ST. PHILOMENA VIRGIN MARTYR AND WONDER-WORKER (Page Two)
The remains of Saint Philomena were translated to the Custodian of the Sacred Relics in Rome. There they were destined to remain till June, 1805. Future years were to unveil the glory and the power of the little saint. The Sands of Time had to run still more before, in a most astonishing manner, she was made known to the whole Christian world.
Before passing on to the consideration of the cultus of Saint Philomena, it may be interesting to answer a question which is often asked by her clients: "When did Saint Philomena actually live?" De Rossi, the Columbus of the Catacombs, tells us, "In the Apostolic Age; that is to say, during the lifetime of those who received the faith from the Apostles themselves, and therefore, not later that the years 150 or 160 A.D."
The name of De Rossi carries with it its own authority. His learning, industry and sagacity, as well as the cautiousness and correctness of his conclusions are renowned throughout Europe, where he is looked upon as the chief exponent of the science of Christian archaeology.
The following quotation from his work, "Bulletin of Christian Archaeology," will give, in his own words, the principal grounds upon which his opinion is based. "The cemetery of Saint Priscilla enjoys the fame of being one of the most ancient and primordial of the Catholic Church. My writings have, in general, confirmed this prerogative of antiquity, and all students of the question seem now to agree to this."
A former rector of the Shrine of Saint Philomena, Monsignor Deschamps, is reported to have received the following assertion from De Rossi: "The inscription now forever celebrated, 'PAX TECUM FILUMENA,' painted in vermilion on tiles, truly belongs to a special family of epigraphs in the Cemetery of Saint Priscilla, the most recent date of which does not seem to me to descend to an epoch later than the reign of Marcus Aurelius, A.D. 121-180, or of Commodus, A.D. 180-192. That is all I can, in my art and in my power say. I do not think this, but I firmly believe it." "There is no doubt, then, that the Catacomb of Priscilla belonged to the Apostolic Age. Saint Priscilla, its foundress, was the Mother of Pudens, who is said to have given hospitality to the Apostle Saint Peter, the grandmother of Saints Praxedes and Prudentia, who died about the middle of the second century, and were buried near their father in this ancient cemetery."
From the evidence of De Rossi, we may reverently assume that our little saint lived in those days of fierce persecution, when the Christians of the Early Church invested death with the robes of the Crucified, and crowned their last moments on earth with the aureola of martyrdom.
Hence, it follows, from the declaration of the celebrated Archaeologist that Saint Philomena belonged to the second century of the Christian era. Again, Father Buonavenia, a Jesuit Archaeologist of the Pontifical Gregorian University (which is so justly esteemed as a centre of learning in the Catholic world), published a work of two hundred pages which is entitled "Controversy upon the Celebrated Epitaph of Saint Philomena." Speaking as an historian, a scientist, and a theologian, in this erudite book, the distinguished author favours the opinion set forth in this article; namely, that Philomena belonged to the period assigned to her by the great master Archaeologist, De Rossi.
We merely mention these facts here, in order to satisfy the devotion of those, who find a certain amount of detail gives them a clearer picture of, and consequently a warmer affection for, and a deeper interest in, this little Wonder Worker of the nineteenth century.
The Wonderful Miracles Wrought Through Saint Philomena's Intercession
The story of Saint Philomena really commenced with the translation of her relics to Mugnano, near Naples, in 1805. According to Henri Gheon in his "Secret of the Cure of Ars," "this is one of the few stories worth telling if we look at the world's history as a thing ruled by Providence." Historians relate the deeds of kings and rulers for the admiration or condemnation of posterity. Men and women famous in unravelling a system of philosophy, or the creators of some gem of literature, receive from their votaries their need of praise. Brave defenders of a nation's flag, such as the men of ANZAC are hailed as immortals. Scientist like Volta, Galvani, Pasteur and Mendel are lauded as outstanding men of genius. But, greater far than any that are honoured as the great ones of the earth, and a thousand times more marvellous, are the deeds and the influence of God's heroes and heroines, which stretch across the chasm of time to link up the faith of the present century with the faith of the martyrs in the Apostolic Age.
