The
Life and Miracles of Saint Philomena, Virgin and Martyr,
is available online for free here.
You
can also read about Philomena's story at Philomena.org.
That link also includes a list of Saints who had a devotion to
Philomena, including the holy Saint Jean Vianney, also known as the
Cure of Ars, France, who is the patron of all priests everywhere. You
cannot read a biography of the Cure without learning of his intense
devotion to this Saint and how it helped his own piety and the piety
of his parishoners.
We have so much confidence in her intercession, which is the reason why when you leave a prayer request with us, we write it on a slip of paper and leave it at the foot of our Saint Philomena statue. We have seen this Saint work so many miracles in our lives in this way. Leave a prayer request with us
We
have extracted the various miraculous stories from the book “Saint
Philomena the Wonder-Worker” by Father Paul O'Sullivan, and put
them on this webpage that you're on right now (just scroll down) for easier access.
Saint
Philomena is an extremely important saint because of the great number
of miracles that take place for those who pray to her, for any
problem, big or small; and because she is patroness of so many things
that effect everyone:
financial
difficulties,
impossible
causes,
forgotten
causes,
lost
causes,
desperate
causes,
for joy,
for happiness,
youth,
children,
for a happy childhood or for those who did not have a happy childhood,
babies,
safe
child delivery,
pregnancy,
the
innocent,
court
trials,
personal
trials to endure,
mental
illness/the mentally ill,
against
mental illness,
the
sick,
bodily
pains,
any
pain or disease of any type in any organ or body part,
for
happiness in life,
for
joy in life,
for
joy despite trials in life,
for
peace despite trials in life,
for
hope,
Children
of Mary,
Living
Rosary,
newborns,
infants,
against
barrenness,
against
sickness,
the
poor,
priests,
prisoners,
students,
teachers,
for
happy accomplishments,
against
curses of envy,
against
curses of hatred,
against
curses of anger,
for
creativity,
for
learning new skills or new information,
for
creating high quality work, any type of work, any field of work,
for
knowledge of one's vocation in life, purpose in life, what work will make us happy to do,
what life path God wants us on that will make us happy, what life path to avoid,
time management, having time to pray as well as time to do everything else without anxiety,
organization,
of encouragement,
for
programmers,
for
creatives (artists, writers, painters, sculptors, photographers, designers, etc.),
for
engineers,
anything cerebral,
anything mathematical,
anything digital,
anything spiritual,
anything mechanical,
anything organic,
anything aesthetic,
animal care,
plant care,
child care,
spiritual direction, for spiritual directors, to help priests know how to spiritually direct parishioners, for parents to understand how to spiritually direct their children,
for
businesses,
for
employees,
for employers,
test
takers,
victims of abuse, emotional abuse, psychological abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse, spiritual abuse, familial abuse, abusive relationships, abusive friendships, being discarded or treated in an inhumane way,
recovery from abuse,
releasing/forgetting bad memories when they are no longer relevant and are trapping us in pain,
relief from pain, physical pain, psychological pain, spiritual pain, emotional pain, relationship or environmental pain, vice/sin,
health and healing,
healing of any type of disease, physical or spiritual disease; for trusting in God during trial/hardships/suffering,
spiritual protection, physical protection, psychological and emotional protection, and trusting in God during trials/hardships,
PTSD sufferers, victims of violence, victims of rape, victims of attempted rape,
those in charge of caring for PTSD sufferers,
those in charge of taking care of those with any mental/emotional/spiritual disorders,
broken
families,
forgiveness
within families,
uniting
families,
happiness
within families,
friendship
within famlies,
friendship,
those
who are or feel alone,
conversions,
forgiving
children,
forgiving
parents,
forgiving
spouse,
appreciation
of family members,
appreciation
within families,
grace
of appreciation of God (a grace that leads to happiness and wards off depression and anxiety and rage; we have to appreciate how God works in our lives; without the grace to appreciate Him and His blessings, God removes His blessings),
against
wars (both internal, personal, and day-to-day life, including within
the office, within families, among friends, etc.),
newly
weds,
married
couples,
marrying
the right person/avoiding marrying the wrong person,
for
bringing the right people together in relationships and for avoiding
the wrong people in relationships of any kind,
avoiding
evil company that will end up betraying/wounding us or corrupting
us,
exorcisms, deliverance, spiritual warfare,
avoiding
bad people who try to appear to be good,
of
people lied to,
against
unwarranted mistrust,
leading
us to people who are sincerely holy, whom we can trust, and the grace to continue to trust in God during hardships, trials, sufferings, with those who aren't sincerely holy or trustworthy,
healing Pharisee behavior when they turn to Philomena themselves/for sincere love of God/for healing superiority complex,
against
narcissists, against narcissism, to avoid narcissists or developing narcissism,
against
controlling behavior, against controlling others, against attempting to control others or things beyond our control, against delusions of control,
against
delusions,
for healing/exorcising narcissism (in those suffering from it who themselves turn their narcissism over to her),
against
psychopaths, to avoid developing psychopathy, to avoid psychopaths, against psychopathy,
for healing/exorcising psychopathy (in those suffering from it who themselves turn their psychopathy over to her),
against
emotional numbness from abuse,
Christian victims of persecution, social persecution, persecution by government, persecution by family, persecution by friends, persecution by anti-Christians, physical persecution, verbal persecution, legal persecution, psychological persecution,
victims of betrayal,
victims of being discarded,
victims of adultery,
against
insincerity,
against
histrionics,
against
jealousy,
those
suffering under the burden of the sin of jealousy/envy,
pagans,
for
those suffering under the burden of sin,
for
those suffering under personality disorder,
against
obsessions,
against
addictions,
for
sincerity (without which there can be no love),
victims
of dominance,
victims
of sexual abuse (physical, psychological, spiritual),
victims
of lust,
those
suffering with sexual addiction (to liberate them, help them
overcome addiction and bad decisions that result from addiction),
victims
of any kind of abuse (big or small abuse, spiritual abuse,
psychological torture),
victims
of shame curses,
victims
of the occult,
of
those who are tempted to use the occult (including astrology,
numerology, tarot, fortune tellers/witchdoctors, New Age, yoga,
ouija, sex magick, wicca, contacting spirits, seances, communicating
with unknown spirits/ghosts, curses, “spells,” etc.) or
blaspheme (taking God's Name in vain, using His Name as a
curse/swear, etc.), which opens immediate doors to demonic activity
and destruction in our lives, but turn to Philomena instead to
experience the supernatural,
sufferers
of those under the sin of playing with the occult,
to
close dangerous spiritual doors that occultists opened,
for
miracles,
against
nihilism,
against
mercilessness,
against
materialism (belief in only the material world),
against
atheism,
for
those suffering under the burden of sins of impurity,
against
bad memories,
against
irrational or violent emotions,
for
those suffering under the burden of rage,
against
rage,
for
victims of rage,
against
peacelessness,
for
a good night's rest,
against
nightmares,
for
good dreams, for holy and meaningful dreams,
against misleading dreams, against spiritual attacks during dreams,
for quality sleep (which prevents depression, anxiety, disorders),
of
those who are victimized by those around them or materialistic
society and only view themselves as objects or as discardable or
worthless (to rehabilitate them so they see themselves as beloved
children of God),
of
those suffering with self-loathing (to liberate, rehabilitate them),
of
those suffering with hatred of anyone (to liberate them),
against
self-pity (which traps us in torments of the past),
against
dehumanization,
for
those who dehumanize others (to liberate them of this sin),
for
those with control problems (controlling other people, or people who
suffer with dependency disorders),
for
leading us to God's Mercy,
for
leading us to understand God better and in a personal way,
for
strength,
for
patience,
for
love of God,
for
the graces of humility, purity and sincerity which bring us to God
and grant us His joy and peace,
against
worldliness (which causes so much anxiety and sorrow and hate and
division),
for
the grace to adhere to God's will which will bring us joy and peace,
for
the grace to remain faithful to God's Will even when it isn't
logical by human standards,
following
God's Will even in fear of suffering,
following
God's Will even when those we love most persuade us to do otherwise,
How
to Honor Saint Philomena and so Obtain Her Help
Her
Cord
From
the very beginning of the devotion to St. Philomena, the use of her
cord was one of the many ways by which the Saint was honored and her
protection secured. We know for instance that the holy Curé of Ars
blessed and distributed them himself. The Confraternity of the Cord
of St. Philomena is now approved of by the Congregation of Rites and
is enriched with many indulgences.
The
cord is white and red and may be made of either linen, wool or cotton
threads so interwoven as to give an almost equal preponderance to the
two colors, the one representing virginity, the other martyrdom.
The
use of the cord has become very popular, for it has been the means of
working innumerable miracles and obtaining thousands of cures. It is
used by the sick, by those in tribulations, by those who are fighting
against temptations -- and always with the most amazing results. It
is a protection against evils and accidents of every kind. The
formula of blessing the cord is that found in the Roman Ritual.
Attestations like the following are innumerable.
The
Superioress of a well-known convent affirms: "St. Philomena is
just a wonder. For the past four years I have given her cord to a
great number of sick, including some members of our own community.
All were cured, excepting two or possible three, and in these few
cases it indeed seemed clear that the best thing for them was to go
to our good God."
The
Mother Superior of the Reparation Convent in C. . . : "For years
back I have had recourse to St. Philomena in all my needs. I was
myself threatened with a most serious operation, but I put on the
cord, and thank God, there was no further need of an operation. Now I
go to her for everything."
A
young lady declares: "My confidence in St. Philomena is intense.
I never fail to recommend her devotion. I was grievously ill and put
on her cord, which restored me to health."
A
priest declares: "I was very ill and had great reason to fear
the gravest consequences. I put on the cord of St. Philomena and
promised to promote devotion to her. It was enough; I was able to get
up the same day."
From
a nun: "One of our children fell dangerously ill and was
threatened with the gravest complications. We put on the cord of St.
Philomena on the little sufferer, who experienced immediate relief,
and in a few hours all danger had passed."
Children
who have been girded with the blessed cord of the Virgin Martyr have,
in those countless mishaps and accidents which are so frequent in the
case of the young, been most marvelously preserved from harm. Mothers
would do well to see that their little ones wear this blessed cord.
What dangers would they not escape!
These
are a few of the thousands of cases that we could quote, but they are
sufficient to show the extraordinary efficacy of the devotion.
Cords,
oil, and devotional items available through the Mugnano Shrine
website. http://www.philomena.us/
The
Oil of Saint Philomena
The
oil that has been used in the lamps burning before the statue of St.
Philomena is very frequently used by the sick, as we have seen in the
case of St. Gervais, Paris. Some anoint their eyes and have their
sight restored; some their limbs, which are strengthened; some their
ears, which recover their hearing. The oil taken from any lamp burned
before St. Philomena statue may be used. Relic oil from her shrine in Mugnano available from http://www.philomena.us/
Chapletof
Saint
Philomena
The
little Chaplet of St. Philomena consists of white beads, a token of
virginity, red beads, the sign of martyrdom, and a St. Philomena
medal. There are three white beads in honor of the Blessed Trinity,
in whose honor the holy virgin laid down her life. The red beads are
thirteen in number and signify the thirteen years that St. Philomena
lived on earth. This little Chaplet is one of the simplest ways of
praying to the Saint. [see the Appendix for prayers.] When saying it,
we may very properly ask, firstly, for the grace of purity, in honor
of the virginity of the Saint, who sacrificed life and honor in
defense of this angelic virtue. Secondly, we should do well to ask
for the strength and courage ever to do our duty, a virtue for which
she was so eminently distinguished and which she is so ready to
obtain for all her devoted clients.
This
great grace alone helps a Christian to arrive at the highest
sanctity, in the most practical and easy way.
Novenas A
novena to St. Philomena may be made by saying the beautiful Litany of
St. Philomena, or some other prayer to the Saint, for nine days in
succession. When the intention is very important, it is well to
assist at Mass and receive Communion during nine days.
Marvelous
results, too, are obtained by having a novena of Masses said in her
Sanctuary at Mugnano.
Medals
Many
clients of the Saint place great confidence in the use of her blessed
medals. These are easily obtained and are very pretty. Like every
other object used in connection with the Saint, they are of the
greatest efficacy. They have the special advantage of being easily
used and may be carried in one's pocket or attached to one's beads.
PicturesofSaint
Philomena
Great
graces have been obtained by venerating the Saint's pictures. These
have been placed in the living room or in bedrooms. Many favors have
been granted to those who keep a lamp burning before the picture,
even though this be lighted only one day in the week. It is well to
place these pictures near the sick and suggest to them the
extraordinary advantages of praying with confidence to this great
Saint, whose power has been very specially manifested in favor of the
sick and infirm. Countless cures are being daily granted in answer to
the simple but confident prayers of her devout clients.
We
can suggest nothing more calculated to please the Saint and secure
her powerful protection than the offering of a picture or statue to
some church or convent where a center of devotion to her may be thus
established. Many of her great sanctuaries have had this simple
beginning.
SpreadingDevotionto
SaintPhilomena
Another
very efficacious method of winning the love and friendship of the
"Dear Little Saint" is by spreading her devotion and making
her wonder-working power known far and wide.
The easiest
way of attaining this end is by distributing the Life or History of
the Saint to as large a number of people (particularly
Catholics) as
possible. It is almost impossible to peruse the simple narrative of
all the wonders she works and the favors she obtains without feeling
a powerful attraction and a warm affection for the dear Thaumaturga.
Those who spread her devotion may rest assured of her powerful
protection.
It
was on May 24, 1802 that the excavators came on a loculus that had
never been violated. Everything pointed to the fact that the chamber
was exactly as it had been when the precious remains were enclosed
there long centuries before. The discovery was looked upon from the
first as something remarkable, and the opening of the sarcophagus was
marked for the very next day, May 25.
On
arriving at the spot, the learned custodian noted that the vault was
walled up with three terra cotta slabs on which were depicted in red
the symbols of martyrdom. They bore the following inscription:
LUMENA
-- PAX TE -- CUM FI
It
would seem that the slabs had been misplaced, as happened so often in
the necessary haste of burial. The first slab should have been placed
in the third place and when this is done the description becomes at
once clear:
PAX
TE CUM FI LUMENA
PEACE
[BE] WITH YOU, PHILOMENA
This
"loculus" [tomb] is considered an excellent specimen of its
kind and is rendered exceedingly valuable by the inscription on it of
the very name of the Martyr whose remains were therein enclosed, a
fact of rare occurrence.
In
addition to this inscription, there were various emblems painted on
the slabs.
First,
there was an anchor which, from its resemblance to the Cross, was
looked on as an emblem of hope. It is also at times a sign of
martyrdom, as anchors were fastened to the neck of some of the
confessors when they were thrown into the sea. Some think that St.
Philomena was cast into the river Tiber.
Second,
there were two arrows, one pointing upwards and the other downwards.
These, too, might betoken the kind of death which the martyrs
suffered, as some were shot to death with arrows.
Third,
there was a lance, which might have had a similar significance.
Fourth,
there was a palm -- the emblem of the martyr's triumph.
Fifthly,
and lastly, there was a lily, an emblem of purity.
Upon
the opening of the tomb, the relics of a Virgin Martyr were found,
with a glass vase containing portion of her blood in a dried form.
The
dried blood found in vials close to the martyrs' resting places have
been subjected at various times to chemical tests and proved to be
blood. (3) In the case of the blood of St. Philomena we have a far
higher guarantee of its genuineness than any given by such process.
The wonders wrought daily in and by this precious relic, and
witnessed by countless pilgrims, as well as by keen ecclesiastical
experts, furnish us with a supernatural proof of the authenticity of
the relic.
The
bones, the ashes and the blood of the Saint were carefully placed in
a wooden case, which was closed and sealed in three places. This was
borne above ground, where it was again opened and minutely examined
by experts, among whom were doctors, surgeons and theologians.
The
skull was found to have been fractured. The bones were apparently
those of a girl, and the doctors surmised that she was twelve or
thirteen years of age.
Moving
Her Relics to Mugnano and Supernatural Phenomena Surrounding These
Events
Little
indeed is known historically of our Saint previous to her glorious
Martyrdom. Her real history commences when her blessed remains were
found in May of 1802 after having rested in the obscurity of the
Catacomb of St. Priscilla for upwards of 1,700 years.
