Little is known about the life of Philomena whose body was discovered in 1802 in a catacomb of St. Priscilla in Rome. On the tomb rested three stones with the words LUMENA PAX TE CUM FI with symbols of 3 arrows, 2 anchors, a palm, and a lily. However, it's been suggested that the stones were in the wrong order and rearranging these stones would read PAX TE CUM FI LUMENA, meaning "Peace Be With You, Filumena". The young girls head had been fractured. A vial of what appeared to be reminiscences of dried blood was found in the tomb as well, which also leads theories in the direction to support the facts along with the symbols on the stones, that she suffered martyrdom. It is believed that St. Philomena was around the age of 14 at the time of her death.
She is the patroness of youth and babies. She can be prayed to for protection and blessings for children. Set sweet cakes, candies, sweet drinks, colas, toys, red and white braided ropes, pink flowers, lilies, perfumes, make up, green, pink or light blue candles.
Set an image out for her, light her a candle, and give her offerings. Recite a prayer and your petition to her.
A Prayer to use for St. Philomena follows, or you may choose another of your own liking.
St. Philomena, virgin and martyr, whose purity and devotion of everything innocent and good, grant to me the pardon of my sins, wash me pure. Your intercession is humbly called upon, from the heavens shines the light unto me. Protection and blessings, please intercede for me. Fortify me, sustain mine suffering, and obtain for me the graces of necessity and in particular (state your petition here)
O God, I thank Thee for the graces, Thou didst bestow upon the Blessed Virgin Mary, and upon Thy handmaid Philomena, through whose intercession we implore Thy Mercy.
Amen.