Speaking of Saint Philomena we recognise with Henri Gheon that "nothing of her life on earth is known save only the manner of leaving it." At a time when the glory that she received on earth might most naturally have found some echo here below, God hid her from the praise of men; for men she was as though she had not been, and this for seventeen hundred years. Then by a hundred miracles God proved how great in His sight were those dead ashes-the very symbol and sign of lowliness."
"In the summer of 1805 the Bishop-elect of Potenza went to Rome to be consecrated, and also, in the name of the King of Naples, to congratulate Pope Pius VII on his return from France. He was accompanied by a saintly missionary priest of the parish of Mugnano. The great desire of this holy levite was to obtain the body of a Virgin Martyr."
"On his arrival in the Eternal City, the good missionary, Don Francesco Di Lucia, made know his request to the Custodian of Sacred Relics. With the influence of his Bishop, and much to his delight, he succeeded in obtaining the cherished relics of the child martyr, Philomena. From that moment commenced the long succession of wonders which have since made the name of Philomena famous the whole world through, and, the first recorded favour obtained by this princess of heaven was the cure of her first Apostle." It happened thus:- "Don Francesca De Lucia, while in Rome, fell seriously ill. He promised Saint Philomena that if his health were restored he would choose her for his patroness and take her relics to Mugnano. Instantly the malady subsided and he was restored to perfect health. The Bishop, who had grieved over his illness, regarded the cure as miraculous, and both agreed to carry her remains, with all possible honour, to the promised shrine." "Her translation was accompanied by continual miracles," writes Father Bowden, "and, finally, the body of the saint was deposited in the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie." Ever since then societies, works of charity, confraternities, and even religious orders, have been founded under the Saint's patronage and protection. Sanctuaries have been raised in her honour, and, in the words of one of her historians, "graces, favours, and wonders all at once overflowed, like the waters of a long pent-up stream. Cures of soul and body, spiritual and temporal graces, instantaneous healing of incurable maladies, striking conversions-all that was asked was obtained." The hidden saint of the catacombs had commenced that apostolate of miracles, which has made her famous throughout the length and breadth of the Christian world.
In these days, more than ever before, one finds in intellectual circles many who consider it a privilege of their faith to forego evident signs of the supernatural, even when God's paternal love deems it well to offer them. They feel themselves so secure in their own faith that the ready belief in miracles displayed by other people is in their eyes an offence against the first theological virtue. They have a favourite quotation from the words of Our Lord. "Blessed are they that have not seen and have believed." From this text they draw their justification for accusing their fellow Christians (who do not share their views) of an attitude towards miracles which is unworthy of a Catholic, because it is, they assert, fundamentally due to a weak faith. Hence, they consider themselves justified in dismissing, without investigation, all miraculous intervention and all exceptional gifts of grace. The devout Catholic inherits the desire for miracles which springs from a childlike faith-the simple faith which such a renowned scientist as Louis Pasteur was not ashamed to confess. We hold that the promise made by Jesus Christ that He would be with us until the end of the world, must be constantly manifest through the ages, and, that by deeds which are worthy of the God of Omnipotence, and which are to serve as a continuous proof that he abides with us.
Miracles are the outward and visible sign and seal of the supernatural. God allows the currents of divine power to flow through His Saints. Facts speak for themselves and require no defence. That numerous miracles have been worked by Saint Philomena is an authentic, historical and undeniable fact. This may be verified by reading the "History of the Virgin Martyr," edited by Father Bowden of the Oratory.
*The miracle that spread far and wide the fame of the little saint, and which led to her canonisation by Pope Gregory XVI., was wrought in favour of Pauline Marie Jaricot, the foundress of The Association for the Propagation of the Faith, and of the devotion of The Living Rosary.
"About the year 1819." writes Father Bowden, "some Brothers of Saint John of God, who had escaped the revolutionary wreck of 1789 and 1793, were seeking to revive their Order, and make it a haven of peace for incurables. They travelled through Britanny and the South of France, relating as they journeyed through towns and villages, the marvellous miracles they had witnessed at Saint Philomena's shrine at Mugnano. At Lyons they visited the Jaricot family and inspired them with great devotion to the Child Martyr."
