ST. PHILOMENA VIRGIN MARTYR AND WONDER-WORKER (Page Four)
Spread of the Devotion
We have attained the object that was our goal in the writing of this little book, namely, the proving of Saint Philomena's claim to be honoured under the triple title of Virgin, Martyr and Wonder Worker. It is imperative to give this fact due consideration, and to keep it well in mind, because of the attacks sometimes made upon devotion to one of the most lovable of all the saints.
In the perusal of this article, we have seen that Saint Philomena's title to our veneration is established on a very firm foundation. However, in conclusion we will give a brief summary of the incontestable proofs we have placed before our readers.
1. Eminent archaeologists have verified the authenticity of her sepulchral stone. Father Buonavenia. S.J., a member of the Pontifical Commission of Archaeology and Professor of Archaeology at the famous Gregorian University in Rome, has most learnedly and conclusively refuted the attacks made, in late years, upon the cult of the saint.
2. Innumerable and most wonderful miracles wrought through her intercession bear striking testimony to the Will of God in her regard.
3. The Church, through her Supreme Pontiffs of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, Leo XII., Gregory XVI., Pius IX., Leo XIII. and Pius X., has, after mature and careful deliberation, sanctioned the devotion to St. Philomena. The declaration and solemn decrees of several Popes, most notably Gregory XVI., are convincing evidence in favour of the cult of the Virgin-Martyr and fully justify our love and veneration for this beloved little spouse of Jesus.
"To sum up," observes Father O'Sullivan, "the Roman Congregations and the Popes themselves, using their supreme authority, have declared emphatically and repeatedly that Saint Philomena is a Saint, a Virgin and a Martyr." Hence, those who love the truth will not repudiate the weighty reasons put forward in this modest pamphlet. They, too, will declare themselves fervent and loving clients of our little saint.
The chief miracle which distinguishes and glorifies Saint Philomena is the astonishing rapidity with which devotion to her has spread. Her intercessory power is so great that she is invoked by all classes of people in needs of all description, and that with an efficacy which, in a number of cases, has been nothing short of marvellous. The love and veneration felt for this youthful Virgin Martyr know no distinction of nation; it has reached the uttermost end of the earth. Her pictures, biographies, medals, and statues have been carried by zealous missionaries beyond the confines of France and Italy, where her cult first blossomed. Spain, Germany, Belgium, Holland, England, Ireland, Scotland, Poland, Switzerland, Austria, Algiers, Syria and Turkey all loudly resound with her praises.
Her fame is widely spread through the Holy Land owing to the miraculous cure, at Jerusalem, of two Franciscan lay-brothers. The little Saint is honoured in the land of the Purple East, and she has her sanctuaries in China and Japan and India.
When this salutary devotion had almost permeated the Old World with the sweet odour of its perfume, it was wafted across the ocean and filtered through the countries of the New World-and in the land discovered by Columbus, Philomena is honoured side by side with the glory and pride of the two Americas, Saint Rose of Lima. In the land of the Southern Cross the fame of the winsome Child-Martyr of the Catacombs is growing apace, and, in this beautiful wattle-crowned land of ours, thousands of the faithful honour and venerate her as a powerful intercessor before the throne of God.
Wherever Philomena is invoked she showers favours and graces in profusion. Marvel and mystery surround all that is, or all that has been done, by this little beloved of the Spouse of the Virgins
There has been a continual stream of graces and favours, and ever since the day hernamed tomb was discovered in the old Priscillian Cemetery, "the forward flowing tide of time" has linked Philomena's name with Peace, Solace and Succour that have come to alleviate the lot of poor suffering humanity. A child in her tender years, a child in her guileless simplicity, a child, in her spotless purity, can it be wondered that the little saint loves all children with a special affection? But it is only feasible to conclude that her especial patronage and love is bestowed on those who bear her name, and wherever she is honoured by them, abundant and powerful graces are showered on them through her intercession.
Despite the opposition of the worldly wise, despite the antagonism of the Prince of Darkness, this beautiful devotion is making great headway throughout the length and breadth of the Catholic world. Treading the footprints of the great ones of Heaven's Courts, let us invoke Saint Philomena in all our spiritual and temporal needs; and let us celebrate her feasts by hearing Holy Mass in her honour. "Let us above all imitate her, for imitation is the nobler part of worship, and true devotion is manifested towards this great saint when we reproduce her virtues in our daily lives. She is a virgin; let us walk in the path of holy purity." In the present age of licentiousness this angelic virtue is endangered in a thousand ways, and we should be prepared to make any sacrifice in order to establish its reign in the hearts of all around us. Saint Philomena will not turn a deaf ear to those who are seeking the Pearl of Great Price.
