Saint Philomena
In 1802 the bones of an adolescent girl were found in the catacomb of Priscilla at Rome. Priscilla was a Roman matron and early Christian who gave her house to St. Peter to use. Along with the bones three tiles were enclosed in the tomb with the inscription “Peace be with you, Philomena.” Over the next several decades Philomena, the virgin martyr, became an extremely famous and popular saint and many stories and miracles were ascribed to her. In 1835 Pope Gregory XVI authorized the public cult of Philomena. She was greatly venerated by St. John Vianney.
This image is made from original designs for
The Communion of Saints,
A cycle of tapestries woven for the Nava of the
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels
Los Angeles, California
