Who Is St. Philomena?
St. Philomena is among the most beloved saints in the Catholic Church. Devotion to her commenced with the unearthing of her tomb in 1802, located in the Catacomb of Priscilla in Rome.
An inscription on her grave reads, Pax Tecum Filumena, which means “Peace be with you, Philomena.” The tomb’s tiles displayed symbols, including arrows, a palm branch, and an anchor, which some have associated with martyrdom.
Scientists determined that the mortal remains belonged to a young maiden, and a tradition developed that she was a virgin martyr in the early Church, based on the reported private revelations of Mother Luisa di Gesù, a Dominican tertiary nun. While no historical evidence exists to support the nun’s claims, Philomena nevertheless grew in popularity based on many miracles associated with her intercession, particularly after the Church transferred her mortal remains in 1805 to a church in Mugnano, Italy, which is near Naples.
In 1837, Pope Gregory XVI authorized a liturgical feast (August 11) and devotions in honor of Philomena, although she was never formally canonized, nor was her feast ever placed on the Church’s universal calendar (the General Roman Calendar). Gregory apparently made this special exception because of the many miracles associated with Philomena’s spiritual aid, especially the 1835 healing of Pauline Jaricot, the founder of the Society of the Propagation of the Faith. Because of her fruitful intercession, Philomena became known as “the Wonder-Worker” as well as the “Daughter of Light,” and subsequent popes also encouraged devotion to her.
Her feast day is celebrated on August 11.
How Did St. Philomena Die?
According to Mother Luisa di Gesù, Philomena was a Greek princess whom the Roman Emperor Diocletian martyred when she refused marriage to him in the early 300s. Philomena initially survived several attempts on her life, including being thrown into the Tiber River with an anchor tied to her neck, before the emperor finally had her beheaded.
However, the Church never approved the nun’s private revelations, nor can such substitute for the necessary historical evidence required for the rigorous canonization process through which saints are ordinarily acclaimed.
Is St. Philomena Still Considered a Saint?
Because her name is not included in the Roman Martyrology, and because there isn’t historical evidence for her sanctity from the early Church, Pope St. John XXIII had Philomena’s feast removed from the Roman Missal in 1961. Still—contrary to what some maintain—the pope did not forbid devotion to the saint, including though offering a votive Mass to honor her using the Common of a Virgin Martyr.
In addition, even though the Church has never formally canonized St. Philomena, devotion to her remains robust among the Catholic faithful. The adage that “you can judge a man (or woman) by the company he keeps” is apt for Philomena, as a number of notable saints have championed her intercession, including Pope St. Pius X, as well as the great priest confessors SS. John Vianney and Padre Pio.
Further, shrines, chapels, and parishes continue to honor her.
What Is St. Philomena the Patron Saint Of?
St. Philomena is recognized as the patron saint of infants, babies, purity, youth, the ill, and—in general—for those seeking assistance with difficult or impossible cases. Numerous Catholics seek her intercession, as many attribute blessings to her aid. Her reputation as a powerful helper rapidly spread when her relics reached Mugnano, and it endures today, including in parishes and shrines around the world which are named in honor of St. Philomena.
Prayers and Devotions to St. Philomena
Devotees frequently recite the St. Philomena prayer, the St. Philomena novena, or offer simple daily invocations for her intercession. Families, youth, and individuals encountering difficult challenges often turn to her for prayers. The traditional Prayer for St. Philomena directs:
O St. Philomena, virgin and martyr, powerful with God, pray for us in all our needs. Help us to love Christ with the purity and courage that filled your heart. Amen.
And here is the St. Philomena Novena:
We beseech Thee, O Lord, to grant us the pardon of our sins by the intercession of St. Philomena, virgin and martyr, who was always pleasing in thy sight by her eminent chastity and by the profession of every virtue. Amen.
Illustrious virgin and martyr, St. Philomena, behold me prostrate before the throne whereupon it has pleased the Most Holy Trinity to place thee. Full of confidence in thy protection, I entreat thee to intercede for me with God; from the heights of heaven deign to cast a glance upon thy humble client! Spouse of Christ, sustain me in suffering, fortify me in temptation, protect me in the dangers surrounding me; obtain for me the graces necessary to me, and in particular (specify your petition).
Above all, assist me at the hour of my death. St. Philomena, powerful with God, pray for us. Amen.
O God, Most Holy Trinity, we thank thee for the graces thou didst bestow upon the Blessed Virgin Mary, and upon thy handmaid Philomena, through whose intercession we implore thy mercy. Amen.
St. Philomena’s Importance in a Pro-Abortion Culture
St. Philomena’s example speaks sharply amidst a culture that treats unborn children as disposable, and which treats purity and sacrifice as antiquated and self-limiting. Her witness rebukes the notion that human value depends on age, place, or strength. According to tradition, St. Philomena remained firm in her convictions from a young age, and—even in the face of death—she did not succumb to the immoral demands of the powerful. Because of her faithfulness, the Lord continues to employ Philomena to inspire millions across the globe, including as a powerful patron saint for babies, expectant mothers, and those who defend human life at every stage. Through her powerful intercession, she also gives hope in a world that often seems hopeless. By turning to her as a heavenly collaborator of our Lord Jesus Christ, she can help us in carrying our own crosses unto triumphant “Easter Sundays” (Matt. 16:24-26), not just for our own benefit but also for those blessed by our faithful witness.
St. Philomena, pray for us!
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