On this wonderful occasion of the 25th of May – the discovery of the Wonder Worker, Powerful Intercessor with God, and beautiful Virgin Martyr for our faith, Saint Philomena – I am very delighted to announce the publication of my new book. There could be no other fitting date to announce this book than on this special and significant anniversary of Saint Philomena’s divine arrival into our world at a time when the Christian community needed her the most. In God’s loving and protective way, He sent Saint Philomena to bring us renewed hope and focus on the virtue of purity and remaining steadfast to our devotion to Christ. To this day, He continues to pour out His mercy and healing power to those who come in contact with the Sacred Relics of Saint Philomena.
The Catacombs of Priscilla in Rome.
The tomb of Saint Philomena in the Catacombs of Priscilla in Rome.
This is where Her Sacred body was found on the 25th May 1802
It has taken more than 25 years of dedicated research and writing to ensure that everything this publication contains is factual and accurate. I urge each of you to use this as a resource, inspired by our very Saint, to help spread devotion to her and her desire to turn all people to Christ and Our Blessed Mother Mary – the only true path to salvation.
I believe this publication will be a great defender for her cause as one of the most powerful Saints of our Church. The book is appropriately entitled: “Testimony to the light of Christ” because that has always been our Saint Philomena’s desire to light the road to Him with every mention of her name.
The book has been published in Italian and is a First Edition. If you would like a signed copy of the book, please send the details of the inscription you would like included and this will be done for you near the Sacred Altar of Saint Philomena. Presently, the book is being translated into English with the intention of its release by the end of the year. You may order a book at the official site of Saint Philomena: http://www.philomena.us
In this Year of the Priest honoring Saint Jean-Baptiste-Marie Vianney, Curé of Ars, Patron Saint of Parish Priests, I have made a special prayer to him for his help and guidance in my work as the guardian of the Sacred Relics of Saint Philomena. She is the saint that Saint Jean Vianney held in the highest esteem as one of the most powerful saints which he proclaimed after his first encounter with her. I ask you to please join me in this prayer along with a prayer for peace in the world and for a renewed unity of all the devotion to Saint Philomena in all nations. This unity is so important to her continued devotion and so I ask you to also join me in praying a nine day novena to Saint Philomena to intercede and help us fulfill this request for the glory of God. A daily Mass will be offered for this sole intention.
I am also delighted to share that this past week at the Sanctuary, we were able to welcome the head of the Living Rosary Association of Pakistan, Mr. Afzaal Anwar Khokhar in peace and unity. What a joy it was to have him visit and to witness his dedicated work to promote the cause of Saint Philomena. We pray for God’s continued blessing on his endeavors and that he enjoyed his visit as much as we enjoyed having him here.
On a somber note, I would like to convey my deepest condolences to Robert Rossi, who heads the Michigan Chapter of the Archconfraternity, and his family on the loss of his father Ricardo Rossi. A special Mass was sung for him and we ask for God’s strength for his entire family during this difficult time. We join in prayer with them and hope they are comforted knowing that our beloved Saint is taking Ricardo by the hand to meet Our Lord in heaven:
Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.
Before concluding this message, I would like to draw your attention to a new, important development in the United States. A non-profit committee has been established and a special non-profit account has been opened in the United States to allow for devotees to easily make a tax deductible donation to the Sanctuary of Saint Philomena. It will be used for the purpose of spreading devotion to Saint Philomena in the United States and to provide financial assistance for the many building repairs of our Saint’s earthly home. As many of you already donate for flowers at the Altar of Saint Philomena via the PayPal account, you can now also do so through this new channel. A separate, more detailed newsletter will be distributed soon offering additional information.
In this beautiful month of May dedicated to Our Heavenly Mother Mary, Mother of God, to whom I have a very tender devotion, please remember to pray the Holy Rosary and attend Mass in her honor.
St. Philomena wishes to bring her devotees closer to Our Lady and it is fitting that we dedicate part of our newsletter to our Heavenly Mother.
Our Lady of Grace which is venerated in the Sanctuary of Saint Philomena.
We pray together:
The Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
Finally, following the beautiful celebration of Pentecost this past Sunday, let us be ever mindful of the many gifts God has given each member of His Body to build up His Church. Let us generously give of our gifts every day for His glory and for the continued spread of devotion to Saint Philomena. We seek the power of the Holy Spirit to guide us to all truth and righteousness on our journey to Christ’s Kingdom and for the salvation of all souls.
May Christ’s peace be with you. Please be assured of my prayers during the celebration of Holy Mass on this Feast Day offered for you and all Archconfraternity members and groups who spread devotion to our Princess. I wish you a very blessed day as we unite and join in prayer to Saint Philomena, powerful with God!
With Christ’s abundant love and blessings for you all – and may the protection of Our Blessed Mother surround you always,
Support the Sanctuary of Saint Philomena
“To love Saint Philomena is to love Her Sanctuary Her home on earth”
If you can, please send a donation, if not pray for the works of the Sanctuary, tell people about them and spread the devotion to our Little Saint.
Ways to send a donation
If you are able to send a donation please send it direct to the Sanctuary. This is possible through various methods.
By personal check payable to the “ Sanctuary of St. Philomena” and make sure to send it through registered or express mail to the Sanctuary's address which is at the bottom of this newsletter.
Online with credit card or through www.Paypal.com to the Sanctuary's
e-mail address:
SantaFilomena@philomena.it you will find further information and full procedure on our web site under the heading donate or by clicking the following donation button.
By bank transfer to the Sanctuary's Bank account:
SANTUARIO SANTA FILOMENA
BANCA DELLA CAMPANIA – fil n° 0007
BANK ACCOUNT: n° 1279013
SWIFT CODE: BPMOIT22
IBAN: IT19L0539275790000001279013
Please contact the Sanctuary direct for any further information you require.
PLEASE PASS OUR NEWSLETTERS ON TO YOUR FRIENDS AND OTHER DEVOTEES OF SAINT PHILOMENA YOU KNOW, TO KEEP THEM INFORMED OF THE REGULAR EVENTS AND NEWS DIRECT FROM THE SANCTUARY.
