For the Feast of St. Philomena

Holy Mother Church honors St. Philomena with a feast day on August 11. St. Philomena was the thirteen year old daughter of the king and queen of a small Grecian state.  At baptism she was given the name Philomena, which means "Friend of the Light."  During a trip with her parents to Rome to discuss peace with the emperor, she was asked by the pagan emperor to marry him in exchange for peace.  However, St. Philomena refused him, having made a vow of chastity at age 11, despite her parents and the emperor trying to persuade her.  Furious Emperor Diocletian threw Philomena into prison. For 37 days he tried to get her to agree to marriage, but when she held vast to her vow, the emperor furiously increased her torments.  

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At the end of the 37 days, the Blessed Mother and the Divine Child appeared to the young girl.  Our Lady told her that she would remain three more days in the dungeon, and on the fortieth day she would undergo cruel torture.  Mary comforted Philomena and the apparition ended.  On the fortieth day Emperor Diocletian ordered Philomena to be tied to a pillar and scourged without mercy, accompanied by horrible blasphemies.  When she returned to the prison, two angels appeared to her and healed her wounds with heavenly balm.  The next morning the emperor found her stronger and more beautiful than ever.  The order was then given to tie an iron anchor to her neck and throw her into the Tiber River.  However, two angels rescued her, bringing her to the bank completely dry. The emperor ordered her to be pierced with arrows and returned to the prison.  

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Yet the next day he found her unscathed and more beautiful.  Emperor Diocletian, enraged, ordered her to be shot with arrows again, but the arrows would not leave the bows.  He next ordered the arrows to be heated red hot, but again God protected the little saint.  The arrows turned back on the archers, six of whom were killed.  People began to convert at the miracles before them.  At last the tyrant pagan emperor ordered Philomena to be beheaded.  This act ended her life on earth and sent her soul victoriously into heaven.

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St. Philomena has been named St. Philomena, the Wonder Worker due to the great number of miracles that occurred through her intercession.  St. John Vianney held a great devotion to St. Philomena, even writing a litany in her honor.  We would do well to imitate St. John Vianney, adding devotion to this powerful young Saint to our lives.  May we strive to imitate her in her faithfulness to God, her purity, her fortitude, and her love for our Lord.  

The Novena to St. Philomena should be said from August 2-August 10, to end of the vigil of her feast day.  St. Philomena, pray for us!

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Novena to St. Philomena 

 O great St. Philomena, glorious Virgin and Martyr, wonder-worker of our age, I return most fervent thanks to God for the miraculous gifts bestowed on thee, and beseech thee to impart to me a share in the graces and blessings of which thou hast been the channel to so many souls. 

Through the heroic fortitude with which thou didst confront the fury of tyrants and brave the frowns of the mighty rather than swerve from thy allegiance to the King of Heaven, obtain for me purity of body and soul, purity of heart and desire, purity of thought and affection. Through thy patience under multiplied sufferings, obtain for me a submissive acceptance of all the afflictions it may please God to send me and as thou didst miraculously escape unhurt from the waters of the Tiber, into which thou wert cast by order of thy persecutor, so may I pass through the waters of tribulation without detriment to my soul. 

In addition to these favours, obtain for me, O faithful spouse of Jesus, the particular intention I earnestly recommend to thee at this moment. O pure Virgin and holy Martyr, deign to cast a look of pity from Heaven on thy devoted servant, comfort me in affliction, assist me in danger, above all come to my aid in the hour of death. Watch over the interests of the Church of God, pray for its exaltation and prosperity, the extension of the faith, for the Sovereign Pontiff, for the clergy, for the perseverance of the just, the conversion of sinners, and the relief of the Souls in Purgatory, especially those dear to me., and those most forgotten. O great Saint, whose triumph we celebrate on earth, intercede for me, that I may one day behold the crown of glory bestowed on thee in Heaven, and eternally bless Him who so liberally rewards for all eternity the sufferings endured for His love during this short life. Amen.

Hymn to St. Philomena

We praise thee Philomena 

Blest martyr and blest maid! 

Since Christ through thee works wonders 

We come to thee for aid. 

Red Rose of sweetest fragrance 

Glowing with charity. 

Yet white with lily whiteness 

Of angels’ purity. 

All Hail Saint Philomena 

Thou virgin of the Lord 

Help us to love and praise Him 

And make His Name adored. 

Be thou the guide of pilgrims 

Restore the steps that stray. 

Bring health to those who suffer 

Be thou their gladsome ray. 

Cheer those whose hope is waning 

And warm the hearts grown cold. 

Console the sad and lonely, 

Strengthen the weak and old. 

Thou well-beloved maiden, 

All girt with Heaven’s might. 

Help those who sit in darkness, 

Thou daughter of the Light. 

Make us who now implore Thee 

Loving and brave and wise. 

May we one day behold thee, 

Princess of Paradise.

God bless!

+JMJ+