After
the final examination of the relics, a document was made out and
placed in the case containing the remains. This was once more closed
and sealed and deposited in the chapel or treasury where the bodies
of saints and martyrs were kept, awaiting the Holy Father's orders
for bestowal on some church. Three years later, namely, in 1805, the
Bishop of Potenza arrived in Rome, accompanied by a humble priest
from Mugnano del Cardinale, a village not far from Naples, in the
diocese of Nola. During his stay in the Eternal City this good
priest, Don Francisco di Lucia, did all in his power to achieve the
body of some Virgin Martyr for his church. To this end, he obtained
permission to visit the Treasury of Relics, where at first he was
perfectly unmoved. As he approached, however, the spot where the
relics of St. Philomena were deposited, an indescribable emotion took
possession of him, and he felt all at once a burning desire to obtain
these precious remains.
Insurmountable
difficulties arose. It was against the custom to bestow such
treasures on a simple priest. His petition was absolutely and
irrevocably refused. An intimate friend of his, seeing his distress,
succeeded by personal influence in getting for him the body of
another Saint, which he reluctantly accepted, in lieu of what he so
earnestly craved for. During the negotiations for the relics, Don
Francisco was consumed with fever, lost all appetite, and fell
seriously ill. The Bishop of Potenza became seriously alarmed for his
life.
One
evening, while the good priest was brooding over his disappointment,
a sudden inspiration came on him: He promised to take St. Philomena
as his special patron and to take her to Mugnano, if only he could
get possession of her relics. He was instantaneously cured. Both he
and the Bishop were convinced that the cure was a miracle of the
Saint. Shortly after, the apparently insuperable difficulties were
removed and Don Francisco became the happy possessor of the ashes,
the bones, and the blood of St. Philomena.
From
this moment forward began an uninterrupted series of miracles and
wonders, the like of which have been rarely or perhaps never seen in
the history of the Church. The sick were healed, the dying restored
to health, sinners were converted, and evil-minded men punished.
Prodigies the most extraordinary, graces the most abundant, blessings
the most copious were the daily fruits of the Little Saint's
intercession.
The
Bishop and Don Francisco, deeply grateful for the latter's wonderful
cure, promised to take the holy relics in their own carriage and give
them the place of honor. The day of departure arrived. The bustle and
fuss of preparation drove the promise out of the heads of the
travellers. One thing, however, they made perfectly sure of and that
was that the relics were safe. They were placed under the seat
occupied by the Bishop and securely fastened. Scarcely, however, had
His Lordship taken his place in the carriage when he felt sharp blows
on his legs. He was forced to get out, and gave orders to the
coachman to fasten the box more securely. It was, however, perfectly
clear to all present that he case was as secure as it could possibly
be. Nothing could displace it. Very much surprised, His Lordship
resumed his seat, but the blows became so violent that he was once
more forced to relinquish his place and leave the carriage. This gave
occasion to new discussions and further examination. All now saw for
themselves that the case was so well fastened that not even the
violent jolting of the carriage could move it, yet the carriage had
not moved a single pace. For the third time the Bishop took his seat
-- but in vain. Again he was smitten sharply on the legs and so
severely hurt that he beat a hasty retreat, declaring that on no
condition would he travel with the box where it was: "Rather,"
said he, "will I take it in my arms all the way." It was
removed and given the place of honor in the front of the carriage,
whereupon all trouble ceased, and the journey was begun. Only now did
our travellers recollect their promise, and at once recognized, in
the unaccountable blows, the wish of the Saint that her rights should
be respected. Full of reverence and awe, these holy men took off
their hats and, with cheeks bedewed with tears, tenderly and
repeatedly kissed the blessed relics.
The
rest of the journey to Naples was happily made. Our travelers lodged
in the house of a good friend, where the relics were encased in a
statue of the Saint specially made for the purpose, and this in turn
was placed in a casket of precious wood.
The
lady of the house, who was suffering from an incurable disease of
long standing, proceeded with the help of others to robe the statue
in precious garments. While they were thus engaged, the face of the
statue was seen to undergo repeated changes of expression, and the
relics exhaled a most delightful perfume. Before leaving the family
which had given her so warm a reception, St. Philomena restored to
perfect health the good lady of the house, to the great joy of her
friends, who had entertained the gravest fears for her life.
From
Naples to Mugnano
After
a short delay in Naples, our travelers resumed their journey towards
Mugnano, where the news of their approach caused the liveliest
emotion and the good people gathered in crowds to welcome their
celestial Patron.
Various
prodigies occurred during the short journey, which was made on foot
and during the night. Finding the darkness too intense to proceed,
the bearers of the casket called on the blessed Martyr for help.
Immediately a small break in the clouds allowed the light of the moon
to fall on the road around the little procession, which was thus
enabled to proceed with perfect safety.
Later
on, as the procession was passing Cimitile, the relics became
unaccountably heavy, causing the bearers great difficulty in carrying
them. Cimitile in olden days had been the scene of countless
martyrdoms and the saint wished, it would seem, to tarry a little
near the glorious battlefield bathed by the blood of her fellow
martyrs.
The
whole neighborhood was at this time suffering from drought, and the
cry arose from the multitudes that came flocking from all parts to
welcome the Saint: "If she really wishes to show her power, let
her get us the rain we so much need." Almost immediately,
torrents of rain poured down, to the delight of the peasant-folk, who
saw in the fact a manifest answer to their prayer.
Still
more striking was another prodigy. The group of travelers bearing the
relics arrived in Mugnano as the dawn was breaking over the hills.
The roads were now thronged with crowds gathered together from all
the neighborhood. It was necessary to pause while the enormous throng
was being mustered for the procession. At this moment, a mighty
whirlwind arose and came sweeping over the hillside. So appalling was
this tempest that the people were terror-stricken. The cry arose on
all sides: "God and St. Philomena save us!" One of the
priests, addressing the frightened people, bade them fear nothing,
for the storm was stirred up by the demons, who recognized in Saint
Philomena the same dauntless Virgin who had so confounded them 17
centuries before and who was now coming again to put them to shame
and snatch from them their victims. Still the wind shrieked and
whistled in the most alarming way, approaching rapidly the spot where
the relics were resting. Here it suddenly stopped, as if held at bay
by an invisible power, and instead of sweeping past, as one would
naturally have supposed, it mounted into the air and disappeared.
Again and again it recommenced with relentless fury during the
procession, but it was powerless to do the slightest harm to the
people. All were amazed at its manifest impotence, for it failed to
extinguish a single one of the lights that were borne by the side of
the relics. For two whole days, this weird wind howled on the
neighboring hills. Satan foresaw the graces that were to be so
plentifully showered on this favored neighborhood and vented his rage
in a vain display of baffled hate and fury.
A
great change soon became visible in Mugnano. Blessings were granted
in rich abundance; miracles of all kinds showed the wondrous power of
the Saint; the faith of the people grew in intensity; and the
Sanctuary soon became known far and wide by reason of the marvelous
favors accorded to the pilgrims who flocked to the feet of the Little
Saint.
Trigger warning: attempted/planned rape, violent murder, psychopathic behavior directed towards Christians, psychopathic behavior directed towards children.
Saint
Philomena was born of noble parents at Nicopolis in Macedonia in 289
A.D. Her father was Governor of the province. He and his wife were
pagans, but on the day of their daughter’s baptism they were
baptized also.
In
baptism, the child received the name of Philomena, the Well-Beloved,
or Daughter of Light. When the aged priest poured the saving water on
the child’s head, the Spirit of God descended on him, and he
prophesied like Zacharias of old concerning the future of the one
just regenerated in the water and the Holy Ghost. He could not
refrain from adopting the words of Holy Writ, “All generations
shall call me blessed,” to Philomena, and, turning to her mother, a
cloud of sadness swept over his face when he said, “And your own
soul a sword shall pierce.” But she understood not the meaning of
these words.
Years
passed in happiness and peace for the parents. The child grew in
wisdom and virtue, and they marveled at the glorious workings of
grace in the little maiden’s soul. She was quite unlike other
children: her conversation was in heaven. She showed a supernatural
knowledge of the mysteries of faith. The sacred books were to her as
a garden from which she culled the choicest flowers. She would often
perplex her instructors with her questions concerning heavenly
things. But an aged servant of the house, a saintly woman, Macrina,
who had gone through the crucible of severe trials for the faith and
who was well grounded in it, proved herself a wise teacher and
faithful guardian of the child. Macrina was especially solicitous to
instill into the girl’s soul a firm faith in and a tender love for
our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. This was the fountain from which
she herself had drawn the courage and strength to persevere in the
practice of the most heroic virtue. And when after years of patient
instruction and fervent prayer, she noticed that her pupil was well
grounded in the knowledge of and devotion to this Mystery of Love,
and had been rewarded in return with a desire of consecrating her
virginity to God, the good soul wept for joy. This vow Philomena was
permitted to make soon after her first communion. Her heart inflamed
with an ardent love of God and with her life, one of innocence and
purity, she longed for the palm of martyrdom. To shed her blood for
Christ, to die for Him who had died for her, was her sole desire. She
was well versed in the legends of the Christian virgins who had
gained a martyr’s crown in the persecutions of bygone years, and
her soul was charmed especially by the example of Agnes, whose
triumph, achieved not very long ago, was still the theme of praise
and admiration in Christian circles.
One
warm summer’s night, while contemplating the stars and elevating
her heart to the bliss beyond them, she was overcome by sleep. In the
prophetic dream which was vouchsafed her, she saw a countless number
of virgins clad in white robes, with palms in their hands, and heard
them sing a hymn which filled her soul with exquisite melody. One of
the virgins bent over her, and she recognized dear Saint Agnes, who
beckoned her to approach nearer and to follow that radiant company.
But she was unable to do so, because between them and her lay the
sea, and a furious dragon prevented her from joining the procession.
Next
morning, when she told Macrina her dream, the trusty servant smiled,
took the roll of Holy Writ from its place and read to her: “After
this I saw a great multitude, which no man could number, of all
nations and tribes, and peoples and tongues, standing before the
throne, and in sight of the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms
in their hands. And they cried with a loud voice, saying: Salvation
to our God who sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb. And all the
angels stood round about the throne, and the angels, and the four
living creatures; and they fell down before the throne upon their
faces, and adored God, saying: Amen. Benediction, and glory, and
wisdom, and thanksgiving, honor, and power, and strength to our God
for ever and ever, Amen. And one of the ancients answered, and said
to me: These that are clothed in white robes, who are they? and where
did they come from? And I said to him: My Lord, you know. And he said
to me: These are they who come out of great tribulation, and have
washed their robes, and have made them white in the blood of the
Lamb. Therefore they are before the throne of God, and they serve him
day and night in his temple; and he that sits on the throne shall
dwell over them; they shall no more hunger nor thirst, neither shall
the sun fall on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb, which is in the
midst of the throne, shall rule them, and shall lead them to the
fountains of the waters of life, and God shall wipe away all tears
from their eyes.” (Apocalypse 7:7, 19)
“My
dear Philomena,” she continued, “in the procession you saw the
holy martyrs, and the one that beckoned to you was Saint Agnes. May
you happily cross the sea of tribulation, and gain the victory over
the dragon.”
Marcellinus,
the holy Pope, occupied the chair of Saint Peter in Rome. It was the
year 302 of the Christian era. The Roman empire was under the sway of
Diocletian, whose name will be synonymous with cruelty to the end of
time. Instigated by his son-in-law, Galerius, he inaugurated the most
cruel persecution which had so far befallen the Christians. While
Diocletian and Maximinian attempted to annihilate the Christians in
the West, Galerius devastated the East with still greater fury. He
caused thousands of Christians to be murdered, and seemed determined
to exhaust every means of cruelty in order to attain his end. Neither
place nor time, nor age nor sex, were sacred to him. A contemporary
writes: “If I had a hundred tongues I should not be able to
describe the atrocities and cruelties perpetrated against the
Christians by Galerius.”
All
Asia Minor was filled with consternation at the news of the furious
persecutions. The emissaries of the tyrant found their way into the
remotest villages and smallest hamlets in the execution of the
emperor’s commandments. Nicopolis did not escape the universal
storm. The Christian community there was small, but its members were
well known, the more so because Calistos, the chief Christian
(Philomena’s father), occupied so eminent a position. His
territory, it is true, did not belong to the Roman empire, but
Galerius soon found a pretext for sending troops there. In this
strait, Calistos assembled his council and, after due deliberation,
it was deemed best that he should go to Rome and place his government
under the protection of Diocletian, the chief emperor. At all events
it seemed easier to obtain justice of him than of fickle Galerius.
Preparations
for the journey were made at once. Eutropia, the Governor’s wife,
insisted on accompanying him and, as they could not think of parting
with their dear child Philomena, now thirteen years of age, they took
her along. The voyage was safely accomplished and they reached Rome
in the beginning of July. Calistos immediately took steps to secure
an audience with the emperor and, with the help of various presents
to the officers of the imperial household, he succeeded. A day was
set when the emperor would receive him.
Ever
since Diocletian had proclaimed himself the lord over life and death,
an audience with the emperor was a great risk; it might cost a
person’s life. He was the supreme master of his subjects’ lives
and death. His throne was continually surrounded by a guard of
pretorians and lictors, armed with their fasces and axes, watching
for a sign from their master to put them to immediate use. As with
his predecessors, love of power had become a mania with Diocletian.
He thought him self a god and exacted divine honors and worship from
the slavish creatures about his throne. About this time, this mania
had developed, in consequence of circumstances attending the
martyrdom of Saint Vitus and others, into a blind fury suggestive of
demoniac obsession, and it is a well-known fact that his son died
actually possessed by a devil. Conscience upbraided the tyrant, and
nocturnal visions disturbed his sleep. The victims of his tyranny
appeared to him in his dreams, and thereby he was driven to such a
frenzy that he ordered the murder of his best friends.
It
is obvious that under these circumstances Calistos had reason to
tremble at the thought of the audience. But when he was admitted,
together with his wife and child, into the emperor’s presence,
Diocletian was exceptionally in good humor. To impress the strangers
with his greatness and supreme dignity, he received them in his
throne hall dressed as Jupiter and bearing the attributes of that
false deity. His predecessors, Caligula and Heliogabalus, also had
loved to play with these symbols of divine power. He was surrounded
by the dignitaries of the empire and by the lictors.
As
Calistos, Eutropia his wife, and their child, Philomena, entered the
hall, a suppressed murmur escaped those present, called for the by
the appearance of the child. Just budding from childhood into
womanhood, the maiden was of dazzling beauty. Like a figure from a
higher sphere, she glided into the hall, clad in a beautiful white
garment, and impressing all present with her virginal purity and
nobility of soul as well as with her personal beauty. The emperor
also felt the influence of her presence and, with friendly mien,
invited the strangers to approach, inquiring for the cause of their
coming.
Calistos
respectfully stated his case and the emperor listened composedly. But
when in the course of his statement the Governor confessed that he
was a Christian, Diocletian’s features underwent an ominous change.
Nevertheless, he suffered him to conclude his address, meanwhile
intently regarding Philomena. The virgin could not but feel an
indefinable dread at his looks, and a glow of color rose to her face
whilst her eyes modestly sought the floor. When Calistos had
finished, Diocletian cast a knowing glance at his courtiers and said:
“Hark,
Calistos! It was quite superfluous to be so profuse in your
statement. The proposition embodied in it is simply as follows: you
fear that our co-emperor, Galerius, to whom we have entrusted the
eastern empire, is about to take the city Nicopolis and to transfer
from your full coffers the wealth which he so sorely needs. This fear
is well founded, for I cannot but admire my son-in-law’s cunning,
and only wonder that you were so long in discovering this fact. There
is not the slightest reason for accusing us of injustice in this
proceeding, for we are the lords of the Roman empire, and
consequently of the world. Your possessions, in comparison with ours,
are like a grain of sand compared with the ocean. What can the
sand-grain do against the power of the waves? Its absorption is a law
of nature: the right of might. True, you are entitled to resistance
and can array your army against us; but what can a mouse do against a
lion? And as you, with all your army, are but like a mouse in
comparison with Galerius and his hosts, it is just that he
annihilate you.” And turning to his courtiers he inquired: “Am I
not right?”