Saint Philomena's chief Feast is August 11th, fixed for this day by Decree of Pope Gregory XVI. The festival of the Finding of her Relics in the Catacombs is kept on May the 25th, the actual anniversary. Her Patronage falls on the Sunday within the Octave of the Ascension. Devotion leads many of the Saint's clients to celebrate with great fervour her birthday on January the 10th. "This day as well as August the 10th, the anniversary of her martyrdom," says an Irish priest. Father Braughall, in his Reminiscences, "is signalised by God with many miracles and favours for her devotees."
We gaze in rapture on the saints in glory as their feasts occur in the varied round of the liturgical cycle. We listen speechless with wonder to the songs of triumph and praise that arises in their honour from the ranks of the Church Militant, and it is good. But let not the radiance of all this splendour dazzle us and hold our eyes, so that we see not one great motive that Holy Mother Church has had in bringing so often under our notice, their deeds and heroism here, and their deathless glory in the Church Triumphant. We are apt to forget that these princes and princesses of our Father's mansion were once "poor banished children of Eve," wandering in this "vale of tears"; that their hearts have been crushed and bruised by every form of grief and woe; that their eyes have wept bitter tears; and they, too, have struggled along the rugged, thorn-strewn path of life's fitful journey to eternity. But listen! Above the din of life's grim battle, there is wafted to us the old slogan of Christ's warrior hosts-Sursum Corda. And there in the nurseries of heaven and we find our own little saint, and as her sympathetic gaze rests upon us her lips repeat her message of hope and peace and love: "Sursum Corda," raise up your hears to your eternal home. Ah! then what wonder if "our hearts burn within us," what wonder if our confidence is unbounded as we cry: Saint Philomena, Pray for us!
How to Honour St. Philomena
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 honoured and her protection secured. We know for instance that the holy Cure of Ars blessed and distributed them himself. The Confraternity of the Cord of St. Philomena is approved by the Congregation of Rites and is enriched with many indulgences (Brief April, 1884).
Rules of the Cord of St. Philomena
1. The Cord approved of by the Sacred Congregation in honour of St. Philomena, ought to be made of linen, wool , or cotton, of a white and red colour, with two knots at one of the ends to honour her double title of Virgin and Martyr.
2. It is worn under the dress as a girdle. No ceremony is required in conferring it, but it may be blessed beforehand, and passed or sent by one person to another. When worn out, the new Cord must be also blessed. Children, however young, may receive the Cord.
3. In putting on the Cord, each one ought to propose to himself constantly to honour St. Philomena in order to merit her protection against all evils of soul and body, and also to obtain, through her intercession, perfect chastity, the spirit of faith so necessary in the unhappy times in which we live, and the grace of doing penance so as to lead a Christian life.
4. Those who wear the Cord are counselled to say every day the following prayer:-
"O St. Philomena, Virgin and Martyr, pray for us that, through thy powerful intercession, we may obtain that purity of mind and heart which leads to the perfect love of God. Amen."
Our late Holy Father Leo XIII., by a Rescript dated the 14th of March, 1893, granted 100 days' Indulgence to the faithful who wear the Cord of St. Philomena, and recite the above prayer with devotion and contrition.
Prayer that may be said on putting on the Cord of St. Philomena to obtain the cure of an illness:
"O St. Philomena, who hast endured death for the sake of Jesus Christ, graciously obtain for me patience in this illness, and if it be the Will of God, grant that on putting on this Cord, blessed in Thy honour, I may recover health of body in order to labour with greater fervour for the sanctification of my soul. Amen."
Indulgences of the Cord of St. Philomena
PLENARY INDULGENCES.
1. On the day on which the Cord is worn for the first time.
2. On the 25th of May, the anniversary of the Discovery of the body of St. Philomena in the Catacomb of St. Priscilla.
3. On the 11th of August, The Feast of St. Philomena
4. On the 15th of December, the anniversary of the approbation of the Cord by the Holy See.
5. At the moment of death, under the ordinary conditions.
N.B. To gain these Indulgences, except No. 5. (For which only the ordinary conditions are required), one ought to go to Confession and Communion, to visit some church, and pray there for some time for the intentions of the Sovereign Pontiff.
The Beads of Saint Philomena
The beads of Saint Philomena consist of three large and thirteen small beads, with a Crucifix attached. The three large beads are white, a taken of virginity, and are in honour of the Blessed Trinity in whose honour the Holy Virgin, St. Philomena, laid down her life. The thirteen small beads are red, the sign of martyrdom, and signify the thirteen years that St. Philomena lived on earth.
