St. Philomena

Patroness of the Living Rosary
Patroness of the Children of Mary

O wise young saint, so radiant and so faithful, That stood undaunted 'neeth the tyrant's hate; St. Philomena, child and martyr hear us- Grant us to share in thy triumphant fate. Help us to grasp thy anchor when we falter, Give us strength to strive, the will to pray: A wonder-worker! lead us in thy footsteps And be thyself our guide upon the way. Amen.
St. Philomena, powerful with God- pray for us.


In 1802, the bones of a female between the ages of 13 and 15 were discovered in the catacomb of St. Priscilia. An inscription near her tomb read Peace be with thee, Philomena along with drawings of 2 anchors, 3 arrows and a palm. Near her bones was discovered a small glass vial, containing the remains of blood. Because it was a popular custom of the early martyrs to leave symbols and signs such as these, it was easily determined that St. Philomena was a virgin and a martyr. Her popularity soon became widespread, with her most memorable devotees being St. John Vianney, St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, St. Peter Eymard, and St. Peter Chanel. After being miraculously cured, Ven. Pauline Jaricot, foundress of the Living Rosary, insisted the Pope Gregory XVI begin an examination for the beatification of St. Philomena, who was to become the wonder worker. After hundreds of other miraculous cures, she was beatified in 1837. St. Philomena, who the pope named as the Patroness of the Living Rosary and the Patroness of the Children of Mary, is the only person recognized as a saint solely on the basis of her powerful intercession, although pertinent revelations regarding her life have been recorded. Her relics are now preserved in Mugnano, Italy. St. Philomena's feast day is August 11.

St. Philomena Catholic Church    21900 South Main Street   Carson CA 90745    Rectory: (310) 835-7161   Fax: (310) 830-5494