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Saint Philomena, the Wonder-Worker by Fr. Paul O'Sullivan
St. Philomena is perhaps the most extraordinary Saint in the history of the Catholic Church. When the relics of this 13-year-old Virgin Martyr were discovered in the Roman Catacombs in 1802, she became almost overnight one of the most popular saints in the Church, earning the nick-name of “The Wonder-Worker” because of the countless remarkable favors that she sent to those who prayed to her. For a century and a half there was a worldwide Catholic devotion to St. Philomena, approved by many Popes. But amazingly, since the 1960’s, she has been almost forgotten.This little book by the beloved Fr. Paul O’Sullivan gives the fascinating story of St. Philomena. Fr. O’Sullivan tells of her martyrdom, her miracles, her relics, her partnership with the Curé of Ars, and the great miracle involving Pauline Jaricot, as well as recounting many other true stories of the “dear Little Saint’s” generous answers to those who invoke her.God obviously wishes to give out His gifts and favors through the hands of St. Philomena, and it is His will that we ask her for them. These pages will give new hope to all who need a special friend in Heaven to answer their prayers.May this little book help to open up the floodgates of heavenly gifts so that once again this sweet young Saint will become known by that beautiful Saint Philomena — The Wonder-Worker!
Paperback
First published January 1, 1925
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About the author
Paul O'Sullivan
30 books41 followersFather Paul O'Sullivan, O.P., was born on February 7, 1871. After studying in Dublin, he went on to Rome, where he was ordained a Dominican. He then pursued a Lectorate degree for theology, which in turn prepared him for his future career in writing simple, profound books and preaching to the faithful. Father O'Sullivan also founded the "Catholic Printing Press" and established the Rosary Association, one of several associations he created with the Church's permission. He wrote on and had a great devotion to St. Philomena as well. He died in 1958, on the Feast of the Presentation.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author with this name on GR
Librarian Note: There is more than one author with this name on GR
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 15, 2018
St. Philomena is the bomb. This book goes into amazing detail over why I chose her as my patron saint at Confirmation. But, as I'm incapable of writing a professional-esque review, I don't even know where to begin.
BUT WOW THERE'S A REASON THIS LADY IS CALLED A WONDERWORKER. From imminent death, sterility, overwhelming debt, daily troubles--Philomena is the bae you wanna call up. She's reliable and wastes no time with giving a helping hand. And by helping hand I mean she does all the work.
This book details so many miracles attributed to this mysterious virgin martyr. I loved reading about the discovery of her remains, the mistake of the stones on her tomb, her stubbornness about being recognized as a saint, and all that she does to ensure she's known. I love this girl.
St. Philomena.
Martyr.
Virgin.
Wonderworker.
Thaumaturge.
Dear Little Saint.
Badass Princess.
BUT WOW THERE'S A REASON THIS LADY IS CALLED A WONDERWORKER. From imminent death, sterility, overwhelming debt, daily troubles--Philomena is the bae you wanna call up. She's reliable and wastes no time with giving a helping hand. And by helping hand I mean she does all the work.
This book details so many miracles attributed to this mysterious virgin martyr. I loved reading about the discovery of her remains, the mistake of the stones on her tomb, her stubbornness about being recognized as a saint, and all that she does to ensure she's known. I love this girl.
St. Philomena.
Martyr.
Virgin.
Wonderworker.
Thaumaturge.
Dear Little Saint.
Badass Princess.
January 23, 2024
After having read this book, St. Philomena is one of my favorite saints now! She is extraordinary! Reading about her strength and perseverance she had in the midst of being tortured, the finding of her relics, her countless graces and miracles at Mugnano and St. John Vianney having a deep and profound devotion to her is incredible! She is the saint to pray to in times of trouble, she'll have your back! ❤
May 7, 2020
What an amazing young lady (I describe her, with total respect, as “quite a little spitfire!”). I have requests for her that when answered, I will even more than now, promote her to many!