“Well
said, imperial lord!” was the unanimous response. “You spoke like
a hero, like a god.”
Calistos
stood trembling with indignation at such mean treatment, but
conscious of his inability to retaliate, he invoked God’s help
secretly in his heart. Diocletian continued: “This is one view of
the matter. But there is an aggravating circumstance: you profess the
faith of the Nazarene. You are a Christian, Calistos, are you not?”
“Yes,
I am a Christian!” Calistos courageously replied.
“And
your wife, is she also Christian?”
“I
am!” modestly answered Eutropia.
“And
you, little one,” the emperor said to Philomena, “are you, too,
infected with the poison? Do you adore the Nazarene?”
All
eyes were intent on the maiden when she solemnly replied: “Yes, I
adore Him whom you call the Nazarene. I was consecrated to Him from
my birth, and shall belong to Him who is my God and Saviour in time
and eternity.”
A
murmur of dissent swept through the hall. Diocletian’s features
darkened as he said: “You have all heard it: they are Christians,
adherents of that damnable sect against which we have published our
edicts and which we are resolved to annihilate. Hence Galerius has
not only the power, but it is his duty to trample in the dust this
lot of conspirators. This being the case, I cannot understand,
Calistos, how you could dare to approach my throne and invoke my aid
against my son-in-law Galerius. You remind me of the man who, to
escape the claws of the tiger, took refuge in the jaws of the lion.
Well done, indeed! Ha, ha, ha!” The courtiers dutifully joined in
their master’s mirth.
Calistos
felt his courage ebbing away. He clearly saw the impending danger and
shuddered. He resolved to have recourse to a last means to appeal to
the emperor’s vanity. He said: “True enough. I was well aware
that I was about to enter the lion’s den when I resolved to appeal
to you. You were pleased to compare yourself to a lion, and one of
the foremost traits of the animal is magnanimity; while it is ever
ready to engage in combat, it disdains to swallow a mouse. Thus it is
also unworthy of your prowess to send the legions that subdued the
nations of the earth and carried the renown of your name beyond the
seas to conquer a city which is unable to resist them. Let robbers do
this, but let not the glorious page of history which contains the
record of your deeds be defiled by such an undertaking.”
“You
speak well,” replied Diocletian, “your comparison is good. It
shall be as you wish: the lion disdains to swallow the mouse. You
shall announce our generosity to your whole people. I shall induce my
son-in-law to spare you and your’s! I take you under my protection,
and during your sojourn in Rome, you are my guest.”
“Accept
my most sincere thanks,” answered Calistos, greatly relieved that
his little strategem had succeeded. “I am your servant,” he
continued, falling at the emperor’s feet.
But
he told him to rise and said: “To prove your gratitude for the
great favor I bestowed on you, we hope you will grant us the wish we
are about to express, and which, moreover, will redound to your great
honor.”
“Ask
what you will, most gracious lord! If it is in my power to grant it,
I shall do so.”
“Well
said. I take you at your word. I ask you for the hand of your
daughter.”
An
ominous silence followed these words. The courtiers looked dubiously
at each other, and Calistos was so overwhelmed that he was unable to
speak. “Why do you not answer? I think such an offer should render
you extremely happy,” remarked Diocletian.
“True,
you overwhelm me with honor; such an offer exceeds my most sanguine
expectations. But pardon me if I remark that your imperial majesty
was pleased to jest,” answered Calistos.
“To
jest? By no means! I was pleased with your daughter, for nowhere have
I found beauty comparable to hers. I love her, and shall not rest
until she is mine.”
“Ineffable
honor, most gracious lord! How shall we ever be able to thank you for
such condescension?”
“Do
not speak of condescension. I love her, and that is sufficient. Am I
not at liberty to choose my wives wherever I wish? Am I not the lord
of the world? I choose your daughter. She shall share my throne and
you, instead of being a petty prince in a semi-barbarous country,
shall be among the first in my empire. This is my imperial will; thus
have I decreed and thus shall it be. The offer is an acceptable one,
is it not?”
“If
you are really in earnest, my lord, we prostrate ourselves before
you, and filled with gratitude, kiss your hands.”
“That
is unnecessary. Your consent is sufficient. Of course, your wife is
of the same mind?”
“I
agree with whatever my lord Calistos says and does. And, moreover,
how could a mother refuse so great an honor for her child?”
“Well
said. Now, we have only to hear what the young lady has to say. You
have heard, Philomena, the proposition I have made: do you consent to
become my wife?”
With
palpitating heart, and with a deathly paleness over spreading her
features, the child regarded her mother, who beckoned to encourage
her, and said: “O mother, I cannot say yes!”
Diocletian
persisted: “What answer am I going to have?”
“I
beg your pardon, most gracious lord,” remarked Calistos; “our
child is overwhelmed at the great happiness in store for her. She is
unable to find words, and it will be necessary to give her time to
compose her mind. Tomorrow she will gladly give her consent.” The
emperor assented, and dismissed them.
Philomena’s
parents had educated her for heaven; yet it was their desire that she
should accept Diocletian’s offer, for they knew very well that by a
refusal they would incur his displeasure with all its disastrous
consequences. “Remember, my child,” Calistos addressed her, “what
a splendid opportunity of doing good you shall have at the side of
this mighty monarch. Sharing his throne, you will be able to protect
your Christian brethren from persecution. Perhaps you shall even
convince him of the truth of the Christian religion and convert him.
Then the continual massacre of Christians will cease, the Church will
flourish in peace and coming generations will call you blessed.”
But
Philomena remained firm, and replied with a heavenly wisdom quite
beyond her years: “Dear father, you allow yourself to become a
victim of illusion; your hopes will never be realized. So deeply is
Diocletian sunken in depravity that he is impenetrable to higher
emotions. Instead of elevating himself at my side to the sublime
heights of Christian truth, he would seek to draw me down with him
into the abyss of corruption. Instead of saving him, I would be
exposed to the danger of becoming his associate in crime, and the
blood of the victims of his wrath would cry out against me, too. May
the Lord preserve me from such a fate! Moreover, you cannot sever the
sacred bond which binds me to the Lord. Well do you know that three
years ago, I vowed my virginity to Him on the happy day of my first
communion.”
“You
were then of too tender an age to know the importance of the step you
took. A vow made at such an age does not bind.”
“Far
be it from me to take advantage of such an excuse. I knew well what I
did when I followed her example whom we salute as the Mother of the
Redeemer and vowed my virginity to God. Did not she herself set the
example at a much earlier age in the temple at Jerusalem? No, no! I
shall never cancel my vow. I know but one spouse, our Lord Jesus
Christ.”
“But
consider that the man who claims you for his wife is Diocletian, the
mighty Roman emperor, the lord of the world. He will place a crown on
your brow and endow you with immeasurable wealth.”
“Great,
indeed, is Diocletian’s power and wealth; but who is he in
comparison with the Eternal King to whom I am betrothed? I renounce
Diocletian’s crown and choose for my part my Saviour’s crown of
thorns on earth, and in heaven the imperishable diadem of victory
promised to those who are faithful to Him. I renounce a wealth which
I must leave behind me one day, and seek the inexhaustible treasures
of heaven.”
“But
what if Diocletian, incensed at your refusal, turns his wrath against
us and destroys us? Remember, that our fate rests with him, that we
are entirely in his hands. Have you no consideration for us? Have you
effaced the last vestige of filial love from your heart?”
“It
is better to lose our lives here below and to be reunited in eternal
bliss than to try to avoid temporal death and thereby incur
everlasting punishment. Therefore I beseech you by the blood of
Christ to refrain from further effort to change my resolution of
remaining faithful to my heavenly spouse, Jesus Christ, even at the
cost of my life.”
A
heavenly halo seemed to surround the maiden as she spoke these last
words–words which no doubt were entered into the Recording Angel’s
book of life.
Less
firmly grounded in Christian principles than their daughter,
Philomena’s parents were too strongly wedded to the world to share
her sublime sentiments. Placed in the position of choosing between
the highest glory on earth and an ignominious death, they preferred
the former and hesitated not to influence their child to do the same.
Especially did her mother Eutropia beg her with tears and
blandishments to defer to Diocletian’s wish. Calistos, too, was
inconsolable. “What does it profit us now,” he exclaimed, “to
have received a daughter from the God of the Christians, when He is
about to take her away from us at the very moment when she is to
become our joy?” His faith, heretofore so firm, was shaken, and he
inclined more and more to use every means to induce Philomena to
submit. But all his efforts were of no avail.
In
the midst of these troubles Diocletian summoned them to receive their
answer to his proposal. They went with heavy hearts. The emperor
received them alone in a small but luxuriously furnished apartment.
Diocletian was seated at a table loaded with costly presents, such as
gold rings, bracelets, a diadem with precious stones of immense value
and a variety of other ornaments sufficient to captivate a thousand
girls. Like the tempter in the desert who said to our divine Saviour,
“All these will I give you, if falling down you will adore me,”
Diocletian offered these gifts to Philomena on the sole condition
that she marry him. He used every blandishment to influence her
decision and was zealously seconded by Calistos and his wife. But
Philomena remained firm; she refused the gifts and resisted all
endeavors to gain her consent. At length the emperor, who saw that
all his efforts were in vain, became furious and, violently pushing
away the table so that the costly gifts fell to the floor, he
approached the trembling maiden and exclaimed: “What, this stubborn
damsel dares to spurn an emperor’s love? You prefer a crucified Jew
to me, the lord of the world? I offered you my crown; you have
refused it and shalt repent of your obstinacy. I am accustomed to
have my will, and if a woman finds favor in my eyes I take her. With
you I made an exception and begged for your love. You have refused
me, and by the gods, you shall rue it!”
He
called to lictors, and pointing to Philomena, cried: “Take her,
cast her into the prison beneath my private apartment. She has dared
to spurn me, the equal of the gods!”
The
lictors proceeded to execute the emperor’s command. Philomena
trembled as the men stretched out their hands towards her. But
Calistos stood guard over his child and exclaimed: “Dare not touch
her, or you are dead men!” Eutropia fell at the emperor’s feet,
asking his pardon. “Have mercy on us,” she cried, “and do not
separate us from our dear child, or, if the decree is irrevocable,
let us die with her!”
“Die,”
laughed Diocletian, “who speaks of dying? Your daughter shall not
die, at least not presently. I only intend to give her time to
reconsider in prison her decision and to come to a more satisfactory
resolve. Perhaps isolation will bring her to her senses. If this be
not the case, I possess the means to turn her away from her love of
the Nazarene. But for your sake I shall order that no harm befall
her. As soon as she shall be ready to do as I wish, everything shall
be forgotten, and from out of the prison’s cell she shall ascend
the throne. But woe to her and you if she persists in her refusal!”
And
turning to the lictors, he cried: “Why do you stand there idle? Do
your duty!”
This
was easier said than done, for Calistos, a man of powerful build,
still guarded his child. Now one of the lictors ventured to lay hands
on her, but scarcely had he touched her, when a powerful blow felled
him to the floor. The father defended his child, and the other lictor
prudently retreated a few steps. Diocletian was amused at the
lictor’s defense and applauded Calistos. But the struggle had
brought on several other guardsmen. They overpowered him and led
Philomena away.
Ponderous
and strong iron doors had closed on Philomena. She was in prison. For
the first time in her life she was separated from her parents,
totally excluded from all interaction with human beings, alone with
her sorrow. She keenly felt the loneliness of her situation. Nature,
tested to the extreme power of endurance, finally succumbed under the
strain; grace, which had hitherto upheld and filled her with heroism,
seemingly abandoned her. Weeping, she fell on her knees, buried her
face in her hands and gave vent to her grief. Death-like silence
reigned in the dark cell, into which only a slender streak of light
found its way through a small opening high up in the wall. The walls
were damp and mouldy, an icy blast was wafted through the foul air,
and the straw couch on the stone floor seemed alive with gruesome
vermin. A large rat ventured near Philomena, and she shrieked loudly.
The terrors of her situation presented themselves to her in their
full reality. She saw the innocent pleasures of her youth vanished
for ever, her young life doomed before its promises were realized.
She contemplated the sorrow of her parents, whose tears she was not
permitted to dry without becoming unfaithful to God; she realized the
terrible dilemma to which she was reduced either to sacrifice her
filial love or to endanger the salvation of her soul. Prison, the
anguish of suffering either the repulsive endearments of a libertine,
or the torments of the rack and an ignominious and cruel death
confronted her like spectres.
After
the first paroxysm of grief had subsided, the poor child turned for
help and strength to God in prayer. Her soul soared up into the
presence of her divine Spouse and was penetrated with light and
consolation. Then she sank into a sweet slumber, and the dream she
had had three years ago again presented to her view the choir of
virgins clad in white garments following the Lamb with palms in their
hands. Again one of the virgins, younger and lovelier than the rest,
bent over her, saying: Do you not know me, dear sister? I am Agnes,
the spouse of Jesus Christ. Soon you, too, will join us.” And when
Philomena extended her hands towards the vision, her heavenly visitor
smiled. She awoke, and behold, on her hand she saw a drop of blood!
And
before her stood Diocletian, who addressed her, laughing: “Well, my
girl, have you slept well? I hope you have changed your mind during
the night. Am I right?”
Terrified
at the sound of the voice so detested by her, the maiden retreated to
the remotest corner of her prison cell and called aloud for help.
Nothing but the scornful laughter of her tormentor answered her.
“Cease
your noise, child! Nobody hears you. You are in my power, and even
your so-called spouse Jesus of Nazareth will scarcely be able to
deliver you. Therefore hear what I have to say. You are aware that I
offered you my hand in marriage, and I am still ready to redeem my
promise. Be sensible, do as I wish, or, by Jove! you shall not leave
this dungeon alive!”
“Have
mercy on me! Spare me, a mere child!” she cried. “By all that you
love and cherish, I implore you to leave me in peace!”
“You
shall have peace, tranquility and happiness in every shape–do but
accept my offer!”
“Never,
never!” she cried, lifting up her hands in terror, “I cannot.”
“Indeed
you can’t! And I will overcome your stubbornness. Until now I had
too much regard for you, because you art so delicate and tender. But
now my patience is exhausted. Either you consent to become my wife,
or I shall use violence and make you my slave. I am master of your
life and death.” Furious with rage he took hold of her arm and held
it as in a vise. The child trembled with fear and called aloud for
help. “Now you are in my power: yes or no?” cried the tyrant.
“No!
No! You shall never have part in me. I belong to my heavenly spouse.
O Jesus, protect Your servant!”
“Ha,
ha! She calls on the Nazarene!” laughed the emperor. “No doubt
but He will presently appear and deliver her. We shall see! Ha, ha,
ha!”
“Jesus,
help me!” sighed Philomena, trying with all her might to free
herself from the emperor’s hold. “Jesus, help!”
“Death
and damnation, witch!” suddenly cried the tyrant, letting go his
hold as if he had touched red-hot iron. He seemed beside himself, and
dancing round the cell wild with pain, cried: “I shall teach you to
give up your nefarious witch craft.” And furious with rage he left
her.
What
had happened? Had the “Nazarene” shown His power in favor of His
servant? Yes, the power of the name of Jesus had asserted itself and
baffled the tyrant, smiting and disabling him.
Scarcely
had Diocletian recovered his composure, which had been sorely shaken
by the sudden attack, than he ordered the poor child to be put in
heavy chains like a criminal, to prevent her from exercising her
“sorcery.” For the present, however, he ceased his visits, for
the pain he had experienced when laying hold of Philomena had been so
excruciating that he did not feel tempted to try the experiment
again.
Philomena’s
condition was now more pitiful than ever. The heavy chains which
weighed down her tender limbs bereft her of the power of motion.
Darkness and silence enveloped her, and she saw no one but the
prison-master, who brought her a jug of water and a piece of hard
bread every morning. Her parents were not permitted to visit her. In
this condition the poor child remained for thirty-seven days, her
only solace being prayer to her divine spouse. A supernatural peace
descended into her soul and confirmed her in her resolution to remain
faithful to her Saviour until death.
