Did you know that Saint Philomena is the only person raised to the state of public veneration based entirely on the miracles performed through her intercession? Saint Philomena, whose name means Daughter of Light, is a revered figure in the Church, known for her purity and martyrdom. She is a saint like no other, the only person in history recognised as a saint solely on the basis of her intercessory miracles. Unlike other saints, there was no written historical record of her life when she was raised to the altar of the Church.

Due to the numerous miracles taking place at her tomb, Pope Gregory XVI raised Philomena to the state of public veneration based entirely on the miracles performed through her intercession on January 13, 1837. Altars and churches could be built and consecrated in her honour, and a Mass was also granted in her honour. In the year 1802, workers discovered a tomb in the catacombs of Saint Priscilla in Rome.

Inside the tomb were the remains of a young girl and a vial of dried blood. Affixed to the tomb were three terracotta slabs with Latin graffiti. Rearranged, they read, Pax tecum Philomena, meaning, Peace be with you, Philomena.

There were also symbols of a lily, arrows, an anchor, and a palm, identifying her as an early Roman virgin martyr in the tradition of Saints Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, and Cecilia. According to private revelation and tradition, Saint Philomena was a young Christian virgin of noble birth who lived during the early century. Her beauty and virtue attracted the attention of a Roman emperor who desired to marry her.

However, Philomena, devoted to her faith and vow of virginity, rejected his advances. The emperor, angered by her refusal, subjected her to torture and imprisonment. Despite the severe trials she faced, including beatings and imprisonment, Philomena remained steadfast in her faith.

Her miraculous endurance and the intervention of divine aid during her suffering became known through numerous reports. Eventually, Philomena was executed for her refusal to renounce her Christian beliefs. Various popes, saints, and blessed individuals have expressed their strong devotion to Saint Philomena, including Saint Padre Pio and Saint John Vianney, who developed a personal relationship with Saint Philomena and frequently invoked her miraculous intercession.

Whenever he needed something done, he turned to Saint Philomena to intercede for him. To this day, Saint Philomena intercedes for many souls and the numerous faithful who visit her shrine to pray before her relics.

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