Dear Devotees of Saint Philomena
Allow me to introduce to you the
Archconfraternity Center for the State of Michigan in the U.S. whose
dedicated pastor is Fr. John Rocus. Fr. Rocus drove a very long way to
attend the
Saint Philomena meeting in St. Louis in October, 2011
where he shared his story of Saint Philomena. He then spent time with me at
the Sanctuary in October, 2012.
Saint
Philomena has truly touched his life and
is present with him in his work. In one of our latest communications he
related the following:
“On last summer's vacation to the coast of Maine, I stumbled upon the
Wooden Boat School. Being a woodworker and a former high school woodshop
teacher, I was interested in what they were doing and I saw plans for a
small rowboat. When I returned home I decided to teach a class on
boatbuilding to teach them some interested teens some new woodworking
skills. We selected a boat design called a Bevins Skiff and we named it
"Philomena". It was christened on her birthday here at Holy Spirit
church. The boat will be offered for sale as a fund raiser for our new
elementary school building. We are currently trying to raise funds for
that effort and would invite any and all to assist us in our efforts.”
This is a great story of inspiration and hope and may read Fr. John’s
story of Saint Philomena in his own words
through this link.
Sending you a blessing of Saint Philomena from her Sacred Altar


Msgr. Giovanni Braschi
Rector of the Sanctuary of Saint Philomena
Custodian of her Sacred Body

Support the Sanctuary of Saint Philomena
"It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving." - Mother Teresa.
If you can, please send a donation, offer prayers for the works of the Sanctuary and the Archconfraternity. Tell people about them and spread the devotion to our favorite little saint. We have many devotional items available to help support your prayer life: statues, relic medals, cords, holy oil, books, prayer cards, and more. With each purchase, you directly support the Sanctuary. You can view the various items and shop online at www.shopphilomena.com.
You may make a donation in any of the following ways -
- Direct to the Sanctuary:
- By personal check payable to the "Sanctuary of Saint Philomena." For security reasons, please send your donation through registered or express mail to the Sanctuary's address at the bottom of this newsletter.
- Online - Go to our Support Page, Click Here
- By bank transfer to the Sanctuary's Bank account: BANCA UNICREDIT MUGNANO DEL CARDINALE(30525) BANK ACCOUNT:N° 000400102946 SWIFT CODE:UNCRITM1E94 IBAN:IT18D0200875790000400102946
- U.S.A. Tax-Deductible Donations may be sent to the new non-profit set up in the United States:
- Online - Go to our Support Page, Click Here
- Postal mail donations can be made to: Saint Philomena Sanctuary Support Fund, Inc. P.O. Box 4114 Bergheim, Texas 78004, U.S.A.