The
Apparition
Diocletian
might deny to human beings admission to the prison, but he could not
prohibit the appearance of heavenly visions. It was a warm summer’s
night. The emperor’s palace resounded with the revelry of drunken
courtiers, but silence deep and solemn reigned in Philomena’s
dungeon. She was absorbed in prayer. Suddenly she became aware of a
light brighter than the sun. It filled her cell, and from it stepped
forth the figure of a majestic lady bearing a child in her arms, and
her benignant countenance filled Philomena’s heart with heavenly
joy.
“Fear
not, Philomena,” said the vision. “I am she who was never invoked
in vain by anyone. I am Mary, your Mother. I came to announce to you
a glad message. Three days more, and your captivity ends. But a great
trial awaits you before then: have courage, however, for in the hour
of tribulation my Son’s grace shall mightily assist you. Moreover,
I commanded the angel who once announced to me the message of
salvation to watch over you. He will be at your side and never leave
you for a moment, until he shall have brought you to the throne of my
Son, where a crown awaits you. His name is Gabriel and his power will
do great things for you, for you are my well-beloved daughter for
whom my Son has prepared everlasting glory. Therefore be of good
cheer! Already the angels await your coming and your Spouse is ready
to meet you.” With these words the Blessed Virgin placed the divine
Child into Philomena’s arms, who embraced her and filled her heart
with joy.
While
the visit from heaven consoled the holy maiden in her prison, the
spirits of darkness took possession of the revelers in the emperor’s
banquet hall. Diocletian himself lay prostrate on a couch; he was
overcome by wine and was no longer able to sit up. Maximian, a
soldier of herculean size and strength, roared like a wild beast and
destroyed costly vases in his drunken fury. Daja, a semi-barbarous
Thracian, sang a Bacchanalian couplet; Sennon, the centurion of the
imperial body-guard, cursed fiercely and belabored with the shaft of
his spear his pretorians who lay about drunk.
Suddenly,
in the midst of a song, Daja stopped. A thought had entered his mind
which impelled him to rouse his imperial master from his torpor.
“Imperial lord,” he cried, “what news about tomorrow? Are there
no Christians to be tortured, no heads to be cut off, no rack to be
employed? Business is becoming slack and I am tired of Rome. In
Nicomedia, we have more diversions. Galerius is an inventive genius
when he sets his mind to torturing Christians.”
“Well
said, Daja,” replied Diocletian, with a heavy tongue. “I have a
piece of work for you. Philomena, the Christian, who spurned me, and
moreover made me feel her power of sorcery in the night of my visit,
must die.”
“And
die at once!” cried Daja. “Shall I go to the dungeon right off
and choke the witch to death?”
“Not
so fast, Daja!” answered Diocletian. “Death shall come to her by
degrees. Slow torture shall be her reward for spurning me, the
emperor.”
“What
punishment has your imperial majesty decreed for the contemptible
wretch?” inquired Maximian.
“I
think I shall condemn her to receive the same punishment which
Pontius Pilate decreed for the Nazarene: I shall have her scourged.
It is the most ignominious and cruel of all tortures. If she survives
we shall still have time for further proceedings against her.”
Loud
applause greeted this announcement. The rioters reveled in the
thought of feasting their eyes on the victim of the terrible
punishment in store for the delicate maiden. The morning had scarcely
dawned when Philomena was led forth from the dungeon, and after again
resolutely refusing Diocletian’s offer, she was taken to the inner
court of the palace and subjected to the unspeakable torture of the
scourge. This punishment was so severe that very often those
condemned to it died during its infliction. We therefore cannot but
admire the power of divine grace which sustained the life of this
tender child amid so cruel suffering.
The
execution of Diocletian’s cruel order ended. The holy maiden’s
tender body was covered with wounds, her blood had saturated the
floor and walls. Like her Saviour, there was not a sound spot on her
from the soles of her feet to the crown of her head. A few more
stripes and she would have fallen dead. Death would indeed have been
a mercy but she was not privileged to die as yet, and the scourging
was merely the beginning of her torture. She was released from the
pillar to which she had been bound, enveloped in a sheet, which was
soon dyed by her blood, and borne back to her dungeon. There she was
left alone in the expectation that she would be found a corpse in the
morning.
Who
can describe the jailer’s amazement when, instead of a corpse, he
next morning found the maiden in blooming health? All the wounds were
healed, the pain was gone and the bloody sheet alone gave evidence of
the sufferings of the day before. Her countenance shone like the sun,
and, rejoicing, she sang hymns. Two angels had appeared to her during
the night and poured a heavenly balm into her wounds, which healed at
once. They left her filled with supernatural consolation.
The
jailer hastened to inform the emperor of the unusual occurrence. He
had the maiden brought into his presence and was filled with
amazement on beholding her in perfect health and full vigor whom he
had seen covered with wounds and blood, and well-nigh dead the day
before. Unable, however, to recognize the hand of God in so
extraordinary an event, the resplendent beauty of his victim impelled
him to try again to persuade her to fulfill his wish.
“Behold,”
he said to her, “how the gods love you! Jupiter has decreed that
you shall find happiness at my side; therefore be docile and bow to
our imperial will. You have experienced how dangerous it is to oppose
us. We were compelled to have you chastised like a rebellious child.
Be wise now, and do not incur our displeasure a second time; rather
obey, and renounce the Nazarene, who proved to you his inability to
protect you.”
“Be
silent, unclean tyrant, and do not blaspheme my Saviour,” Philomena
replied. “I do not ask Him to deliver me from the torments which
you choose to have inflicted on me, but I implore His help to endure
them. The liberty which I crave is death. Cease, therefore, your vain
promises: I shall never consent to fulfill your wish. You cannot give
me true happiness, because you do not possess it yourself. You are a
mean wretch, and the vengeance of the Almighty, whose servants you
murder, will fall upon you before very long.”
Diocletian
frowned darkly. “Beware,” he said, “and guard your tongue. The
emperor is not accustomed to such speech.”
“Would
that my words would be conducive to your welfare, instead of rousing
your anger, and that you would learn to know Him whom you persecute
and who one day shall be your Judge.”
“Of
whom do you speak? Of Jesus, the Nazarene, the carpenter’s son,
your lover? I do not wish to know Him. Between Him and me there is
eternal hostility, combat and conflict to the end.”
“This
is true, alas! But who, think you, will gain the victory?”
“Foolish
question! How can you doubt? Where are now the followers of the
Nazarene? Their number is reduced to a mere handful, and these we
annihilate as fast as we discover them. Ha! a few months more and not
a single Christian shall be found in the whole Roman empire.”
Philomena
smiled pityingly. “Could you but look into the future, emperor!
Long after the last vestige of the Roman empire shall have been swept
from the face of the earth, the Christians will be as numerous as the
sands on the seashore. Millions will call reverently and adoringly on
the name of Jesus, whilst your name shall be detested by all who hear
it.”
“Cease
your impertinence,” fiercely cried Diocletian, “or I shall have
your malicious tongue cut out.”
But
Philomena minded not the tyrant. Like a prophetess she stood before
him, her eyes turned heavenward and her spirit borne beyond time and
space into the future.
“Yes,”
she exclaimed, “Jesus of Nazareth will triumph. His is the victory.
I behold its emblem, the cross, the sign of salvation, rising above
this city and shining in the clouds. Not one of your predecessors
persecuted the Christians as fiercely as you, but you shall be the
last of persecutors. The innocent blood shed by you cries aloud to
heaven for vengeance. Emperor and empire–both will be extirpated,
but the Church, the Saviour’s spouse which you think to have
destroyed, will spread and flourish.”
“Enough
of your insolence, audacious wench! I shall close your bold mouth
forever and send another adorer of the Nazarene to the lower realms.
You shall die but your death shall be inglorious. I shall have you
drowned like a dog or a cat. In the darkness of the night I shall
have you cast into the Tiber, a stone around your neck, and may the
fishes make a meal of your flesh. Ho, lictors, seize the witch, but
take care that she escape you not: Christians are adepts at sorcery.
At midnight cast her into the Tiber where it is deepest.”
The
order was executed. Philomena was seized, bound and returned to the
prison, there to await the night.
Dark
and black the clouds lowered over Rome, increasing the gloominess of
the night which had descended on the city amid a fearful storm of
rain, thunder and lightning. Not far from the city walls a bark
propelled by strong arms started off and sped swiftly towards the
middle of the stream.
“I
am really sorry for the delicate maiden,” said one of the rowers;
“it is sad for one so young and beautiful to die.”
“What
does it concern us, Gabas,” replied another; “are we not
accustomed to our work? For three years the slaughter of Christians
was our occupation. A bad business, tis true; but we must make a
living. We are soldiers; the murder of Christians is one of our
secondary duties. Is it our concern that Diocletian furnishes us with
so much of this kind of work? Let him answer for it! As to that
maiden, it is well that she is about to find peace. She must die one
way or the other, and drowning is an easy death. Take care that the
anchor holds fast and that the rope does not break, so that the
business may be speedily dispatched.”
Between
the rough men sat Philomena with her hands tied behind her back, and
a rope to which was attached a huge anchor about her neck. She was
pale, her eyes were closed. Nature within her revolted at the violent
death, and her soul sought courage and strength in prayer. Soon the
bark had reached the middle of the river. Four strong hands laid hold
of the maiden, raised her gently and dropped her with the anchor
about her neck into the waves. A heavy fall, a gurgling sound–and
all is over.
“She
will not return,” said one of the men. “But let us make haste
lest the storm overtake us.”
At
that moment a stroke of lightning lit up the expanse of water, and
the other rower cried out in alarm: “What is it?”
“Woe
unto us,” replied his companion, “the dead come back! There is
Philomena.”
“Impossible!
The rope was new and strong, and the anchor heavy enough to draw down
the most expert swimmer. Perhaps it is her ghost, or a spectre. See
how it moves and shines! I think it will be best for us to make for
the shore and vanish as soon as possible. It is not advisable to
meddle with the spirits of murdered people.”
The
men rowed with all their might to reach the shore, but in the furious
storm which now broke upon them they found it a hard task.
“What
a storm!” remarked Gabas. “It seems heaven and earth are angered
at our deed. Woe to us, see! She is following us.”
True
enough, a shining figure seemed to follow them, and now they clearly
recognized the maiden martyr. Flooded with supernal splendor, her
figure floated on the waves. Her face appeared above the water, her
hands were free and folded on her chest, the rope and anchor had
disappeared in the depth, and, as if by angels’ hands, the Saint’s
body was borne towards the shore by the waves.
Scarcely
had the terror-stricken soldiers landed when they ran into the city
and acquainted their commander with what had occurred.
“You
are bereft of your senses or overcome by drink,” said he. “You
made a bungling job of your task. If you had really drowned her, she
would not return. Your cowardice played a trick on you.”
“Go
and see for yourself! We have done as we were ordered. The anchor was
heavy enough to sink a hundred children like her, and the rope was
new and strong. It could not break.”
“Then
she is a sorceress and freed herself by witchcraft. But it shall
avail her nothing. Die she must. I myself will go and see whether you
are the victims of a delusion or not. Here, Sarmio, Tullus, Cassius!
Each of you take two men and follow me! Take chains and ropes to bind
the sorceress so that she may not escape us a second time.”
The
men lighted torches, did as they were ordered, and followed their
chief as if about to capture a band of robbers. On nearing the shore
of the Tiber, they beheld from afar a shining light, amid which
Philomena knelt in prayer between two angels. At this sight the
soldiers became terror-stricken.
“They
are not human beings,” said Sarmio, “and with spirits I shall not
engage in combat. See how her face shines, and, oh, the other two
have flaming swords in their hands!”
“Bah!
it is all an illusion,” replied the centurion. “Go for them.
Against our weapons they cannot prevail. Lower your lances, and
forward!”
The
soldiers reluctantly obeyed. Just as several lances were about to
touch the holy martyr’s chest, one of the angels beckoned towards
them and, as if struck by lightning, they fell to the ground. The
lances fell from their hands but else they were unharmed. The
centurion was the first to recover from his fright. With a fearful
curse he tried to rise, but found himself unable to do so.
Now
Philomena spoke, and said, smiling: “Why have you come with spears
and swords and clubs to capture a weak maiden? There is no need of
all these weapons. I shall follow you of my own free will, because it
has been ordered thus by my divine spouse. I had hoped to die in the
water into which you cast me, but it is God’s will that I should
suffer more in testimony of my faith in Christ crucified. Did He not
permit it, you would have no power over me, for he has given me into
the custody of His angels. Now let us go hence, for I must suffer for
my heavenly spouse.”
Suddenly
the angels disappeared, and the soldiers regained the use of their
limbs. Their courage returned, and the centurion roared: “Now,
sorceress, you are in our power. Ho, there! Hold her fast and bind
her, lest she escape us again.”
She
was loaded with chains and securely bound. Yet the uncouth warriors
treated her with a certain awe and did not offend her modesty, for
even though the angels had departed, the Lord guarded the virgin
purity of His spouse.
The
news of the extraordinary event spread all over the city, and when,
at early dawn, the procession reached the imperial palace, a great
crowd of people had assembled there to see the “sorceress.”
Diocletian
had a bad night. Alarming dreams had terrified him and the spirits of
his murdered victims appeared to him in shapes more terrible than
ever. After being notified in the morning of what had happened
concerning Philomena, he was sorely frightened. He refused to see
her, and when asked what was to be done with her, he cried in
superstitious wrath: “Do with her what you like, but by all means
put her out of the way. Hang her, burn her, kill her with clubs do
but kill her! I want to have peace.”
“This
suits me exactly!” rejoined the centurion. “It will afford
capital sport for my Thracian archers, whose arrows have never had so
beautiful a target.”
The
virgin martyr was taken from the prison into which she had been cast
and led outside the city walls, and from there, bound to a tree. The
centurion measured the distance, the archers took their stations, and
at the word of command, a shower of arrows flew off against the
helpless victim. The archers did their business well. Most of the
arrows went true, and with the exception of the face, there was
scarcely a part of her body that was not pierced by the sharp points.
The pain was excruciating, and when the arrows were pulled out, the
blood flowed in streams. The cruel sport was repeated, and now the
deadly missiles were aimed at vital parts. Death-like pallor
overspread the maiden’s countenance; she closed her eyes, heavily
her head sank on her chest. Loss of blood had exhausted her.
“She
is done for,” said the soldiers when they removed the arrows. “At
best she can live but a few hours. It is unnecessary to torture her
any longer. Let us leave her to die in peace.”
The
ropes that bound the martyr to the tree were cut, the bleeding victim
was placed on a bier and carried into a dark vault in the
amphitheatre, where the corpses of the dead gladiators were usually
laid away. Two soldiers remained on guard before the vault with
orders to report when she died.
Time
hung heavy on the guards. “O Strabo,” said the one to his
companion, “I do not see why we should stand here and roast in the
sun, only to see a poor, tortured child die. I move that we permit
her to die in peace while we go over to old Tryphon, who dispenses
that excellent Falernian.”
“Bravo,
Marcellus! By the gods, your motion is a good one. Let us be gone!
The girl is as good as dead, she will not wake up again. I am off.”
Tryphon’s
Falernian was excellent indeed, so excellent that the two guards,
when they returned towards noon, found it difficult to gain a firm
footing. But who can describe their consternation on beholding
Philomena, whom they had supposed dead, sitting before the vault on a
stone, singing psalms and smiling at their approach? They could not
believe their eyes and were afraid to go near.
“By
all demons, Strabo,” said the one to the other, “there is
something wrong there. I never saw the like in my life. It is
witchcraft. Let us save ourselves; let Diocletian attend to her
himself.” And he ran as fast as his legs, still weak from the
effects of the wine, could carry him. His companion took the matter
cooler. He reported to his captain, who informed the emperor of the
turn things had taken. The news spread through the palace; everyone
was anxious to see the miracle and hastened to the scene. Diocletian,
too, despite his superstitious fear, went out.
“Now,
Philomena,” he summoned courage to address her, “how long will
you persist in your sorceries and witchcraft?”