February 12, 2022
I love St. Philomena. Incredible story, and lots of amazing things have happened because of her intercession. This book itself though is just okay.
Gives a good recount of her story and how devotion of her spread, the high point is the explanation of her relationship with St. John Vianney. The last half of the book is a compilation of her miracles, which are all wonderful, but perhaps the retelling could have been more interesting.
Overall a great introduction on the saint!
Gives a good recount of her story and how devotion of her spread, the high point is the explanation of her relationship with St. John Vianney. The last half of the book is a compilation of her miracles, which are all wonderful, but perhaps the retelling could have been more interesting.
Overall a great introduction on the saint!
December 29, 2017
I read it a couple of years ago, so I can't say exactly how it was, just that it was good. :-)
March 5, 2021
This was the fifth book I have read by Father Paul O’Sullivan over the last 5 weeks. The first few were short booklets. Then a much longer work. And then this one. I also still have two of his books on my wish list that I hope to read in the coming weeks. I picked the first book up because it was promoted by TAN books in an email blast. They were promoting a bundle of books by Father Paul O'Sullivan. I know I have seen the covers before. And based on when the books were first published maybe even back to the Catholic Book Stores of my youth. A few of the titles piqued my interest. And books form TAN never disappoint. But I was not read to buy the whole bundle. I should have. As I have now read 5 of the 6 in the bundle.
For those not familiar as I was not:
“Fr. Paul Henry O'Sullivan, O.P., S.T.L., P.G., E.D.M., was born in Tralee, Ireland in 1871 and died in Lisbon, Portugal in 1958.”
The description of this volume begins with:
“St. Philomena is perhaps the most extraordinary Saint in the history of the Catholic Church. When the relics of this 13-year-old Virgin Martyr were discovered in the Roman Catacombs in 1802, she became almost overnight one of the most popular saints in the Church, earning the nick-name of “The Wonder-Worker” because of the countless remarkable favors that she sent to those who prayed to her. For a century and a half there was a worldwide Catholic devotion to St. Philomena, approved by many Popes. But amazingly, since the 1960’s, she has been almost forgotten.”
And it ends with:
“God obviously wishes to give out His gifts and favors through the hands of St. Philomena, and it is His will that we ask her for them. These pages will give new hope to all who need a special friend in Heaven to answer their prayers.
May this little book help to open up the floodgates of heavenly gifts so that once again this sweet young Saint will become known by that beautiful title: Saint Philomena — The Wonder-Worker!”
This book was very hard to put down. Once I started reading I became completely enthralled and captivated by the book, the saint and all the stories surrounding her. I have even suggested to my youngest daughter that she consider taking her as her confirmation Saint in 2 years time.
The chapters in the book are:
Publishers’ Note
Letters of Cardinals and Bishops
Foreword: A Priest and a Soldier
1.The Catacombs
2.The Finding of the Body of St. Philomena
3.The Marvels of Mugnano
4.The Great Miracle of Mugnano
5.A Visit to Mugnano
6.The Curé of Ars and St. Philomena
7.Other Favored Sanctuaries
8.The Sovereign Pontiffs and St. Philomena
9.The Intercession of the Saints
10.Who Was St. Philomena?
11.How to Honor St. Philomena
12.What the Thaumaturga Does for Schools
13.Answers to Prayer
Supplement No. 1
St. Philomena Vindicated
Supplement No. 2
Letters from Readers
Appendix
Prayers
The publishers note dated October 26, 1993 begins with:
“Sometimes a question arises about devotion to St. Philomena being no longer acceptable in the Church. This question comes up because on February 14, 1961, just prior to Vatican Council II, the Sacred Congregation of Rites in Rome issued an instruction that St. Philomena’s feast day, August 11, was to be removed from all liturgical calendars (which would include the liturgical calendar of the universal Church as well as calendars of particular dioceses or congregations which might include special feast days). A number of other feast days were likewise dropped at that time.”
