The Life and Miracles of Saint Philomena, Virgin and Martyr

This book is an anonymously written biography of Saint Philomena, a young consecrated virgin whose remains were discovered in Italy in 1802.

The name Philomena means ‘daughter of light’; this led to the appreciation of the young girl’s bones as an artifact of Christian Rome. The significance of her life and deeds, plus the various miracles which were purported to have occurred in proximity to her bones, such as the multiplication and distribution of her bone dust to many onlookers, led to calls for her to be sainted. Decades after the initial discovery, the girl was witnessed in a vision experienced by a Greek nun, who said she was a holy princess and daughter of the Roman Emperor Diocletian.

The significance of Saint Philomena became known throughout the Catholic world, and her tomb and church became local landmarks in provincial Italy. To this day, the sites associated with her are attractions for Christian pilgrims and other visitors, curious to know of the significance of the holy remains.

This book was anonymously published and distributed in the mid-19th century; it chronicles the discovery of Philomena’s bones, the subsequent apparition of their significance, and other associated events. The various devotional practices that developed are also catalogued, with a selection of prayers and hymns written and dedicated to St. Philomena also appended.