“It
is not by sorcery and witchcraft that death is kept away from me,”
she replied; “it is by the power of God, who wishes to glorify His
name before the heathens. Instead of ascribing the marvels which you
see to witchcraft, you should rather acknowledge the Lord’s power
and cease to persecute His Church. For the more obdurate you are, the
greater is your crime and the heavier will be your punishment.”
“Why
persist in speaking of punishment and the Nazarene?” replied
Diocletian. “Long since would He have annihilated me, if he did but
possess the power. Have I not tortured and murdered His followers
every day for years, and was He able to prevent it? I despise your
threats, and you shall die in spite of your ‘Jesus of Nazareth’
and all His angels. Ho, lictors, bind her again to the tree! Let the
archers make her a living target before my very eyes. Die she must!”
The
order was quickly obeyed. Again the arrows sped with unerring aim
from the bows; but behold, not one of them touched the martyr’s
body.
“Ha,
now I see why you could not kill her! You do not even hit her! And
you call yourselves Thracian archers? You are miserable cowards and
craven wretches, but no soldiers!”
The
archers resented the imputation, and in proof of their sure aim
showed him the arrows still red with blood, which they had used in
the morning.
“Try
again!” commanded Diocletian; “I shall have each one scourged who
misses her this time.”
The
archers gnashed their teeth in silent rage but again sent their
arrows in the direction of the martyr. They stuck fast in the tree
above her, they fell to the ground at her feet, but not a single one
harmed her.
“This
is sorcery, imperial lord,” cried the centurion. “My men never
missed their aim. A higher power must divert the arrows’ course.”
An
augur who witnessed the scene explained: “Let the arrowheads be
made red-hot. Witches fear the fire and their power is harmless
against it.”
The
suggestion was adopted. But lo, a new marvel! The red-hot arrows sped
through the air until they reached the martyr; then, without touching
her, they reversed their course and returned with double force on the
archers. Six of them were killed outright, and the rest writhed on
the ground in fearful pain. Terror and alarm seized the spectators,
and many of them struck their chests and confessed the true God.
Others fled in dismay. The emperor was sorely perplexed, he feared a
general revolt. He summoned his counselors and said: “This thing is
becoming unbearable. What is to be done with the sorceress? If she
continues to baffle our efforts to kill her, our prestige will be
gone. The heathens murmur and the Christians triumph. The Nazarene is
gaining in favor and yet we may not confess ourselves defeated. What
is to be done?”
“Permit
me to make a suggestion,” remarked Nicanor, one of the emperor’s
trusted friends. “These Christians are adepts at sorcery, its true,
and we have the proofs right here, before our eyes. We have had cases
like this before; remember Vitus, who was belabored with clubs,
placed in boiling oil and cast before wild beasts: all our endeavors
were in vain. Yet, when the executioner cut off his head, the end
came. Indeed, to cut off their heads is the only reliable way to get
rid of the Christians.”
“Well
said, Nicanor! I believe you are right,” replied Diocletian. “The
Nazarene seems to be master of the hidden arts, but I doubt whether
he is able to replace a severed head. Well, we shall see.”
All
present were anxious to witness the result of the experiment. The
emperor ordered Philomena to be released from the tree and scornfully
addressed her: “I see that your lover’s power is rather great. He
seems to be a master sorcerer and has captured the minds of many by
his art. Now I shall give him the opportunity of performing a new
trick, and if he succeeds, I also shall believe in him. I will have
you beheaded, and if he is powerful enough to replace your head in
presence of this whole assembly and before my very eyes, I shall
believe in him and cease to persecute his followers. No better
opportunity was ever offered to the Nazarene to vindicate himself and
his doctrine.”
Philomena
replied: “Be silent, and blaspheme not the Most High Lord. God, the
searcher of hearts, knows your falsehood and deceit. For a number of
years, He wrought countless miracles before your eyes, but your mind
remained obtuse because it is the abode of Belial, the spirit of
darkness. You call yourself master and lord, but you are a mere
slave, a blood hound, an executioner, a tool of Hell. Even should the
Lord perform the miracle you have named, you would not believe, and
your sin would be so much the greater. Do, therefore, what ever you
wil. If you thirst for my blood, take it. My banishment in this abode
of sin and cruelty was long enough. I court death, and sigh to be
united with Christ.”
“Your
desire shall be fulfilled without delay, insane visionary! Ho,
lictors, bring the block, and cut off this foolish girl’s head! And
if the Nazarene can’t replace it, I will laugh him to scorn.”
“You
may laugh now; but when He shall come with a legion of angels to
judge the world, then you will tremble.”
The
lictors took hold of her, threw her to the ground and bound her. In
silent prayer she laid her head upon the block. One of the
executioners put aside the beautiful hair which covered her head and
shoulders, another stood by with the axe raised high, ready to
strike. The over-awed spectators stood in silence.
“Now,
Nazarene, is your opportunity!” cried Diocletian, “now show your
power before all the people! Let us see who is more powerful: you or
I?”
“Come,
O Jesus, spouse of my soul!” prayed the martyr.
Diocletian
laughed. “Your Jesus comes not. I am losing patience. Executioner,
do your work!”
The
axe descended and the martyr’s head rolled in the sand. The blood
spurted high. Once more the eyes of the severed head opened, and then
they closed forever. A beautiful smile graced her lips, not a muscle
moved, not a sign of pain was visible. A halo of light encircled the
head for a moment and then vanished. The martyr was at rest.
The
emperor boasted of his triumph and blasphemed: “See now the
Nazarene’s power! She fell a victim to her folly like so many
others before her. You are vanquished, Nazarene!”
The
virgin martyr Saint Philomena died on the 10th of August, A. D. 302,
on a Friday, at the very hour when our Saviour died on the cross. But
the Nazarene was not vanquished. God is eternal: hence He selects His
own time for reward and for punishment.
Diocletian
had long ago mouldered in the dust. The Roman empire belonged to
history. Fifteen centuries had elapsed and the generations that
flourished in them were forgotten. Saint Philomena’s very name was
no longer known, when it finally pleased the Lord to glorify her
before the world. On the 25th of May, 1802, a marble slab was
discovered in the Catacombs of Saint Priscilla in the Via Salaria at
Rome, bearing the following inscription: Lumena in pace Fi, which was
interpreted to mean: “Filumena in peace”. The stone bore the
emblems of martyrdom: an anchor, an arrow, a palm branch, a scourge
and two arrows reversing their course, and finally a lily in token of
her purity. With the relics was found a flask containing some of her
blood. When the latter was examined, a series of extraordinary
miracles began with the luminous appearance of the dried particles of
blood, which now shone like burnished gold, now like diamonds and
precious stones, and then again were resplendent in all the colors of
the rainbow.
The
relics of the Saint were transferred to Magnano, near Naples, and
thence the fame of “Little Philomena,” as she was called in
Italy, began to spread all over the world, for so many miracles were
performed by her intercession that she soon was styled the
“Wonder-worker of the Nineteenth Century.” The saintly Cure
d’Ars, Saint John Baptiste Marie Vianney, was a most zealous
propagator of devotion to her.
The
history of her martyrdom is not based on romantic imagination, but on
private revelations made by the Saint in 1836 to three different
persons, amongst them a saintly nun in Naples. Moreover, it is
corroborated by the symbols found on her tomb and by numerous
miracles wrought through her intercession.
One
of the three persons to receive a vision of Philomena's life and
martyrdom saw Diocletian, inconsolable and insane after the death of
Philomena, raging and, in a fit of insanity, biting furiously his
throne, lamenting that he could never “have” Philomena.
The
martyrdom of Philomena recounts many Biblical-style miracles,
including the youths thrown into the furnace for not worshipping the
false god by King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel
3), and the angels who came and ministered to God after the
temptation in the desert (Matthew
4:11).
The
Blood of the Saint, The Miraculous Image, The Great Statue of the
Saint, The Special Sign
The
devotion spread rapidly all over Italy, passing from city to city,
from town to town, penetrating even to remote villages. Children
received her name in Baptism; the poorest peasants kept lamps burning
before her picture; chapels were built, statues erected in her honor;
and in whatever town, village or church she was honored, wonderful
prodigies and cures were wrought, and the moral condition of the
inhabitants speedily underwent a radical transformation. In one
church alone, within a few months, 1,200 silver ex votos were offered
at her altar, besides many others of gold, jewels and precious stones
-- an eloquent testimony to the graces bestowed. In another, the
cures, conversions and prodigies were so numerous that it was
commonly said that nothing more wonderful happened in Mugnano itself.
Testimony
of Fr. Paul O'Sullivan
In
1909 I had the happiness of visiting the Sanctuary of St. Philomena,
bearing a letter of introduction to the custodians from the Papal
Nuncio in Portugal, Monsignor (afterwards Cardinal) Tonti.
The
good nuns, to whose care the Sanctuary of St. Philomena is committed,
received me with such marked kindness and were so anxious that I
should know everything about their great Saint that I was induced to
prolong my stay for nine full days, listening with pleasure to the
many beautiful incidents which the good guardians were pleased to
recount. I spent a great part of each day in the Church of the Saint,
and the good religious gave me every facility for venerating the
precious relics as often and for as long as I pleased. Sometimes I
accompanied the pilgrims who had come from afar and, with them,
examined and kissed the reliquary containing the blood of the Martyr.
Sometimes, when the chaplain was not present, it was my privilege to
offer the relic for the veneration of the visitors, and frequently,
when the church was closed, I was allowed to extract it from its
repository for my private devotion.
The
Blood of the Saint
The
blood is not in a liquid state but quite dry and in appearance
resembles ashes. It is preserved in a small crystal vase which allows
the visitor to see it perfectly as though it lay on the palm of one's
hand. I had the happiness of examining this priceless treasure as
many as thirty or forty times. Each time, without fail, I saw the
blood change most marvellously, and the transformation was so clear
and distinct as not to allow room for the smallest doubt or
misconception.
Precious
stones, rubies and emeralds, pieces of gold and particles of silver
appeared mingled with the blood. One might shake the reliquary, and
again the precious stones appeared, not always in the same way, but
still clearly and distinctly. At times, too, small black particles
appear, which are supposed to presage some cross or affliction or
foretell impending evils. These black particles were very noticeable
when the great Pontiff, Pius IX, venerated the blood of the Saint and
were supposed to be prophetic of the sorrows in store for the Holy
Father.
At
times the blood takes the form of black earth, and this appears to
denote unworthiness of those who are venerating the relic. One very
notable case was that of a priest whose life was far from what the
sacred ministry demanded. When he knelt to kiss the reliquary, the
blood became very dark. On his departure it regained its natural
appearance. Some days later, he fell dead in the midst of a feast.
These
extraordinary transformations are witnessed daily by the crowds who
flock to the Sanctuary and have been verified and declared authentic
by the highest ecclesiastical authorities.
The
Miraculous Image
On
the left-hand side of the church and in front of the chapel where the
blood of the Martyr is preserved lies the wax figure containing the
bones of the Martyr. This rests in a magnificent urn, the front of
which consists of a crystal plate, enabling the visitor to see the
image distinctly.
The
figure is clothed in rich robes, and on one of the fingers of the
right hand is a massive gold ring, set with a large topaz, which is
one of the many gifts sent by St. Pius X to the Saint. The image,
like the blood, undergoes extraordinary transformations, which have
been witnessed by large numbers of pilgrims and visitors and have
been likewise duly authenticated.
The
statue in which the bones of the young Martyr are encased was -- when
it first came from the hands of the artist -- far from being a work
of art. The figure was uncouth; the face was of a morbid white color;
the lips were thick and a grimace was noticeable about the mouth.
Unfortunately the ebony case made to contain the statue, a gift of
the Bishop of Potenza, was too short, and in consequence the position
given to the figure was ungraceful. The case was, notwithstanding,
closed and sealed, and the key kept in Naples.
The
first change noticeable in the statue, took place almost immediately
after the arrival of the Saint's relics in Mugnano. The 29th of
September, 1805, was fixed as the day when the urn was to be placed
on the altar prepared for it. To the surprise of all present,
extraordinary changes were visible in the statue, though the seals
were found to be intact and the key had remained, as we have said,
all the time in Naples.
The
awkward position given to the statue was changed for one more
graceful; the color of the countenance became delicate and bright;
and the grimace about the mouth gave place to a pleasing smile. The
form of the statue had become elegant. The hair, the hands and the
position of the arrows were all changed.
The
next great change took place twenty years after: In 1824 the first
case was replaced by one more beautiful. The hair had again changed
and was more abundant. The eyes opened several times during the
public devotions, and when the statue was placed in the new case,
which was nearly a foot longer than the former one, the feet which at
first were at some distance from the end, gradually extended
themselves so as not to touch the extremity of the case.
A
new and very striking prodigy occurred in 1841: The statue was so
placed that only the profile could be seen by those standing in
front. What was not the astonishment of the vast course of people
when one day the face of the Saint, in the presence of all, turned
around, so that fully three-fourths of it became visible.
On
the 27th of May, 1892, the statue again changed its position in the
presence of a whole pilgrimage, and the change was duly authenticated
by the ecclesiastical authorities.
During
my own stay in Mugnano, I saw the statue changing color very
frequently, passing from pale to a light blush and again to a darker
red. The lips were sometimes compressed and sometimes opened. No
interference with the statue is possible, since it is placed in the
wall and closed in by a thick plate of crystal glass and locked with
three keys, which are held by three different authorities. One of
these is the Bishop of Nola himself.
The
Great Statue of the Saint
A
third object of interest in the sanctuary of the Shrine is a
magnificent statue in wood presented by Cardinal Ruffo-Scilla in
1806, which is used in public processions of the Saint. In the year
1823, during the procession, the bearers of the statue felt that it
was unusually heavy, and the pilgrims at the same time remarked that
the color of the face was much brighter than usual, giving the statue
almost a lifelike appearance.
On
the following day a kind of sweat, which filled the air with a
fragrant perfume, was seen oozing from the forehead and eyes and
falling on the breast, where it gathered round the reliquary which
rested on the bosom of the Saint. This prodigy lasted a long time
and, as in the case of the others, was seen by multitudes of
witnesses and duly examined and authenticated by both the
ecclesiastical and civil authorities. For these reasons, the statue
is naturally held in the highest veneration by the people.
The
Special Sign
But
the marvel which made the greatest impression on me during my visit
was the following: On the ninth day, I was in a side chapel. The
Reverend Mother was speaking to a contractor, further up in the
church, regarding some repairs. One of the sisters of the Sanctuary
approached me and said quite simply:
"Father,
have you seen the sign?"
"What
sign?" I asked. "I have seen so many wonders during the
days I have been here."
"Oh!"
she said, "you haven't got the sign?"
"If
it is anything more wonderful than what I have already seen," I
replied, "I would not dare to ask for it. It would be
presumption on my part."
"Oh!
no, no," she answered. "You have come from a long distance
and have remained here so many days; the Little Saint must give you
the sign."
Saying
this, she pulled me gently towards the altar where the urn containing
the miraculous image is placed. She had not given me the slightest
idea of what this sign consisted of. We knelt in front of the urn and
began a short prayer. Suddenly, a sharp report rang out, as if the
crystal glass had been struck sharply by something hard. The little
sister jumped up, radiant with smiles, and said to me: "Now you
have got it." The report was so distinct and sharp that the
Reverend Mother, further up in the church, ignorant altogether of
what we were about, jumped round and asked, "What is it for?"
"It
is for the Father," replied the sister.
This
knock is a well-known sign given from time to time to clients of the
Saint and is, I am happy to say, looked upon as a special mark of her
good pleasure. And surely it was a harbinger of good for me.
Arriving
in Rome shortly afterwards, I had a private audience with the saintly
Pontiff, Pius X, who manifested the greatest pleasure on hearing of
my visit to Mugnano and gave me several marks of his favor, one of
which was the permission to say a votive mass weekly in honor of the
Saint.
side
note: In devotion made at a distance to the dear little Saint, she
often responds to prayers with three - very physical - knocks! It
sounds like someone knocking three times on something.
I
heard these three knocks once, very distinctly, when considering
spreading devotion to Philomena.
Also,
for all her spectacular manifestations, she does like to hide or
remain in secret a lot. She remained hidden and unknown for 1700
years. She also likes to hide while people are praying to her
sometimes to test their faith, as seen with other intercessory
stories. And then, at other times, she renders help immediately.