"The Superior of the Brothers, Father de Mongallon yielding to the entreaties of Pauline Jaricot, a beautiful girl of seventeen years gave her a relic of Saint Philomena, which he had brought from her shrine. Pauline had inherited a vast fortune, and being gifted by nature with a gentle, vivacious and lovable disposition, she was the special favourite at all social functions, where her beauty singled her out for special admiration and attention. "In spite of all this, Pauline always felt a strong attraction for spiritual things. Flattered by her many admirers, and her winning personality drawing all hearts, for a long time she had a fierce struggle with herself as to whether she would accept the pleasures of the world, or follow the inspiration of the Holy Spirit calling her to higher things." In the end grace triumphed.
God had marked her out to be the corner-stone of the greatest international work in the Church, the Foundress of The Association of the Propagation of the Faith-a work that would be the channel of material assistance to devoted missionaries in every part of the Master's Vineyard. "By a simple system-the inspiration of Pauline herself-abundant funds would flow from all parts of the Christian world, enabling the apostles of the pagans and heathens to achieve results far in excess of their sanguine dreams." Finally, she was the first agent raised up by God to spread devotion to the hidden Saint of the Catacombs, not only in France, but throughout Christendom.
We shall now recount the story of her illness and her miraculous cure. "For ten years," writes her biographer, "Pauline had suffered from an inward trouble due to her heart. The pain she endured was indescribable but she was so completely resigned to God's Will and so patient that her immediate friends were not aware of her sad state. In the year 1834 the malady became aggravated by other sufferings of a complicated nature. She was now prostrate with heart disease in a very advanced stage, and her case was diagnosed as incurable. France, at that time, was in the throes of a revolution, and during the insurrection at Lyons, in March of that year, Pauline lived in a subterranean tunnel, dug through a hill, which tradition locates as an ancient prison of Christian Martyrs. The insurgents were cannonading Fourvieres, and the army was bombarding Lyons from Fourvieres, where she lived. Her life in this underground passage was full of terrors; the hardships she experienced greatly increased her sufferings, and her death was expected at any moment.
"In April, 1835, she conceived the idea of going to Rome. She wanted to see the Pope to obtain new privileges for the associates of The Living Rosary, which she had also founded.
"Her wish seemed at first impossible to carry out. She could not walk and had to be carried in a chair. There had been a slight improvement in her condition after a novena to Saint Philomena, but the attack recommenced and swellings spread over her whole body. The doctor, thinking her case hopeless, gave his consent to the pilgrimage, as a concession granted to the last desire of one whose life is despaired of. Pauline made preparations for the journey to Rome by carriage, and from there, if it should prove possible, to Mugnano, near Naples, where the tomb of Saint Philomena was venerated.
"She set off secretly, lying in an easy carriage. Her companions were her chaplain, Mme. Melquiond, and a stalwart servant, Claude Maria Rousset. She accomplished the journey to Paray-le-Monial and here she decided to proceed to Rome to secure the blessing of the Vicar of Christ.
"After a difficult and most perilous journey, Miss Jaricot reached the City of the Popes, where she was received with great joy by the Nuns of the Sacred Heart, at Trinity dei Monti. The intimate friendship between Pauline Jaricot and Saint Madeline Sophie Barat dates from this visit.
"Gregory XVI., the reigning Pontiff, had been Pope since 1830. He was well acquainted with Pauline's good works. Being utterly incapable, in her weak-state, to go through a presentation at the Vatican, Pauline had the great honour of receiving two visits from the Vicar of Jesus Christ, who thanked her in person for two great benefits which the Church owed to her zeal-The Association of the Propagation of the Faith and The Living Rosary.
"On the occasion of his second visit His Holiness found her so ill that he asked her to intercede for him when she reached heaven. 'Yes, Holy Father, I promise to do so,' answered Pauline. 'But if, when I return from Mugnano, I come on foot to the Vatican, will your Holiness deign to proceed without delay to the examination of the cause of Saint Philomena?' 'Yes, my daughter,' replied Gregory the XVI., 'for that would be a miracle of the first class!' Then turning towards the Superioress of the Convent he added in Italian, so that Pauline might not understand: 'How ill she is; she seems to have come forth from the tomb. We shall never see her again. She will return no more." Pauline understood the words and smiled. Leaving her, the Holy Father blessed and thanked her once more, and turning to Cardinal Lambruschini ordered him to grant her as many privileges as possible."
