Saint Philomena Patron Saint

Based upon hundreds of documented miraculous cures, St. Philomena was beatified in 1837. Over the ensuing years her legacy has acquired a number of patronage designations such as St. Philomena patron saint of the Living Rosary and St. Philomena patron saint of the children of Mary. Her virgin martyrdom at the young age of 15 has resulted in Saint Philomena also named as patron of children, patron of youth, patron of babies, patron of infants, patron of priests, patron of lost causes, patron of sterility and patron of virgins.

Biography of St. Philomena

Saint Philomena is believed to have been born around 290 and believed to have been martyred as a virgin around 203. Recorded or relic history does not contain any reference or factual basis concerning St. Philomena. She is the only person ever recognized as a saint based solely upon her powerful intercessions after her death. The St. Philomena biography, such as it may be called, is a total construction of scholars, historians and one personal revelation.

Saint by Revelation

Sister Maria Luisa di Gesù , a Dominican nun from Naples, claimed to have received information directly from Saint Philomena herself. This information included description of the tortures endured by the virgin martyr because of her refusal to marry Emperor Diocletian, having previously pledged her virginity to Jesus Christ. A popular St. Philomena medal depicts her holding a palm, an accepted symbol of martyrdom. Another popular image for a St. Philomena pendant on necklace is depiction of an anchor, from Diocletian's failed attempt to drown St. Philomena. Other popular St. Philomena medals include her holding several arrows, related to Diocletian several failed attempts to wound St. Philomena, and a whip symbolic of ritualistic scourging endured by St. Philomena. Lastly, a St. Philomena medal showing the young woman in white flowing robes is the traditional symbolism of a virgin martyr.