My parish priest talked about the martyrdom of St. Philomena today. He even has a statue of her in our parish church and I said a prayer to her before Mama and I left the church this afternoon.
I did some research about St. Philomena and her sufferings as a martyr were really difficult. It does kind of remind me about the sufferings of the Christians in Iraq right now who are being persecuted for their religion. It's the same story for St. Philomena. She was tortured and debased and maybe even raped just so she would deny Christ.
I have here two prayers which you can use when you want her to intercede for your intentions. I will start praying it in my Blessed Sacrament visits tomorrow.
I'm excited to know her more and allow her into my life!
Prayer to St. Philomena
O, Saint Philomena, Virgin and Martyr, whom God glorifies by so many miracles; whom the Vicar of Jesus Christ has named the Protectress of the Living Rosary and the Children of Mary, manifest more and more plainly from the heights of Heaven that a voice holy as thine cannot be denied, and that we have the right to rely upon thine aid. Obtain for us the grace to be faithful to Jesus Christ, even to death. Amen.
Novena to Saint Philomena
O, great Saint Philomena, glorious Virgin and Martyr, wonder-worker of our age, obtain for me purity of body and soul, purity of heart and desire, purity of thought and affection.
Through thy patience under multiplied sufferings, obtain for me a submissive acceptance of all the afflictions it may please God to send me, and, as thou didst miraculously escape unhurt from the waters of the Tiber into which thou were cast by order of thy persecutor, so may I pass through the waters of tribulations without detriment to my soul.
In addition to these favors, obtain for me, O faithful Spouse of Jesus, the particular intention I earnestly recommend to thee at this moment. (Here specify your petition) O pure Virgin and holy Martyr, deign to cast a look of pity from Heaven on thy devoted servant, comfort me in affliction; assist me in danger; above all come to my aid in the hour of death.
Watch over the interests of the Church of God, pray for it’s exaltation and prosperity, the extension of the faith, for the Sovereign Pontiff, for the clergy, for the perseverance of the just, the conversion of sinners, and the relief of the souls in purgatory, especially those dear to me. O great Saint, whose triumph we celebrate on earth, intercede for me, that I may one day behold the crown of glory bestowed on thee in Heaven, and eternally bless Him who so liberally rewards, for all eternity, the sufferings endured for His love during this short life. Amen