On the Crucifix is said the Apostles Creed, to ask for the grace of faith. On each of the large beads is said an Our Father in honour of the three Divine Persons of the Blessed Trinity in thanksgiving for the graces bestowed on St. Philomena and for all favours obtained through her intercession; and on each of the small beads is said the following prayers, to commemorate the thirteen years of her life on earth:
Hail, O Holy St. Philomena, whom I acknowledge after Mary, as my advocate with thy Divine Spouse, intercede for me now and at the hour of my death. St. Philomena beloved daughter of Jesus and Mary, Pray for us who have recourse to thee. Amen.
At the end say:
Hail, O illustrious St. Philomena, who so courageously shed your blood for Christ, I bless the Lord for all the graces He has bestowed upon thee during thy life and especially at thy death. I praise and glorify Him for the honour and power with which He has crowned thee, and I beg thee to obtain for me from God the grace I ask through thy intercession. Amen.
When using the beads, which is one of the simplest methods of prayer in honour of the Saint, we might ask for the grace of purity in honour of the virginity of the Saint, who to protect this angelic virtue, suffered an heroic martyrdom. We might also ask for that virtue for which she was so eminent, which she is so willing to obtain for all her clients, and which is the greatest help for all Christians to lead a holy life, and reach the highest sanctity, namely the strength and courage always to do our duty.
(From St. Philomena's Garland, approved by the Archbishop of Dublin on the 13th of October, l924.)
Novena in honour of St. Philomena
In making a Novena to Saint Philomena, or to any saint, be careful to make it with a very pure intention. Having always in view the glory of God and the salvation of your soul, put yourself into the state of grace and renounce all affection to sin; be very faithful to the different exercises and prayers appointed and invite your friends to unite their prayers with yours; assist at daily Mass during the time of the novena and at its conclusion receive Holy Communion, give an alms for your intention and finally, never forget to return thanks for favours received.
O Glorious Virgin and Martyr, beloved of God, Blessed Philomena. I heartily rejoice in thy glory, and give God thanks that He has given thee so much power, for the glory of His name, for the edification of His Church, and to honour the merits of thy life and of thy death. I rejoice to see thee so great, so pure, so generous, so faithful to Jesus Christ, and to the precepts and counsels of His Gospels, and so munificently rewarded by Him both in heaven and on earth. Attracted by thy example to the practice of solid virtue, filled with hope at the views of the rewards bestowed upon thee, I resolve to imitate the in the avoidance of all evil, and in the fulfilment of God's Holy Will. Assist me, O glorious little Saint, by thy powerful intercession, and obtain especially for me a perfect purity, a fortitude invincible in all sorts of attacks, a generosity which refuses not to God anything whatsoever, a love stronger than death for the one true faith, and a ready and a willing obedience to the Holy Catholic Church, and to our Sovereign Pontiff, the common Father of all the Faithful, the Pastor of pastors and of their flocks, and Vice-regent of Jesus Christ throughout the universe, our Holy Father the Pope.
Besides these favours which I have now asked through thy intercession, O Blessed Philomena, I also ask an additional favour which I have the fullest confidence of obtaining through thy powerful intercession. (Here mention your request with simplicity, confidence, and humility). Surely God, who is so good, and who has bestowed so many gifts and favours, upon and through thee; God, who is so good as to have died for me, and to give Himself to me in Holy Communion; God who is so good as to have revealed the burning love of His Sacred Heart for me, surely He will not refuse to hearken graciously to thy prayers, to my supplications, and even to His own desire to help the afflicted. For this do I hope, while I put all my confidence in God, and in thee, O Blessed Philomena. Amen.
(From "St. Philomena" by Father Dowling, approved by the Archbishop of Dublin, 16th of July, 1926.)
Prayer Before Mass During Novena
O Eternal Father, I offer Thee through the hands of the most blessed Virgin Mary, this Holy Sacrifice to Thy highest praise, with that same aim and end as Thy Beloved Son, the Eternal High Priest, Jesus Christ Himself offers it to Thee. I offer it especially for the greater glory and beatitude of Saint Philomena, Virgin and Martyr, in thanksgiving for all the graces, privileges, honour and bliss bestowed on her and particularly to ask Thee, through her merits and intercession this favour I need....................(here express the favour you desire to obtain).
St. Philomena, I offer this Mass in your honour. Deign, O gracious Saint, to intercede for me at the Throne of Divine Mercy and by your powerful intervention vouchsafe to assist me in my present want............(here mention your petition to St. Philomena), Amen.
(Approved by M. Despatures, Bishop of Mysore.)
Bibliography
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