Philomena
Helps a Beautiful Couple When One Is Dying
A
happy home is the reflection of Heaven, and the love which unites the
members of a Christian household is a foretaste of the never-ending
bliss of the Father's home above. The Baron and Baroness of Lepore
were blessed by God with supreme happiness. The union and love which
bound these two hearts together was indeed enviable. A great trial,
however, was in store for the happy couple. The health of the
Baroness began to fail, and soon a fatal illness manifested itself.
Medical skill proved unavailing. Remedy after remedy failed to check
the course of the disease, and soon death became a question of
moments. The feast of the Translation of St. Philomena's relics was
being celebrated for the first time in Terlizzi, near the castle
where the Baroness lay dying. As life was slowly ebbing away, a
friend hastened there with an image of the wonder-working Saint. The
Baron eagerly seized it, showed it to the dying lady and touched her
with it. She was cured so perfectly that both husband and wife were
enabled to start a few days later for Mugnano to thank the dear
Little Saint.
Two
ladies came to me one day and told me that a little friend of theirs
was very ill and asked if I would lend them my relic of St.
Philomena. It was not convenient for me to give it at the moment.
They called again and told me that the child was actually dying and
again begged me to lend them the relic. I gave it to them at once.
On
arriving at the child's home, they found the little one at the point
of death. The mother was frantic with grief and implored the two
doctors present to say that there was some hope. They told her
frankly that there was none and warned her that the end was very
near.
The
two ladies arrived at this moment with the relic and placed it near
the little sufferer, whose face already wore the hue of death. In a
few minutes the worn-out frame showed signs of returning energy, the
eyes opened, the breathing became natural and the little one began to
play with a pet bird. St. Philomena once more had triumphed over
death.
One
of those who witnessed the scene begged that the relic might be given
to her to take to a friend who likewise lay dying. She was suffering
from a fatal tumour, and her doctor had told her plainly to make her
last preparations, for any moment might be her last. All he could now
do for her was to give some soothing remedies to relieve the pains.
The poor patient presented a sad sight, swollen as she was to a huge
size.
Her
friend brought the relic from the home of the little child and placed
it near the sick lady, and, lo, the wondrous power of the Thaumaturga
was again put forth so that the sick woman was enabled in a short
time to make a long journey to her distant home!
Pleurisy
occurs when the double membrane (pleura) that lines the inside of
your chest cavity and surrounds each of your lungs becomes inflamed.
Also called pleuritis, pleurisy typically causes sharp pain, almost
always when you are inhaling and exhaling.
Pleurisy
occurs as a complication of a wide variety of underlying conditions.
Relieving pleurisy involves treating the underlying condition, if
it's known, and taking pain relievers. - Mayo Clinic
I
had a grave attack of pleurisy accompanied with excruciating pains,
high fever and an irregular pulse. Two and a half pints of liquid had
gathered in the pleura, and the case was considered very grave. I had
on the cord of the dear Little Saint and felt great confidence in her
help.
At
the most acute stage of the sickness, two friends heard of my danger
and at once a promise to have a novena of Masses said at the
Sanctuary of the Saint in Mugnano. They asked the Little Thaumaturga
not to wait for the Masses, but to show her power at once. The answer
to their prayers was instantaneous. When the doctor, who had left me
in great anxiety the previous day, returned and took my pulse, he was
manifestly amazed.
"Why,"
he exclaimed, "your pulse today is like a good English watch!
Let us see your temperature." On his examining the thermometer,
a new cry of surprise burst from his lips: "My dear Sir, you
have not even fever today!" He then proceeded to sound me and
found further cause for wonder. The liquid had disappeared from the
pleura.
Later
on he said to me: "Your recovery is clearly miraculous, and it
seems to me a very striking answer to prayer."
Philomena
Helps a Little Child Who Fell Down a Well
The
following story comes to us from Italy. It will show how efficacious
is any object worn in honor of the Saint.
A
beautiful statue of the Saint arrived in the town. Among those who
gathered to see the image was a ragged little boy, who snatched a bit
of paper in which the statue had been wrapped and hid it in his
breast as relic of Saint Philomena. Some days later, he fell into a
deep well, where he remained for a considerable time. On falling into
the well, the little fellow called on St. Philomena. The Virgin
Martyr appeared and pulled him out of the water, took him in her arms
and held him up.
His
companions ran for help, which only arrived after fully an hour. A
rope was then let down and the lad cried out: "Pull me up!"
Great
was the amazement of the crowd that had gathered when, on the boy's
reaching the top, they found that the rope had been most ingeniously
fastened around his waist, under the arms, and so cleverly arranged
as also to support the feet. It was manifestly impossible that he
could have so arranged the rope. He then proceeded to tell them how
the Saint had saved him and how, when the rope was lowered, she
fastened it around him. He described her minutely and added that she
was very like a little girl, a girl of thirteen, standing in the
crowd. The poor lad was drenched from head to foot and besmeared with
mud, yet the paper he had snatched from the statue and hidden in his
chest was perfectly dry.
Philomena
Helps a Person with Complicated, Life-Threatening Erysipelas
Sister
Malachy, Mercy Convent, L., writes:
"I
had a grievous attack of erysipelas, aggravated by other grave
complications. My state was desperate, and I received the Last
Sacraments. St. Philomena was invoked in my favor, and I was blessed
with her relic. Immediately, the fever -- which was at 104 degrees --
fell, so that my temperature in a few hours became normal, and I was
pronounced to be out of danger. I attribute it all to St. Philomena."
Erysipelas
is a bacterial infection that affects the skin - particularly of the
face or legs. In the days before antibiotics, it was especially
complicated. Symptoms include blisters; fever, shaking, chills; skin
lesions with a raised border; painful, very red, swollen, and warm
skin underneath the lesion; sores (erysipelas lesions) on the cheeks
and bridge of the nose.
The
"other grave complications" she was referring to were the
complications associated with the disease: the infection may travel
to the blood, spreading to the heart valves, joints and bones. There
is also a possibility of return of the infection as well as septic
shock - a very serious condition that occurs when an overwhelming
infection leads to life-threatening low blood pressure. - From
MedlinePlus
"I
have indeed learned to love St. Philomena and am most grateful to
her. She has given me many signs of her powerful intercession. On one
occasion, I was in need of funds for my Missionary College, and she
obtained for me no less than a sum of 20,000 escudos. On another
occasion, we had to begin important improvements in the College of
Cucujaes, and these unfortunately threatened to be the cause of
serious inconvenience. I promised St. Philomena that if she helped me
and had the improvements concluded at a certain date, I would reopen
an oratory which had been closed and dedicate it in her honor. She
did all I asked her, and I on my part opened the oratory and
dedicated it to her. Now I beg you to help me to procure a large and
beautiful statue of the dear Little Saint. I wish it to be about six
feet high."
A
young girl called on me some time ago. She was in great grief. She
had been engaged to be married and had been intensely happy. Quite
unexpectedly and without the slightest fault on her part, all her
hopes were shattered and the marriage broken off. I did all I could
do to comfort her, and though her grief was poignant, I could not
help admiring her magnificent resignation to God's will.
"Go,"
I said, "to the statue of St. Philomena in the church, and beg
her, if it be God's will, to settle this awful difficulty."
"What prayer ought I say to her?" she enquired. "
Promise," I counselled her, "to make a novena of
Communions, and commence at once." Four days later, I was again
called down to see a lady. It was my former visitor, radiant with
joy. "Father," she said, "it is all right. I began my
novena of Communions to St. Philomena, and all difficulties have been
overcome, and we shall soon be married."
Mademoiselle
Helene was suffering for two years from an interior growth, the
nature of which the doctors could not ascertain. Finally, the growth
reached such a size that the physicians decided to perform an
operation,not without fear of the gravest results. The operating
surgeon gave the nurses instructions to be prepared for the worst.
During
her illness, the good lady had sent up many and fervent prayers to
St. Philomena, to whom she was sincerely devoted. Many Masses were
said too for her recovery, some of which were offered in the
Sanctuary of Mugnano. The good custodians of the Sanctuary joined
their hearty supplications with the prayers offered by the priest at
the altar.
Mlle
Helene's confessor, fully alive to the gravity of the case, gave her
a last absolution immediately before the operation took place. He
then went to the chapel of the hospital and made the following prayer
to St. Philomena: "Dear Saint, if you had wished, you could have
prevented the necessity of an operation. Now at least show us by some
clear sign that you are with the dear patient. I should like, for
instance, that at the conclusion of the operation the doctors should
say to me: 'It was a splendid operation,' or, 'Everything went on
magnificently.' Make it manifest, dear Saint, that you are with us."
The
operation proved to be a very serious one. Doctors and nurses were
all surprised at the enormous size of the growth. It succeeded,
however, beyond their highest hopes. The patient, strange to say,
felt no consequent pains, except the inconvenience caused by the
chloroform. The convalescence was rapid and the cure perfect.
Immediately after the operation, the confessor went to speak to the
doctors, one of whom said at once: "My dear sir, the operation
was splendid." Chatting with the second doctor, he in turn said,
"Why, everything passed off magnificently." These were the
very words stipulated by the priest in his prayer to St. Philomena.
The
nurses, learning of this prayer and seeing the marvelous results of
the operation, resolved to test the power of the Saint in another
very difficult case.
Philomena
Helps a Person Never Taught Religion, Dying of a Tumor
A
French journalist had been brought to the hospital suffering from a
malignant tumour. His soul was suffering quite as much as his body,
for though nominally a Catholic -- he had been baptized -- he never
received the other Sacraments nor heard Mass. He was not married to
the woman he called his wife. Worst of all, the good sisters were
strictly forbidden, by the rules of the hospital, to speak of
religion unless the patient expressly desired it.
A
novena to St. Philomena began. The unfortunate man of his own free
will wished to know something about religion. After some days, he
went to Confession, communicated and was married.
The
doctors attempted an operation but, on seeing the awful state of the
tumour, immediately desisted. They saw no possible hope for him.
The
novena continued. Days passed, and the patient began to show signs of
improvement. The doctors once more attempted an operation and this
time with the best results.
The
patient in due course left the hospital cured in soul and body.
One
afternoon, the Countess of G. was announced. It did not take me long
to see that she was in sore trouble. As I was intimately connected
with the family, I enquired: "Countess, you are evidently in
trouble. Can I help you?"
"Yes,"
she answered, "I have to face a very cruel ordeal tonight. It is
dreadful." She related the circumstances. I suggested some
possible ways of escape. "No, no," she replied, "it is
absolutely impossible to get out of it. I have only to face the
trouble, but I do dread it."
"Well,"
I said, "seeing that there is no human hope, why not try St.
Philomena?" "It is quite useless. I never remember that a
prayer of mine was heard," she replied.
"Try
at all events, Countess; promise the Saint a novena of Communions,
and we shall see if she will help you."
"I
promise," she answered, "but I don't expect anything."
Next
morning, her ladyship was again announced, and at an unusually early
hour.
"Ah,"
she said, "this was in truth an answer direct from Heaven!
Scarcely had I arrived home after my interview with you last evening
than one difficulty after another was removed without the smallest
effort on my part, and so I was delivered from that hateful
situation."
A
poor lady of the city of Braga, in the north of Portugal, wrote to me
begging for prayers and asking if I could send her a relic or an
image of St. Philomena. She had suffered much on the occasion of the
birth of her children, all of whom were either born dead or died
immediately after birth. She was soon again to give birth to another
child and was with good reason in great consternation. She had just
read a little work published by me on St. Philomena and was inspired
to put all her confidence in the holy Virgin Martyr.
The
child was born some time after our interchange of correspondence, and
the poor lady asked the nurse how it fared. She answered roughly,
"Just like all the rest -- dead, or as good as dead! There is no
hope whatever for it." The poor mother then besought a second
attendant to touch the baby with the image of the Saint. Immediately,
the infant moaned and began to give signs of increasing vitality. In
a short time the little one developed into a beautiful baby.
Mademoiselle
Marie Guiao was suffering from acute headaches, which developed
symptoms of the gravest kind.
She
went, accompanied by her sister, to consult the ablest physicians in
the city. During the consulatation, she suddenly fell at the doctor's
feet as if dead.
He
summoned one of his colleagues, and both made a minute examination of
the patient. At its conclusion, he turned to her sister and said: "I
have no hopes. She has lost her mind and I fear her life. I can't
give the slightest hope of her ultimate recovery. The mind is
irrevocably lost, and as far as I can see, there is no chance even
that she can live."
She
was taken to her home, hovering between life and death. A friend who
knew of her great devotion to St. Philomena made a promise to the
Saint in her name. The morning found her improved. As her further
progress was doubtful, the same kind friend made a further promise to
have a novena of Masses said in Mugnano and offered a very generous
alms.
The
results were wonderful, and when the doctors called to see her, they
were astounded. She regained perfect health and soon became as well
as ever.
Philomena
Helps a Person with Lung-Related Illnesses
My
brother-in-law suffered for many years from a weak chest (a person
susceptible to colds, flu, asthma and tuberculosis). During this
period, he had severe attacks. At the time of which I write, his life
was despaired of, so much so that the distinguished physician who
attended him warned his wife that there was no hope and that she had
better summon those of his friends who wished to see him before
death.
When
the sad news reached me -- I was living at a long distance away -- I
wrote at once and suggested having recourse to St. Philomena. A large
picture of the Saint was placed in the poor patient's room and a lamp
burned before it.
The
arrival of the Saint's picture in the house was the signal for the
most abundant graces. Not only did she obtain the dying man's cure,
but from that day forward spiritual and temporal blessings have been
showered on the family.
Philomena
Helps a Bishop Know Her and Receive All He Prayed For
Here
is how the Bishop of Algarve came to know St. Philomena:
I
published a small work on St. Philomena and sent it to the Bishop of
Algarve (now Bishop of Oporto), requesting him to write a few lines
of approbation.
The
evening before he received my letter and the book, he was with an old
friend, who said to him: "I do not know, my Lord, what you'll
think of me, but I confess that I have no devotion to the Saints. The
Sacred Heart and the Blessed Mother of God are my friends"; but
he added, sotto voce, "there is one little exception." The
Bishop overheard these last words and said: "If I may enquire
who is the little exception?" "St. Philomena, my Lord, and
I don't know why. One thing is certain: I never go to bed at night
without praying to her."
The
book and my letter arrived next morning, and it was with the greatest
avidity that His Lordship read the book, for he wanted to know who
this St. Philomena was, of whom his old friend had spoken the evening
before. He perused the work with intense delight and wrote to me to
say that he was coming to stay with us for some days and would
willingly give me the approbation I wished for.
In
the course of his visit, I met him one evening on the stairs. "Do
you know where I have been?" he asked me.
"No,
my Lord," I replied.
"Well,
I have just been to the church to pay a visit to your St. Philomena.
I made a bargain with her to the effect that, if she obtained for me
all I asked, I would put her statue in my cathedral and have a
special solemn feast celebrated in her honor. Come to my room and I
will write the letter of approbation you asked for with all my
heart."
Some
weeks elapsed and the good Bishop came again to honor our house with
his presence. After supper when we were chatting with him, he
suddenly turned to me and exclaimed, "She has it!" I did
not perceive what he meant, so he said again, "I tell you, she
has it!"
"I
beg your pardon, my Lord," I replied, "I do not understand.
Who is 'she' and what has she got?" "St. Philomena, of
course," he answered. "She has got her statue in my
cathedral. She did all I asked of her and, by the way, did not allow
me to buy the statue, for a good lady of the town had the happy
inspiration to offer me one."
I
may add that His Lordship is a man of great height and grand
physique, big in every way. His ideas and his demands are, I believe,
in keeping with his physical build, so that if St. Philomena gave him
all he asked, it is fair to infer that she well deserves a statue in
his cathedral.
Philomena
Helps an Incurable Case of Bone Degeneration and an Incurable Atheist
Mrs.
Raymundo suffered for four years from the worst form of Chapter bone
disease. She suffered excruciating pains in every part of her body.
Her bones became transparent like glass. She could not make the
slightest movement, except when a severe spasm of pain shot through
her body, and this frequently caused a bone to break. In fact, seven
ribs were broken, as well as both arms between the elbow and the
wrist. Her collarbone, too, was also badly broken. All her bones were
in the state of rapid decay.
