O most pure Virgin, glorious Martyr, Saint
Philomena, whom God in His eternal power has revealed to the world
in these unhappy days in order to revive the faith, sustain the
hope and enkindle the charity of Christian souls, behold me
prostrate at thy feet. Deign, O Virgin, full of goodness and
kindness, to receive my humble prayers and to obtain for me that
purity for which thou didst sacrifice the most alluring pleasures
of the world, that strength of soul which made thee resist the
most terrible attacks and that ardent love for our Lord Jesus
Christ, which the most frightful torments could not extinguish in
thee. So, that wearing thy holy cord and imitating thee in this
life, I may one day be crowned with thee in heaven. Amen.
O great Saint Philomena, glorious Virgin
and Martyr, wonder-worker of our age, I return most fervent thanks
to God for the miraculous gifts bestowed on thee, and beseech thee
to impart to me a share in the graces and blessings of which thou
hast been the channel to so many souls. Through the heroic
fortitude with which thou didst confront the fury of tyrants and
brave the frowns of the mighty rather than swerve from thy
allegiance to the King of Heaven, 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 wert cast by order of thy persecutor, so may I pass
through the waters of tribulation without detriment to my soul. In
addition to these favours, obtain for me, O faithful spouse of
Jesus, the particular intention I earnestly recommend to thee at
this moment. 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 its 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.
Novena
Prayer to Saint Philomena
O faithful virgin and glorious martyr,
Saint Philomena, who works so many miracles on behalf of the
poor and sorrowing, have pity on me. Thou knowest the multitude
and diversity of my needs. Behold me at thy feet, full of
misery, but full of hope. I entreat thy charity, O great saint!
Graciously hear me and obtain from God a favorable answer to the
request which I now humbly lay before thee (make your request
here). I am thoroughly convinced that through thy merits,
through the scorn, the sufferings, the death thou didst endure,
united to the merits of the passion and death of Jesus thy
spouse, I shall obtain what I ask of thee and in the joy of my
heart I will bless God, who is admirable in his saints. Amen.
