The story of Saint Philomena of Rome, virgin and martyr, is a wonderful, extraordinary story, and perhaps the most mysterious, fascinating, strange, and intriguing case in the history of hagiography and the Church. Her very existence, in fact, remained completely unknown for 1,700 years. Let us discover more about her!
Who is Saint Philomena?
Philomena is the princess of the island of Corfu, whom her parents received as a gift from heaven after receiving Baptism. She arrived in Rome at the age of 13, and Emperor Diocletian was captivated by her and asked her to marry him. But when the young woman refused, having decided to give herself entirely to God, she was imprisoned and beheaded after surviving numerous tortures.
A Mystery Unveiled
The story of Saint Philomena comes to light only on May 25, 1802, when some archaeologists discovered a tomb in the Catacombs of Saint Priscilla in Rome. Inside were the remains of a girl and a vial of dried blood. Affixed to the tomb were three terracotta slabs bearing Latin inscriptions which, when assembled, read PAX TECUM FILUMENA, βPeace be with you, Philomena.β
The existence of Saint Philomena was therefore completely unknown and ignored for 1,700 years, almost βcoveredβ in her concealment, βbecause she was destined and reserved by Providence for the time when knowledge of her name and the power of her intercession would prove more beneficial and effective for Godβs holy peopleβ (Cardinal Angelo Comastri).
A Moving Pilgrimage
Once those three precious terracotta slabs were found, important studies followed, now attesting to their authenticity, and through a moving pilgrimage, the body of this young woman, who died a martyr out of love for Jesus, reached the place where it is still kept today, in Mugnano del Cardinale in the province of Avellino.
Lamp with Saint Philomena's oil in front of the Saint's altar, where her body is preserved, Mugnano del Cardinale (AV).
Signs of God's benevolence
That it was the wise hand of Providence that wanted to bring Saint Philomena out of obscurity is also indicated by the revelations received by the servant of God Maria Luisa of Jesus (1799-1875) and by the miraculous healing of Blessed Pauline Jaricot, founder of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith and the Living Rosary. In desperate condition and confined to a wheelchair, Blessed Pauline went on pilgrimage to Mugnano del Cardinale to invoke the intercession of Saint Philomena. And the healing took place on August 10, 1835.
Illustrious devotees
The little princess of Corfu, who died a martyr during the persecution of Diocletian, was venerated by illustrious devotees such as the CurΓ© of Ars, Blessed Bartolo Longo, and Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, who never doubted her existence and spread her cult and devotion.
Saint Philomena is invoked and loved throughout the world today. The physical and spiritual miracles attributed to her are countless, and she has become such a powerful intercessor that she is called βthe Saint of Miracles.β She is certainly a woman worth discovering and allowing to illuminate our lives!
And you, did you know the mysterious story of Saint Philomena? Are there any churches dedicated to her or particular devotions in your area?
Tell us about your experiences or knowledge and share them with us!
