International Pilgrims Centre

The Sanctuary of Saint Philomena, spiritual home of devotees of the Saint throughout the world, extends a warm invitation to all.

The Sanctuary of Saint Philomena, Virgin Martyr and Wonder-worker, was established at the Church of the Madonna of Grace, Mugnano del Cardinale (in the district of Avellino, Italy) following the translation of her Sacred Relics in 1805. From the very beginning the Sanctuary became a place of pilgrimage. Devotees of the Saint flocked to this shrine in order to pray before her Relics; wonders and miracles became the order of the day! Saints and Blesseds, Kings and Queens, Princes and paupers came to invoke the great Wonder-worker.

The most illustrious of all Saint Philomena’s pilgrims was Pope Blessed Pius IX, who celebrated the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass at her Altar on the 7th of November 1849. The Ven. Pauline Jaricot, foundress of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, came on pilgrimage in 1835 and was cured of a fatal illness while at the Shrine. The Bl. Bartolo Longo, founder of the famous Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary at Pompeii came in 1896 to place all the ‘works’ of Pompeii under the powerful patronage of Saint Philomena

A 25 year restoration program, begun by the present Rector, Fr Giovanni Braschi, is nearing completion. Not only has the beautiful Sanctuary Church been sympathetically re-decorated, a comfortable pilgrim centre has been created and is now able to provide accommodation for devotees who wish to come here and spend some time at the feet of Saint Philomena.

This Pilgrim Centre is much more like a home than a hotel for devotees, and is coordinated by Sr. Bertilla and her team of helpers. The Pilgrims centre can accommodate up to 50 pilgrims. All rooms are well appointed, clean, and most have en-suite bathrooms. Family, double and twin rooms are available however single rooms are limited and in busy periods reserved for the clergy or sick. An elevator provides easy access to all floors and permits those in wheelchairs to move freely within the complex. Food, served in the spacious refectory, is of a particularly high standard, and gives an excellent opportunity to taste the wonderful Neapolitan cuisine. There is also a lounge area and a garden.

Saint Philomena’s Sanctuary is an ideal base for sightseeing and is situated close to Naples, Sorrento, Pompeii and Mt Vesuvius. Visits can also be made to Rome, Monte Cassino (for St Benedict) , San Giovanni Rotondo (for St Pio), St Michaels Mountain, Amalfi (for St Andrew) and St Gerard Majella.

For larger groups visiting the Sanctuary, for four or five days, it is possible to arrange a coach and tour guide; this must however be coordinated well in advance in your pilgrimage. At the time of Saint Philomena’s feast in August, space in the pilgrim Centre is at a premium. If you intend to visit at this time of the year, please book well in advance.

To book into the Pilgrim Centre please fill out this enquiry form and submit it. If you could give as much detail as possible we can attempt to meet all your requirements.

To make reservations or to inquire about making reservations, please click here to download the form that you can fax to the sanctuary

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