Roman Emperor Diocletian, and as a result was subjected to various tortures and execution by beheading. Her body was said to have been discovered in 1802 in a catacomb in Rome, and it was reported that she had three arrows on her tomb, which were taken as symbols of her virginity, her martyrdom, and her miracles.

In 1805, the nun Maria Luisa di Gesù, who later became Sister Maria Luisa di Gesù, claimed to have had visions of Philomena, and these visions led to the spread of Philomena’s cult. Pope Leo XII granted her official recognition as a saint in 1837.

However, many modern scholars believe that the story of Philomena is a fabrication, and that the remains found in the catacomb in Rome were those of an unknown martyr. The inscription on the tomb, which was said to read “”Philomena, virgin and martyr””, was later discovered to be a jumble of letters that did not form coherent words.

Despite the lack of historical evidence for her existence, devotion to Philomena remained strong throughout the 19th century, especially in Italy and France. She was invoked as a powerful intercessor and patron of the sick, and many miracles were attributed to her intercession. A number of churches, chapels, and monasteries were dedicated to her, and her cult spread to many countries around the world.

In 1961, the Catholic Church revised the rules regarding the canonization of saints, and as a result, many saints like St. Philomena whose historical existence and narratives were difficult to confirm were removed from the official list of saints. Even though she was removed from the official list, it’s important to note that there still devotion and prayers to her, but it’s not officially recognized by the Catholic Church.

Despite the lack of historical evidence for her existence, the devotion to her remains strong and still many people consider her as a Saint, and there are still many chapels, churches, and monasteries dedicated to her around the world. Her feast day is celebrated on August 11th

In the present time, Philomena is often invoked as a powerful intercessor and patron of children, young people, and those who are suffering. Her image is frequently depicted with a palm frond, a symbol of martyrdom, and three arrows, which are taken as symbols of her virginity, her martyrdom, and her miracles.

The Life of St. Philomena

There is no record of the earthly life of St. Philomena. Her remains were accidentally discovered in 1802 in an underground cemetery on the road from Rome to Ancona as excavators were clearing away some fallen sand. The burial stone bore the symbols indicating virginity and martyrdom-a lily, a spear, and an anchor. The three words over the tomb bore the inscription LUMENA PAX CUM FI, which when correctly arranged would read: PAX TECUM FILUMENA- “Peace be to you, Philomena”. Learn more about the story of this saint and who so many Catholics wear a St. Philomena Medal.

No Known Record of Her Life

It was the power of her intercession-the many marvelous miracles performed-rather than the knowledge of any details of her life, that influenced the Holy See in declaring Philomena a saint. Don Francesco, parish Priest at Mugnano, Italy, desirous of obtaining a relic of a Saint, while in Rome went to the Treasure House of Relics. He selected those of Saint Philomena-the young Virgin-Martyr, and they were enshrined near the Gospel side of the High Altar in the church at Mugnano on August 11, 1805.

Miracles too numerous to mention have occurred since that memorable day Pauline Jaricot, who lived in the southern part of France and was the foundress of the Society of the Propagation of the Faith, in 1819 was seriously ill. She made a pilgrimage to St. Philomena’s shrine in Mugnano and was cured. Enroute she had stopped in Rome to have an audience with Pope Gregory XVI. Too ill to do so, the Holy Father came to see her. Present were Mother Barat and Cardinal Lambruschini. Pauline made the following request of His Holiness: “If on my return from Mugnano I were to come to the Vatican on foot, then would Your Holiness deign to proceed without delay to the final inquiry into the cause of Philomena?” “That I can agree to without giving it a thought”, he replied, “for that would be a miracle of the first order.”

Turning to Mother Barat, he said in Italian: “How ill she is! It seems to me as if she had come forth from the grave. We shall never see her again. She will never return”. For several weeks Pauline lingered on, then suddenly regained sufficient strength to continue her journey. Finally she reached Mugnano, and Pauline Jaricot was cured. On her return trip to France she visited the Pope at the Vatican. Convinced that a miracle had been performed, Gregory XVI requested the Sacred Congregation of Rites to debate whether or not a Decree should be promulgated authorizing the public cultus of St. Philomena. The reply was affirmative.

The Decree, authorizing the devotion, and granting to the clergy of Nola (the diocese in which Mugnano is situated) the privilege of celebrating Mass in her honor, was published by Gregory XVI on January 30, 1837. St. Philomena’s feast is celebrated on August 11th in commemoration of the translation of her relics from Rome to Mugnano. In 1849 Pius IX named St. Philomena Patroness of the Children of Mary. Pope Saint Pius X and Saint John Mary Vianney both held St. Philomena in the highest esteem.

Popular St. Philomena Medal and St. Philomena Rosary

A St. Philomena medal or a St. Philomena rosary is a perfect gift to give to a young woman who has chosen St. Philomena as their confirmation name. As the patron saint of infants and the youth, wearing a St. Philomena medal daily is a perpetual prayer for Saint Philomena to intercede on behalf of the wearer. As saints are united closer to God, their prayers are more efficacious, and enriches your own prayer.

Additionally, a Saint Philomena pendant is a reminder to emulate the example of the holy saint as you live your daily life. What a beautiful testament of faith to share with the world, or to keep discretely tucked under your clothes. During the challenging moments of your day, reflect upon the holy life of St. Philomena and pray for their intercession and protection.

Our hand-pressed St. Philomena medal pendant features a beautiful relief of St. Philomena with her hand pressed against her heart.