She
consulted no less than fourteen of the ablest doctors in Portugal,
all of whom after using every possible care declared her to be
incurable.
At
the end of four years she was brought once more to Lisbon to consult
a distinguished bone doctor. After seeing the many radiographs
[X-rays] and hearing what his fourteen colleagues had said and done,
this doctor made a careful examination of the poor patient. He
withdrew after his examination and told the husband that all the
doctors in the world could do nothing. The disease had already
reached an extreme degree and was now attacking the head. She could
not possibly live much longer.
Mrs.
Raymundo now made a novena to St. Philomena, but at its conclusion
felt no better. Notwithstanding this, she commenced a second novena,
and on the very first day she received a sign from the Saint, namely,
three loud raps on the floor. This filled her with hope and
confidence in the Little Saint.
The
family asked the Dominican Fathers of Corpo Santo to say a novena of
Masses for her intention.
One
afternoon her husband came to pray before the statue in the church.
He was surprised at seeing a marvelous change of color in the face of
the statue and the bright sparkle in the eyes. St. Philomena appeared
like a girl in high fever. This was so extraordinary that the poor
man sobbed like a child.
On
reaching home, he told his daughter what he had seen and declared his
conviction that St. Philomena would cure his wife. As Mrs. Raymundo
had to go to the hospital in an ambulance for treatment, he asked
that one of the Fathers would get into the ambulance at the church
door and give the sick lady Holy Communion and then touch her with
the relic of St. Philomena. All her hope was in the Little Saint.
This
was done, and lo, when the good Father touched the lady with the
relic, she was instantly and completely cured! All pains ceased and
she was able to move her arms. Strange, she did not realize that she
was cured, so that she went on to the hospital, where the doctor saw
at a glance the wonderful change in her appearance and exclaimed:
"Madam, Madam, what treatment have you been using since I last
saw you?"
"I
have been using no remedies, Doctor, but I have been praying to St.
Philomena," she replied.
"I
know nothing of St. Philomena," said the doctor, "but you
are as well as I am. Go at once and get a new radiograph."
She
did so, and the new radiograph showed a complete and perfect cure.
The
surprise in Lisbon was general. The many doctors who had been
treating Mrs. Raymundo refused to believe that she was cured. At the
invitation of her husband, however, they went to see her. All were
dumbfounded at the clear evidence of her cure.
The
last doctor she had seen before her cure, the same who declared that
all the doctors in the world could not cure her, was a confirmed
atheist. On the advice of her confessor, she went to see him. When
the servant announced her, he told the man to go back and ask the
name again. He could not believe that Mrs. Raymundo was there.
A
second time the servant brought the same name, and once more the
Doctor sent him back to ask the name. On hearing for the third time,
the same name, he was still incredulous, and went himself to the
waiting room. On seeing the lady, he got a severe shock and became
deadly pale; his eyes filled with tears of emotion, and all he could
say was: "Madam, Madam, you are indeed cured." He made no
attempt to conceal his surprise, but felt her arms and chest and
continued to say: "You are cured, you are indeed cured."
When
she was leaving, he begged her to call on him again, as he was most
interested in the case. She presented him with a copy of the story of
St. Philomena, saying: "Doctor, it was she who cured me."
The
doctor, who up to then had ridiculed religion, gladly received the
little book. He and the other doctors were deeply impressed by the
cure.
The
night before the arrival of the relics at Mugnano, a poor man who had
been compelled to remain in bed for several months, absolutely unable
to work, hearing of the arrival of the remains of the Holy Martyr on
the morrow, prayed fervently to the Saint during the night, begging
that he might at least be able to see and kiss the precious relic.
The Saint seemed deaf to his prayer, for the pains, far from
lessening, became more intense. When, however, the bells announced
the arrival of the sacred treasure, he dragged himself from bed in
spite of his sufferings and made heroic efforts to go and meet the
procession. On leaving the house, he was perfectly cured.
For
nine days the crowds flocked unceasingly to the church [in Mugnano,
Italy,] to venerate the relics, the ninth day being marked by notable
miracles.
Mr.
and Mrs. Staplemax had been married four years. Our Lord, in the ways
of His Providence had not blessed their union with children. While
resigned to His Holy will, they were still eagerly desirous of having
at least an heir to their name and property. Their hope, as the years
passed, grew gradually lesser.
Hearing
of the wonderful power of St. Philomena, of her love for and kindness
to her clients, they resolved to place all their confidence in her
intercession. They began to invoke her aid and made the promises
their devotion suggested.
Little
did they guess what wonders the dear Little Saint was to work in
their behalf!
In
the month of January following, what was not their delight when St.
Philomena sent them two beautiful children! In December of the same
year, twins were again born to them, so that in twelve months they
were the happy parents of four darling children, one for each year of
their married lives!
Philomena
Helps a Widow with a Crippled Child, Parent with a Blind Child, and
an Atheist
A
poor widow besought the Saint during Mass to cure her crippled boy
who was unable to stand. At the elevation of the Sacred Host, the boy
jumped up from where he was and ran to the urn of the Saint's relics
to thank her for his cure. At the conclusion of the Holy Sacrifice,
the child walked about the town, to the delight of the admiring
throngs, who rang bells and beat drums and finally, seizing the boy,
bore him in procession through the streets.
The
reports of this miracle brought still greater crowds to the afternoon
devotions. A poor mother dipped her fingers in the oil of the Saint's
lamp and anointed the eyes of her little child who had lost his sight
from small pox and whom the doctors declared incurable. The moment
the mother anointed the lids, the child recovered its sight.
An
atheist was so profoundly moved at the sight of this new prodigy that
he had the blessed light of faith restored to him. He declared
himself a believer and gave large donations for the building of a
church in honor of the Saint.
Philomena
Helps a Crippled Child, Blind Man, and a Blind Girl
...
a lady brought her crippled daughter to the Sanctuary and, cutting
off the child's curls, hung them near the urn of the Saint's relics,
making at the same time a generous offering to the Sanctuary. There
was no apparent response at the moment, but on her return home the
child, to the amazement and delight of all present, left the carriage
and walked into the house. She had regained the perfect use of her
limbs.
A
blind man came and gave a valuable ring as an ex voto offering,
confident that he would be cured. Nothing happened in the Sanctuary,
but on reaching home, he recovered the full use of his eyes.
A
blind girl, twenty years of age, whom the Neapolitan doctors declared
beyond the reach of all human aid, came to Mugnano. Entering the
church, she declared that she would not leave it until she was cured.
Her
faith was put to a rigorous test, for all her prayers seemed in vain.
She, on her part, only grew more persistent and refused to leave the
church for dinner. In the evening, when the Sanctuary was being
closed, she found herself obliged to seek a lodging for the night.
Lo! As she was leaving the church, a faint glimmer of sight was given
her. Next day she returned and remained the whole day in prayer.
Again, on leaving at night, she saw much better, but still
imperfectly. On the third day, about noon, she saw more clearly
still. At evening time her sight was entirely restored so that she
threaded a small needle with the finest thread.
Cures
of body and mind now began to follow in quick succession, not only in
the Sanctuary but at great distances from it.
Philomena
Helps a Woman Give Birth and Sick Baby Live
Dear
Father:
I
have received recently two great blessings from St. Philomena. My
wife suffers dreadfully on the occasion of the birth of our children,
though she has the assistance of the most competent nurses.
On
the last occasion, she suffered even more than usual, but we placed
the medal of St. Philomena on her neck, and, thank God, our baby was
born under the happiest circumstances possible, and without any
medical assistance, for doctor and nurse failed us at the last
moment. It seemed as though St. Philomena herself came to our rescue.
Five
days later the child fell so grievously ill that both our doctors
feared the case was hopeless. Again we appealed to St. Philomena, who
restored the baby to splendid health.
I
feel that you will be pleased to hear this good news, and I too
should be grateful if you published the facts in thanksgiving to the
dear Wonder-Worker.
Philomena
Helps a Woman Who Was All Alone Give Birth to Her Child
A
young mother was suffering intense pains when giving birth to her
child. Unfortunately, she was all alone. A beautiful young girl
suddenly appeared by her side and asked if she could do anything to
help her. Her presence itself proved enough to allay all pain. When
the young girl took her leave, the poor woman asked her name. "I
am Philomena; they call me Philomena of Mugnano." The appearance
of the Saint was so natural that it did now awaken the smallest
suspicion in the mind of the sufferer of who she really was. On
telling a friend of the unexpected visit, she learned that a Saint of
that name had come to Mugnano from Rome. When she was better,
accompanied by her friend, she made a pilgrimage to the Sanctuary.
Glancing at the image of the Saint, she at once exclaimed: "It
is she! It is she! Yes, she was my celestial visitor!"
A
distinguished lawyer of Naples, Don Allessandro Serio, who had a
property near Mugnano suffered many years from a dangerous internal
illness. He and his wife came to Mugnano to beg for his cure. They
followed all the exercises of the novena which was being celebrated.
The Saint, however, seemed deaf to their supplications, for on the
8th day of the novena, Don Allessandro was taken ill, and he had to
be removed to his lodgings, where he speedily sank into
unconsciousness, so that he was unable to make his confession. His
wife, in the extremity of her grief, seized a picture of St.
Philomena and called on the saint for help. She only asked that the
invalid might be able to confess, for she now despaired of a cure,
which in all truth seemed impossible. She promised a marble altar to
the Saint if this favor were granted. Scarcely had the prayer been
made, when Don Allessandro regained his senses and began his
confession, during which he was completely restored to health.
Mindful
to the promise, the altar was ordered to be made. A new wonder was in
store for the happy couple. One of the masons, when giving the last
touches to the table of the altar, struck it so roughly that, to the
consternation of all, it was broken in two pieces, leaving between
the parts of a large fissure fully the width of a finger. The
unfortunate workman tried to remedy the break with cement, but the
Little Saint herself came to the rescue, and the marble became most
perfectly joined, leaving only a line or vein as a mark of the
prodigy. This wonder was testified to by many witnesses, and an
inscription commemorating it was placed in the church.
Philomena
Helps a Woman Who Wanted to Conceive but Was Too Ill to Bare a Child
Louis
de Mariconéoit, a Frenchman, married an English girl. The marriage
proved to be an ideally happy one. But the joy was short-lived, for
after six months, the young bride became seriously ill. She earnestly
longed for the happiness of being a mother, but the doctors declared
that her state of health made such a thing absolutely impossible. The
young couple came to the neighborhood of Naples in the hope of a
cure. Unfortunately, any little hope they had entertained was soon
rudely dispelled. The patient's condition grew rapidly worse. Hearing
of the marvelous cures wrought at Mugnano, she shut herself up one
day in her own room and, falling on her knees, poured forth this
short and fervent prayer to St. Philomena: "Since my condition
is desperate, from the human point of view, and since I have no
earthly hope left, I place all my confidence in you and trust that
you will cure me, for you are powerful in Heaven and are good to all
who seek your help. Despite my sufferings, I will go tomorrow to
visit you in Mugnano, and I will ask you not only to restore me to
health but to grant me the blessing of becoming a mother, and I will
give my child the name of Philomena. Moreover, I promise to direct
all the yearnings of its young heart towards God."
The
following day, she visited the Saint's shrine and made her prayer
with great confidence. A year later, she returned in perfect health,
the happy mother of a beautiful child. Countless mothers like her
have to thank St. Philomena for similar favors.
His
Lordship, the Bishop of Lucena, was much in need of a professor of
sacred eloquence for his diocesan seminary. The priest on whom his
choice fell was Canon Vincent Redago. But the appointment was
manifestly impossible, for the Canon was far advanced with
consumption and already had frequent hemorrhages. His state was so
grave that he was preparing himself for death, which he recognized
could not be far distant. What was the poor man's surprise when the
Bishop announced his nomination! "What, my Lord!" he
exclaimed, "have you the power to cure me?" "No,"
replied the Bishop, " I have not, but there is someone else who
has. See, I bring a picture of Saint Philomena. Recommend yourself to
her and you will get the health necessary to perform the duties I
impose on you." The Canon took the picture and placed it
lovingly on his breast. He was instantly cured and perfectly able to
undertake the task placed on him by the Bishop.
A
young sculptor lost the use of speech and hearing for close to 20
years. Aware of the prodigies wrought by the dear Thaumaturga
[miracle-worker], he made a novena to her during Holy Week. It was in
the year 1837. On Holy Thursday night, he seemed to see St. Philomena
surrounded by a throng of heavenly spirits and smiling at him.
Delirious with joy, he uttered a great cry -- he was cured. Shortly
afterwards he went to Mugnano to pour out his grateful thanks at the
Shrine of his heavenly benefactress.
A
good Irish lady was sorely tried by God. To her great grief, four
children, one after the other, were born dead. When the fifth was
expected, she was filled with consternation and begged her sister, a
nun, to pray for her. Her sister replied by recommending a novena to
Saint Philomena, in which she herself promised to join. Shortly
afterwards, a beautiful child, full of life and health, was born. In
accordance with her promise she called the child Philomena.
Philomena
Helps a Skeptic and One Who Persists in Praying to the Saint
My
dear Helen,
I
read the nice little book you sent me, St. Philomena -- The
Wonder-Worker, and began at once to pray to the dear Saint. At first
she did not seem to listen to my prayers.
I
spoke of the book to our Rector, who was seemingly not much impressed
with what I said. He appeared to be rather sceptical regarding Saint
Philomena. When next I saw him, he was suffering from a sharp attack
of influenza, with the usual disagreeable symptoms. I sent him the
book, which he commenced to read. The story of the Saint's marvelous
power impressed him strongly, and laying down his book, he said: "St.
Philomena, cure me, and I will spread your devotion." He was at
once cured and is now keeping his promise; he has passed on the book
to a sick parishioner and has said Mass in honor of the
Wonder-Worker.
Another
Letter from the Same Client of the Saint
Since
my last letter, I am glad to say that our dear Saint has done wonders
for me. May she be forever blessed. My sister, Mrs. Rosewat, has
wonderful faith in and love for her. She has sold hundreds of copies
of the little book. What favors will she not receive?
Philomena
Helps a Non-Catholic Dying Child and a Person with Health Problems
My
excuse for troubling you with this letter is that I am a most
grateful client of St. Philomena. I read the delightful book, St.
Philomena -- The Wonder-Worker, and it brought me great comfort and
help. The Saint has done wonders for me. Let me just mention three
facts. Some time ago, I was suffering from a bad nervous breakdown,
and though I consulted several eminent physicians, I got no relief. I
read of St. Philomena's "pill." This, as you know, is the
popular title for the tiny prayer printed on fine paper and swallowed
or mixed with one's food. I believe they come from the Sanctuary. At
the same time, I commenced a novena for the Saint's feast of August
11. From the very beginning, I felt an improvement, which gradually
increased and ended in my complete recovery; this was the cause of
great astonishment to my friends.
The
Almighty was pleased to send me still another cross in the shape of a
very grave and painful illness, as a result of which I suffered from
such weakness in my legs that, without any previous warning, I used
suddenly to fall. I now promised St. Philomena to wear her cord, and
begged her to cure me if such was God's will. She again came to my
help, and I am once more well and happy, thank God.
A
poor non-Catholic woman had her little girl at death's door. I spoke
to her of St. Philomena and of the power of a Mass offered in her
honor. Though very poor, she gave me a small stipend for the Mass,
which a holy priest celebrated at my request. At once the danger
passed, and the child is quite recovered. The poor mother tells
everyone of the marvelous cure.
In
thanksgiving I got a large statue of the Saint and offered it to our
church.
These
are a few of the many favors which I owe to this great Saint.
The
good priest, Don Francisco di Lucia, who had received the relics,
wished to make known the wonders worked for them. For this purpose he
wrote a short narrative of the principal events connected with the
history of the Saint. This book was being sold rapidly, and the
author, wishing to retain some copies for private distribution, sent
to Naples for those that remained. They were in all 221. He placed
them on the table in five little piles, four of which he covered so
as to protect them from the dust. The fifth pile he left uncovered,
as the book was in constant demand. For five or six months, he
continued to distribute the books freely (to the number of several
hundred), always taking them from the uncovered pile, without
adverting to the fact that he was taking many more from the pile that
it originally contained.
