The Story of St Philomena’s Life
Our Lady of __________ _______
The Story of Philomena’s Life
There
was a Greek prince who was married to a lady who was of royal blood. They were
both pagans and worshiped pretend gods. They prayed a lot to these gods to give
them a child. Then one of their servants, who was a Catholic said,
“If
you become a Catholic, I am sure that God shall send you a child.” So this is
what they did. Soon the lady gave birth to a girl who, at baptism, was named
Philomena, which means the friend or daughter of the light which illuminates the
soul at Baptism.
When Philomena was only 13, they decided to go to Rome to talk to the Emperor Diocletian because Philomena’s father was worried that he was going to attack Greece.
Diocletian was friendly and said “Why would I want to attack Greece?” Philomena’s parents were relieved. Philomena couldn’t help noticing that while they were talking Diocletian was looking at her. When they had finished talking, Diocletian gave Philomena a beautiful necklace.
Diocletian
asked Philomena to marry him but he already had a wife. Philomena knew this and,
when she was little, she had promised that she would never get married. So
Diocletian ordered his guards to throw her in jail.
After spending thirty-seven nights in the dungeon, Philomena woke up to find Our blessed mother Mary holding The Christ Child. They had come to comfort her. "Do not worry," She said to Philomena. "You will only have three more days of suffering."
When Philomena again refused to marry him, Diocletian commanded that she be whipped. He then put her back in prison. That night two angels came with soothing oil and by morning she was completely healed.
Diocletian was getting madder and madder. He ordered his guards to throw her into the River Tiber tied to an anchor. Angels came to rescue her and Philomena was not harmed.
The cruel emperor then forced his soldiers to shoot arrows at her. The arrows missed their target. Red hot darts were then shot. The darts turned back on the soldiers, and a few were killed.
The Emperor Diocletian was now furious. His soldiers were commanded to drive a spear through the back of her head. Then there was great rejoicing in heaven as Philomena joined her King.
Find out what happened next in the Miracles through St Philomena's help which will be on this website soon. Please send your pictures to illustrate this story to saints4kids@ntlworld.com. (More information on the home page.)