Prayers to St. Philomena

Prayer for the Intercession as you wear a St. Philomena Medal

O faithful virgin and glorious martyr,
Saint Philomena, who works so many miracles
on behalf of the poor and the sorrowing,
have pity on me.
You know the multitude and diversity of my needs.
Behold me at your feet,
full of misery, but full of hope.
I entreat your charity, O great Saint.
Graciously hear me and obtain from God a favorable answer to the requests
which I now humbly lay before you.
(mention your requests)
I am firmly convinced that through your merits,
through the scorn, the sufferings and death you endured,
united to the merits of the Passion and Death
of Jesus your spouse, I shall obtain what I ask of you,
and in the joy of my heart I will bless God,
who is admirable in His Saints.
Amen.

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Prayer to St. Philomena

Dear St. Philomena, you are known for your faith and devotion, even in the face of adversity and suffering. I turn to you today, seeking your guidance and intercession, as I strive to live a life of holiness and virtue.

Help me to remain steadfast in my faith, no matter what challenges I may face. Give me the courage to persevere, and to always keep my eyes fixed on Christ. And may I be a witness to His love and grace, shining brightly in a world that so often lacks hope. Amen.

A prayer for the Strength of St. Philomena

Dear St. Philomena, I pray for your strength today, that I may be filled with the grace and power of the Lord. Give me the courage to face life’s difficulties with grace and joy, and to remain steadfast in my faith no matter what challenges I may face.

And may I always be a witness to the love and hope that is found in Christ, shining brightly in a world that so often lacks light. Amen.

A prayer for the Intercession of St. Philomena

Dear St. Philomena, I turn to you today in need of your intercession. You are known for your steadfast faith, even in the face of suffering and persecution, and I ask that you pray for me and for all those in need of your help.

Please pray for those who are facing trials and difficulties, that they may find comfort and hope in their struggles. Pray for those who are seeking a deeper relationship with God, that they may find what they are looking for. And pray for all of us, that we may grow in our faith and deepen our own relationships with the Lord. Amen.

 

St. Philomena: Patron Saint of Infant Loss, Babies and Young Children

St. Philomena is the patron saint of infant loss, babies, and young children. This designation stems from her status as a young martyr and her association with children, who are seen as being pure and innocent in the eyes of God.

According to tradition, St. Philomena was a young girl who was martyred for her faith in the early Christian church. Her story was widely told and her cult was widely venerated, particularly in the 19th century. Today, she is revered by many people as a symbol of hope and courage in the face of adversity, and as a protector of children and infants.

St. Philomena is seen as a special source of comfort and support for those who have suffered the loss of an infant, baby, or young child. Her association with children, and her own story as a young martyr, make her a powerful symbol of hope and resilience in the face of grief and loss. Many people believe that her intercession can help bring healing and comfort to those who have suffered the loss of a child, and that she can help to strengthen and sustain those who are grieving.

In addition to her association with infant loss and grieving, St. Philomena is also seen as a protector and guardian of babies and young children. Her reputation as a young martyr and a symbol of innocence and purity make her a natural patron for children and infants. For parents and caregivers, she serves as a source of guidance, inspiration, and comfort, helping to keep their children safe and protected, and to give them the strength and resilience they need to grow and thrive.

Whether we are grieving the loss of a child, caring for babies and young children, or simply in need of inspiration and guidance, St. Philomena is there to offer her support and comfort. Through her intercession and her powerful example, she reminds us of the strength and resilience that can be found even in the face of great loss and adversity.

Reflection on the feast day of St. Philomena

The feast day of St. Philomena is August 11th.

St. Philomena is known as a martyr and patroness of the young, but little is known about her life, as the only historical records of her life are the inscriptions on her tomb. Nevertheless, her story has been passed down through the centuries, and she has become an inspiration to many people. As we celebrate her feast day, we are reminded of the importance of living a life of faith and devotion, even in the face of adversity.

One of the most striking aspects of St. Philomena’s life is her devotion to God at such a young age. She was a young woman who, according to tradition, had a strong faith and was willing to die for it. Her example reminds us that age is not a barrier to holiness and that young people can be just as devoted to God as the older ones.

Another important aspect of St. Philomena’s life is her unwavering faith and her ability to remain strong in the face of persecution. Even when faced with the possibility of death, she never wavered in her belief in God. Her strength and courage serve as an inspiration to us all, reminding us that we too are called to remain strong in our faith even when we are facing difficult times.

St. Philomena’s story also reminds us of the importance of devotion and perseverance. Even though we do not know much about her life, her story has been passed down through the centuries and has become an inspiration to many people. Her devotion to God has been an inspiration to many people through the centuries, she is still an inspiration to many today, reminding us that the love and devotion we have for God will be remembered and passed down through the generations.

In conclusion, let us take inspiration from St. Philomena’s life, and strive to live a life of faith and devotion, even in the face of adversity. Let us be an inspiration to others, particularly to the young, by showing that age is not a barrier to holiness and that young people can be just as devoted to God as older ones. May we too be a source of hope and guidance to those around us, just as St. Philomena was in her time.

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Saints Similar to St. Philomena

You may also be interested in reading the Biography of St. Maria Goretti. St. Philomena and St. Maria Goretti are both young saints who are venerated for their purity, chastity, and their willingness to endure suffering rather than sin. Next up: Biography of St. Pio of Pietrelcina

 

Also check out our handmade St. Philomena Medal and St. Philomena Rosary and St. Philomena Rosary Bracelet .