On
his return to his house one evening, he was greatly astonished to
find the floor of his room, which had been locked, covered with
books. As there was no human explanation forthcoming, the good priest
thought that it was St. Philomena who had scattered the books as a
sign that they were not pleasing to her. However, on examination, he
found that of the books on the table those under cover were just as
he had placed them, being forty-five in each group. In the fifth
pile, from which he had already taken so many hundreds, quite
unconscious that they were being multiplied, there were still
nineteen copies left. He now looked over his accounts and found that
from this pile he had taken more than 500 books. He next counted the
books on the floor and found that they were seventy-two. Other
miraculous multiplications took place several times, not only in
Mugnano, but in other places as well. These were followed later on by
multiplications of the Saint's pictures.
A
far different kind of miracle occurred with regard to her relics.
Some of those who had received relics did not treat them with
sufficient love and respect. What was not their amazement when, on
examining their reliquaries, they found that though these were
sealed, the relics had disappeared -- to be discovered in the urn
containing the bones of the Saint when next this was unlocked.
Never
have I seen a sanctuary so full of wonders, so alive with the
atmosphere of the supernatural, where one sees so palpably heavenly
manifestations, as in Mugnano. I do not mean to claim greater things
for it than for other sanctuaries, but, as the dear Little Saint's
special prerogative seems to consist in her amazing power of miracles
and in the extraordinary abundance of favors which she so generously
dispenses to her clients, so her sanctuary is especially
distinguished for the constant, visible and striking signs which the
Almighty is pleased to work in it.
Luke
Chapter 9, the multiplication of the loaves
[13]
But he said to them: Give you them to eat. And they said: We have no
more than five loaves and two fishes; unless perhaps we should go and
buy food for all this multitude. [14] Now there were about five
thousand men. And he said to his disciples: Make them sit down by
fifties in a company. [15] And they did so; and made them all sit
down.
[16]
And taking the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to
heaven, and blessed them; and he broke, and distributed to his
disciples, to set before the multitude. [17] And they did all eat,
and were filled. And there were taken up of fragments that remained
to them, twelve baskets.
Shrine
Outside of Mugnano and Their Miraculous Stories
Pauline
Marie Jaricot and the Curé of Ars were the chief instruments used by
Divine Providence for spreading the devotion of St. Philomena, not
only in France, but in Germany, England, Ireland and the Low
Countries. The thousands of visitors who came to Ars learned the
devotion from the lips of M. Vianney himself and returned to their
respective countries, taking back with them the story of the wonders
worked by the Saint.
We
will mention a few instances of the rapid growth of the devotion,
thus enabling our readers to see how easily they themselves may
establish it in their own homes and parishes.
PARIS
In
Paris the devotion began very simply. A gentleman who had received a
striking favor from St. Philomena offered an image of the Saint to
the Church of St. Gervais. This was exposed for the veneration of the
faithful, who speedily had reason to recognize in the abundance of
favors received the extraordinary power of the new Saint. The cult of
the Saint increased so rapidly that in a short time it was found
necessary to dedicate one of the side chapels in her honor.
Crowds
attended the devotion, and during the novena in preparation for the
feast, the church was filled to overflowing by multitudes of the
faithful. Many are the stories recounted by the clients of the Saint
of the marvels she worked for them. Cures and conversions became
frequent; blessings, temporal and spiritual, were received;
astounding answers to prayer became so numerous as to cease to cause
surprise.
During
the time of the Paris Commune (May, 1871), her protection was most
especially manifested. The outrages perpetrated in the close vicinity
of St. Gervais
were
some of the most horrible that took place at this awful time. The
communists made several efforts to destroy the church itself but were
always foiled in their nefarious attempts. Finally they came in great
force under cover of darkness and commenced a thorough sack of the
building. All seemed lost when, strange to say, one of their own
number hastened for help and drove them out of the sacred edifice.
Though
all the buildings in the neighborhood became one vast conflagration,
St. Gervais alone stood intact, a silent but eloquent witness to the
power of St. Philomena.
Thirteen
lamps burn by day and night on the altar, commemorating the thirteen
years of the mortal life of the Saint. The oil from these lamps is
frequently demanded for use by the sick, and very remarkable indeed
are the cures it effects. Each evening a special service is held in
honor of the Saint, consisting of prayers, Benediction of the Blessed
Sacrament and frequently a panegyric [sermon of praise] on the Saint.
The Archconfraternity of St. Philomena established in the church
counts upwards of 8,000 members.
SEMPIGNY
Sempigny
in 1830 was a poor parish. The Archbishop of Paris sent a relic of
St. Philomena to the church, and this was placed on a wooden altar. A
candle which was lighted in honor of the Saint caused a fire, which
consumed the entire woodwork of the altar, but seemed to respect the
relics. These were untouched by the flames. One of the clients of St.
Philomena consoled the poor people of the village at their loss,
saying: "She who has already so marvelously shown her power will
doubtless provide an altar for herself." And so it came to pass,
for shortly after the fire, a young man of ample means read by chance
a page torn from the life of the Saint and became so deeply
interested in it that he wanted to know more about her. On inquiry,
he was informed that she was much honored in Sempigny. Thither he
repaired and, while praying before the relic, felt an extraordinary
inspiration. It seemed that the holy virgin bade him restore the
altar, promising him in return her special protection. The conviction
was so vivid that he exclaimed: "I wish for no earthly union,
but to take thee, dear Saint, as my sister and my spouse."
Whereupon he heard the answer: "Yes, indeed, I will be thy
sister and thy spouse, and the Blessed Virgin, my Mother, will be thy
Mother also."
He
at once set to work and not only restored the altar but the entire
church. The Saint on her part showered the most marvelous blessings
on her new friend and worked extraordinary prodigies, as well in
favor of the people of the district as for the immense crowds of
pilgrims who now began to flock to Sempigny from all parts.
THIVET
Thivet
is another sanctuary of St. Philomena, and the devotion was
introduced there through the instrumentality of a young man. He was
grievously ill and was despaired of by the doctors, who gave him up
for lost. Unable to make the journey himself, he begged a good priest
to go to Ars and solicit his cure. His envoy accordingly set out and
said Mass at the altar of St. Philomena, after which he repaired to
the tomb of the holy Curé, who had died a short time previously.
There he heard a voice, as if issuing from the tomb, telling him that
the sick man would be cured if St. Philomena were honored in the
neighborhood where he lived. So startling was the impression that the
priest turned cold and began to tremble in every limb. This
impression, far from lessening, became more intense. Accepting the
compact, he speedily set about establishing the devotion, having
obtained a relic of the Saint from Miss Jaricot. Shortly afterwards,
the patient was perfectly restored to health and in company with his
priest-friend made a pilgrimage to Ars to thank St. Philomena. Just
as in other places where her devotion was introduced, favors,
blessings, graces of all kinds began to be showered on the people. An
association in the Saint's name was established, which included in a
short time thousands of members from all over France.
Let
not our readers imagine that the instances we have given are
exceptional; they are rather the rule. The advent of the Saint to a
church or district is the signal for the most amazing blessings.
The
wonders wrought in some of the sanctuaries of St. Philomena are so
marvelous as almost to rival those of Mugnano itself.
Would
only that priests could be induced to place a statue of the Saint in
their churches. She herself would do the rest.
God
Punishes Those Who Mock Saint Philomena's Intercession and Those Who
Do Not Fulfill Their Promises to Her
Daughter
of BoldRadish: It is better to not make a promise to the Saint for a
favor, but rather just do works as you are inspired to do them, or
say prayers as you are inspired to pray them, than to make a promise
to her and not fulfill it. As it is written in Ecclesiastes, Chapter
5:
Be
not hasty in your utterance and let not your heart be quick to utter
a promise in God's presence. God is in heaven and you are on earth;
therefore let your words be few. As dreams come along with many
cares, so a fool's voice along with a multitude of words. When you
make a vow to God, delay not its fulfillment. For God has no pleasure
in fools; fulfill what you have vowed. It is better not to make a vow
than make it and not fulfill it. Let not your utterances make you
guilty, and say not before his representative, “it was a mistake.”
Why should God be angered by your words and destroy the works of your
hands? Despite many dreams, futilities, and a multitude of words,
fear God!
I
have, with my own eyes, witnessed people punished severely for
rejecting her or ridiculing her or her servants, especially those who
have seen miracles she has worked and then rejected her. Everything
from destroyed lives to actual death. But I have seen this in
people's lives who blaspheme God, or take His Name in vain, not just
those who reject Philomena. Any rejection of His Goodness, or
arrogance on their part, especially after seeing His Goodness but
still hating Him; any saying “There is no God, I Am God!” or any
saying, “God will not punish me,” has resulted in people's lives
really falling apart. I believe it is one of the reasons for the
economic downturn: God is punishing so many people who ignore Him,
ridicule Him, hate Him, try to take His place, play with the occult,
and/or take His Name in vain. This is because God made us, He is
infinitely good and merciful (but still just, punishing those who
would hurt others, for if someone would hate God Who is perfect, they
are always viciously cruel to humans who are imperfect), and we owe
Him praise and thanksgiving, as the center of our lives, which
wouldn't exist if not for Him and which fall apart without His help.
From Zechariah Chapter 5:
Then
I raised my eyes again and saw a flying scroll. God asked me, “What
do you see?” I answered, “I see a flying scroll, twenty cubits
long and ten cubits wide.” Then he said to me: “This is the curse
which is to go forth over the whole land. According to it, every
thief and every perjurer* will be expelled. I will send it
forth—oracle of the LORD of hosts—so that it will come to the
house of the thief, and into the house of the one who swears falsely
by my name.b It shall lodge within each house, consuming it, timber
and stones.”
I
have also witnessed that those who don't thank God for graces
received, but who use gifts He has given them to sin and cause others
to sin, or to otherwise hurt people, have those gifts taken away.
Back
to quoting Fr. Paul O'Sullivan:
Promises
Not Fulfilled
Father
Sebastian Bowden of the Oratory, in the little work he edited on St.
Philomena, relates the following incidents, which are well worth our
serious attention.
A
married woman who had suffered for twelve years from an incurable
malady, which had cost her such large sums that she was reduced to
poverty, said one day before a miraculous picture of the Saint: "My
Saint, if you are so powerful before God, let this evil pass from me,
and I promise you 'such and such a gold ornament,'" naming one
that was worth more than ten ducats. No sooner had she made this
promise than she was entirely healed, and she herself promulgated
this favor.
But
for three months, she refused to fulfill her promise. Her husband
endeavoured to persuade her to do so for conscience sake, and at
length she offered, not the ornament she had promised, but another
worth only two ducats. In that moment her disease broke out with
greater violence than before, and not all the prayers that were
offered for her could again obtain her cure.
—
There
lived at Montemarano a husband and wife who had no children. They had
recourse to St. Philomena, and they vowed that if they were blessed
with a daughter they would call her Philomena and carry her to
Mugnano to thank the Saint. Their request was granted, and they
fulfilled the first part of the vow, but not the second. The husband
wished to accomplish it, but the wife turned a deaf ear to this
entreaties.
The
little Philomena was more than two years old, beautiful and clever.
Hearing that a feast was to be celebrated in Castelvetere, a
neighbouring village, in honor of St. Philomena, the wife said she
would take the child there to fulfill the vow, instead of to Mugnano.
The husband protested, but she insisted and went to spend the feast
at Castelvetere. That same night at bedtime, the little Philomena ran
up to her parents, contrary to custom, and kissed them both; then,
calling them Papa and Mama, she suddenly expired. In their terrible
consternation, the parents hastened to Mugnano to appease the just
anger of the Holy Martyr, lest worse should befall; and there they
related that they had previously had several terrible warnings and
punishments from which they had been delivered by renewing their vow,
and yet they had never fulfilled it till then.
—
St.
Philomena is so desirous to show us favors that she not only rewards
those who propagate devotion to her, but even chastises those who
refuse to make her known.
An
Archdeacon of Ascoli, in Italy, received a relic of the Saint from a
lady who begged him to spread the devotion to her. But believing that
there was more of natural zeal than of true devotion in the request,
he shut up the relic and even refused it to the Bishop, who wished to
use it for a solemn feast in honor of the Saint. This refusal was
much talked of, and he was warned that some punishment would befall
him. He replied that he had no fear of the Saints -- who wish us well
-- and that if it was the will of God, some sign would be vouchsafed
him.
St.
Philomena took him at his word, and on the third of May, 1832, at
noonday, the light seemed to fade from his eyes, the objects in the
room gradually disappeared, and he became totally blind. This was no
attack of giddiness; there was no natural cause for it -- it was
something more; it was supernatural. His thoughts turned at once to
St. Philomena, the refusal of her relic and the threatened
chastisement. His hand sought the reliquary and he prayed fervently
to the Saint. But his blindness lasted. Overwhelmed by the thought
that it might be forever, he rose to seek consolation elsewhere.
But
he said to himself: "If it be the will of God, should I not be
content? But how can there be contentment or joy for a creature
plunged in darkness, for whom the light of Heaven shines in vain?"
Unable to calm his agitation, he returned in half an hour to his
oratory and began to pray to the Saint with full confidence of being
heard. Then, as he took the relic to bless himself, the darkness
instantly vanished. He read the inscription on the reliquary: Ex
ossibus et indusio S. Filumenae, V. et M. ["from the bones and
garment of St. Philomena, Virgin and Martyr"], and his sight
returned completely.
In
the fullness of his heart he poured forth his thanksgivings to St.
Philomena, then hastened to his bishop. The Bishop carefully took
down his deposition of the miracle, and the Archdeacon became the
introducer and fervent promoter of the devotion to the holy Martyr in
Ascoli, where she worked many striking miracles.
Derision
Punished
Very
severe punishments fall upon those who deride her miracles and who,
led astray by the desolating philosophy of the present day, pride
themselves upon being unprejudiced and hold that to believe things
contrary to the ordinary laws of nature is fit only for the credulous
and those of weak minds. Many of these have been struck down by
unknown and incurable diseases. Numbers have died at the very moment
they were deriding the wonders worked by God through this Saint. Many
families of high station, full of this pride, were reduced to
poverty, and on the contrary in consequence of these events, some of
the most devoted to the Saint are those who were formerly among the
indevout.
In
a great city the first feast of St. Philomena was being celebrated
with much splendour. A certain ecclesiastic, seeing the rejoicing and
fervour, said contemptuously, "Did we want another Saint here?
Have we not feasts enough?" And murmuring thus, he went home.
The bystanders were much shocked and began whispering among
themselves that the Saint would not leave him unpunished. The words
were scarcely out of their mouths when they beheld his servants
running in search of doctors, for he had been struck down by a mortal
illness and lay as it dead upon the ground. He shortly after expired.
—
For
several years, two rich men in Naples had carried on a lawsuit
against a village of poor peasants; the latter implored the aid of
St. Philomena, their patron. Justice was already inclining to their
side, on which lay the right. But by cunning craft and by interest,
the brothers gained their cause -- to the ruin and desolation of the
poor villagers. Again they had recourse to St. Philomena, but the
haughty brothers derided them, saying, "Now we shall see what
St. Philomena will do for you. We are coming to the country and then
you will see if St. Philomena can deliver you." To these impious
words a poor woman employed in their house replied: "Gentlemen,
do not outrage the Saint. She is not like one of us; you cannot mock
her with impunity."
"What
will she so to us?" said they jeeringly, and the poor woman
replied, "She can deprive you of life before you set foot in our
village."
To
this their only answer was scorn, and they set forth. As they drew
near the last village before arriving at their journey's end, their
carriage leaned to one side and nearly fell down a precipice, but
just escaped being overturned. This so affected one of the brothers
that he was forced to stop in that village to rest, and in less than
an hour he was a corpse. This made a terrible impression upon his
brother, and he also, although up to that moment in perfect health,
fell down dead before the body of his brother had grown cold.
This
event spread in all those parts the glory of St. Philomena and the
power of her protection; and those poor villagers who had been saved
by her repaired to her shrine to pray, in the goodness of their
hearts, for the repose of the souls of their oppressors.