"It was now August and the heat was terrific. With unwavering faith and courage Pauline proceeded from the Eternal City to Mugnano. The little party of pilgrims arrived at the Sanctuary on the eve of Saint Philomena's feast. The celebration of the festival had already commenced.
"On the actual feast day of the Virgin Martyr, the heroic girl was carried to the Shrine. At the moment of receiving Holy Communion, Pauline experienced fearful anguish in her whole frame, her sufferings were intense. Her heart beat so violently that she swooned away. To all appearance life seemed extinct. The bystanders were on the point of carrying her out of the Church, but consciousness returned, and the patient suffer made a sign that she wished to remain. Soon the eyes that were veiled in death began to shed copious tears, a tinge of colour overspread the pallid cheeks, her icy limbs regained the warmth of life, and a heavenly joy filled her desolate soul-a joy so great that she believed herself to be 'entering into the joy of her Lord,' "Pauline Jaricot was cured by the beloved Philomena, and she was reserved for long years of labour and toil, which were to end in a glorious though bloodless martyrdom. The enthusiasm of the crowd was unrestrained, and the bells of the town rang out announcing that the Virgin-Martyr had manifested her power."
"Two months later, full of health and strength, she was presented at the Vatican and received in audience by Gregory XVI. 'is this indeed my dear child? Has she come back from the grave, or has God manifested in her favour the power the Virgin Martyr?' 'It is I, indeed, most Holy Father,' she replied, 'Whom your holiness saw at the point of death, and whom Saint Philomena has regarded with mercy and compassion. As she has restored me to life, deign to grant me permission to fulfil the vow I made to build a chapel in honour of my benefactress.' 'Certainly, my child,' answered the Pope, ' and I shall proceed without delay to the examination of a cause dear to Catholic hearts"*
The name of Saint Philomena, on whom has been conferred the glorious title of "Thaumaturga" (Wonder Worker), is so closely allied with miracles that they themselves constitute her main history.
These miracles are of recent occurrence, and many of them belong to our own day. Here we are brought face to face with supernatural happenings and with evidence to support them in a hundred ways.
There are many publications in English, and quite a number edited in foreign languages, which recount the innumerable miracles wrought by the Cord of Saint Philomena Notable among these magazines are the "Messenger of Saint Philomena," published monthly in Paris, and "Saint Philomena's Bell," also published monthly with ecclesiastical approval, at Saint Monica's Priory, Hoddesdon, England.
The following remarkable favour is related in the "Messenger of Saint Philomena" by Sister Marie Augustine of the Blessed Sacrament, a Franciscan nun of Soignies in Belgium.
"In July, 1888, my little nephew, eight years old was attacked by caries of the bones in consequence of a fall. He had to undergo a surgical operation and Dr Debaisieux of Louvain, with the assistance of four other surgeons, sawed three of the bones of the left elbow. All went well at first, but a few days later severe pains came on, and the poor child could not move. They knew not what to do to relieve him. In the evening his aunt wound the Cord of Saint Philomena around the diseased arm. Instantly he seemed to sleep ten minutes afterwards he was entirely free from pain and sat up in his bed without support. All were taken by surprise, and thanked the great Saint, who, moreover, did not leave her work incomplete, for the next morning the surgeons, to their surprise, found the wound nearly healed, and they allowed the child to get up and run about the garden, a thing that could not naturally have been possible until four weeks after the operation.
''Moreover the bones began immediately to grow again.All trace of the disease has disappeared; the child is perfectly well and regains strength visibly. Yes, glory be to Saint Philomena, who ever interceded for us with the Immaculate Mother of God It is needless to say that father, mother, and the two other children have taken the Cord and will never part with it.''
*This miracle has been cited in the official document, asking for the introduction of the Cause for Pauline's beatification - a document approved by Pius XI., June 18, 1930.
