The Life and Miracles of St. Philomena

The name of the glorious virgin and martyr, Saint Philomena, is not as well known as it should be. The extraordinary devotion of St. Jean Vianney to this saint lends a new and holy charm to her name. His biographer tells us that the Curé d'Ars devotion to this holy virgin and martyr was almost chivalrous.

‘The youthful saint’ went forth from her mother's arms to die for Christ; the lictor's ax cropped the budding lily, and pious hands laid it in the tomb; and so fifteen centuries went by, and none on earth thought upon the virgin martyr, till the time came when the Lord would have her glory to appear; and then He chose a champion for her in the lonely, toilworn priest.

We trust this little volume will serve to enkindle a tender devotion to the saint in many a young heart. At the early age of thirteen, this true heroine trampled all the vanities of the world and chose to endure torments rather than renounce her crucified Saviour. What a model of constancy does she present to us! Let us go to her when tried and with unbounded confidence implore her intercession!

"My children, Saint Philomena’s virginity and generosity in embracing her heroic martyrdom have rendered her so agreeable to God that He will never refuse her anything that she asks for us." + St. Jean Vianney