Biography of St. Philomena

Pope Gregory XVI referred to her as the “wonder-worker” of the nineteenth century. Bl. Pope Pius IX declared her the “Patroness of the Children of Mary.” St. John Vianney attributed all of his miracles to her, stating, “I have never asked for anything through the intercession of my Little Saint without having been answered.” Bl. Anna Maria Taigi, the Roman “mother-mystic,” received through this saint the miraculous cure of her granddaughter, and entrusted all her children to her powerful intercession. And the popes of the nineteenth century showered this young saint with numerous plenary indulgences, and gifts such as papal rings and pectoral crosses.

Let’s get to know this tiny but mighty, St. Philomena.

Philomena was born in the late 3rd century in Greece to a pagan king and his wife. The royal couple deeply desired to grow their family, but were unable to conceive a child. Desperate to have a child, they decided to pray and ask God for help. 

Their prayers were answered, and they named their daughter Philomena, which means "Daughter of Light." In thanksgiving for their prayers being answered, the royal couple subsequently converted to Christianity. 

From a young age, Philomena exhibited a profound love for Christ. Her dedication was so deep that she chose to consecrate her virginity to God, fully committing herself body, mind, heart, and soul to Jesus. Philomena was also known for her cheerful obedience. In all things, Philomena sought to obey her parents and follow their guidance no matter what. 

When Philomena was just thirteen, her family traveled to Rome to seek peace with Emperor Diocletian. The emperor, captivated by Philomena's beauty, offered to marry her. However, Philomena refused his proposal, as she had already consecrated her virginity to Jesus. Enraged by her rejection, Diocletian subjected her to severe torture, in hopes that she might give up her vow to Jesus and instead make vows to him.

Despite the suffering, Philomena remained steadfast. She was scourged, drowned with an anchor tied around her neck, and shot with arrows, yet she miraculously survived each attack. According to tradition, it was through the intervention of angels and the Virgin Mary that she was healed and protected from harm. Finally, Diocletian ordered her beheading, and Philomena’s martyrdom was completed.

St. Philomena’s story might have been lost in history, if not for the discovery of her tomb in the Catacombs of Priscilla in Rome in 1802. Her remains were accompanied by a vial of her dried blood and a tile inscribed with the words "Peace be with you, Philomena." Soon after the discovery of her tomb, the faithful began to ask for her intercession and were amazed to watch problems be resolved and loved ones be healed upon asking for her intercession. 

Not long after the discovery of the tomb, a hu mble parish priest, Fr. Francesco di Lucia from the small town of Mugnano near Naples, arrived in Rome seeking relics of a martyr to spiritually re-vitalize his parish which had grown “weak in virtue,” according to the pastor. Through special assistance obtained through a friend who was close to the Holy Father, in 1805 Pope Pius VII consigned the sacred remains of Philomena to Fr. di Lucia for the people of Mugnano.

Due to the countless miracles that have been attributed to St. Philomena’s intercession, she is commonly known as the "Wonder Worker." From healing the sick to granting favors, her powerful intercession continues to inspire devotion among the faithful. Saints such as John Vianney and Pauline Jaricot (pronounced Jericho) even had deep devotion to her.

So, how can we draw inspiration from St. Philomena today? Her unwavering faith, purity, and courage in the face of immense suffering remind us of the power of God and His willingness to accompany us in our trials. St. Philomena teaches us that with God, we can endure even the most daunting difficulties.