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The tomb that bears Philomena’s name was discovered in the year of Our Lord 1802, and some years later miracles began to be attributed to her intercession. Veneration of her relics was approved, and a few decades later a Dominican tertiary received revelations from Philomena regarding her life story. She had taken a vow of virginity as a young girl, and was beheaded on the feast of St. Laurence, after refusing the advances of the Emperor Diocletian and dramatically surviving many other attempts at execution. St. John Vianney built a shrine in her honor, and he attributed to her intercession all the miracles that he worked during his life. His example dramatically increased veneration of the virgin martyr. Other great saints with a devotion to Philomena include St. Damien of Molokai, St. Peter Julian Eymard, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, and many more. As is the case with many of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, and other great saints whose intercession has been demonstrated over the centuries, official liturgical celebration of Philomena has sadly fallen prey to a modern obsession with historicity. Having never been outright banned, however, devotion to St. Philomena has continued to flourish.
AT Rome, between the two laurels situated about three miles from the city, the birthday [into heaven] of St. Tiburtius, martyr, under the judge Fabian, in the persecution of Diocletian. After he had walked barefoot on burning coals and confessed Christ with increased constancy, he was put to the sword.
Also, at Rome, the holy virgin Susanna, a woman of noble race, and niece of the blessed Pontiff Caius. She merited the palm of martyrdom by being beheaded in the time of Diocletian.
At Gomana, in Pontus, St. Alexander, bishop, surnamed Carbonarius, who added to a consummate knowledge of philosophy an eminent degree of Christian humility. He was promoted to the See of that church by St. Gregory Thaumaturgus, and became illustrious, not only by preaching, but also by suffering martyrdom by fire.
The same day, the martyrdom of St. Rufinus, bishop of the Marsi, and his companions, under the emperor Maximinus.
At Evreux, in France, St. Taurinus, bishop. Being made bishop of that city by the blessed pope Clement, he propagated the Christian faith by the preaching of the Gospel, and the many labors he sustained for it. Celebrated for glorious miracles, he slept in the Lord.
At Cambrai, in France, St. Gaugericus, bishop and confessor.
In the province of Valeria, St. Equitius, abbot, whose sanctity is attested by the blessed pope Gregory.
At Todi, St. Digna, virgin.
℣. And elsewhere many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.
℟. Thanks be to God.