And it ends with:
“In any case, private devotion to St. Philomena is still very praiseworthy. It is our hope that a renewal of devotion to St. Philomena will lead to a great shower of graces and favors from Heaven—to lead, in turn, to the restoration of the Feast of St. Philomena throughout the universal Church.”
And after reading this book, it is our great loss that devotion to this saint has fallen by the wayside. For me reading about the saints is like encountering holy friends. Some I am familiar with, some I know well and spend time often with, and some are mostly new to me. Prior to reading this work I have only read Alice Curtayne’s short volume, simply called Saint Philomena. Yet this volume goes well beyond Curtains work both in depth, in details, and in sheer number of stories about the saints favor and even a few cases of displeasure. This volume has an Imprimatur issued in 1925.
While reading this book parts reminded me of Curtayne’s work, but there was so many more wonderful miracles recounted in this book. I literally could not put it down. And have talked to my youngest about it, so that we can plan to read it together soon.
Father O’Sullivan states in the foreward:
“The writer of the following short sketch [that is, this book] was himself at one time very little in sympathy with the “dear Little Saint,” as the holy Curé of Ars loved to style St. Philomena. In fact, he strenuously opposed the erection of her statue in the church then under his direction. Happily, however, the Saint, in her own inimitable way, overcame with a sweet violence this unworthy opposition and transformed her would-be antagonist into one of her most grateful clients. This fact will go far to show how impartial is the testimony he bears to her.”
This sets the ground for us. Fr. O’Sullivan was not a fan and became a big devotee. And he was converted to her cult. The stories will amaze, surprise, and entertain. A few will make you weepy, and a few will likely inspire laughter.
There is a collection of prayers at the end of the book, and it is worth picking up just for these prayers. There are also letter from readers of the book who have had answered prayers that are now included in the reprint.
An excellent read about an amazing saint. It is well written. Nearly impossible to put down. I highly recommend it to you. It will change your life.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Father Paul O'Sullivan.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan!
For those not familiar as I was not:
“Fr. Paul Henry O'Sullivan, O.P., S.T.L., P.G., E.D.M., was born in Tralee, Ireland in 1871 and died in Lisbon, Portugal in 1958.”
The description of this volume begins with:
“St. Philomena is perhaps the most extraordinary Saint in the history of the Catholic Church. When the relics of this 13-year-old Virgin Martyr were discovered in the Roman Catacombs in 1802, she became almost overnight one of the most popular saints in the Church, earning the nick-name of “The Wonder-Worker” because of the countless remarkable favors that she sent to those who prayed to her. For a century and a half there was a worldwide Catholic devotion to St. Philomena, approved by many Popes. But amazingly, since the 1960’s, she has been almost forgotten.”
And it ends with:
“God obviously wishes to give out His gifts and favors through the hands of St. Philomena, and it is His will that we ask her for them. These pages will give new hope to all who need a special friend in Heaven to answer their prayers.
May this little book help to open up the floodgates of heavenly gifts so that once again this sweet young Saint will become known by that beautiful title: Saint Philomena — The Wonder-Worker!”
This book was very hard to put down. Once I started reading I became completely enthralled and captivated by the book, the saint and all the stories surrounding her. I have even suggested to my youngest daughter that she consider taking her as her confirmation Saint in 2 years time.
The chapters in the book are:
Publishers’ Note
Letters of Cardinals and Bishops
Foreword: A Priest and a Soldier
1.The Catacombs
2.The Finding of the Body of St. Philomena
3.The Marvels of Mugnano
4.The Great Miracle of Mugnano
5.A Visit to Mugnano
6.The Curé of Ars and St. Philomena
7.Other Favored Sanctuaries
8.The Sovereign Pontiffs and St. Philomena
9.The Intercession of the Saints
10.Who Was St. Philomena?
11.How to Honor St. Philomena
12.What the Thaumaturga Does for Schools
13.Answers to Prayer
Supplement No. 1
St. Philomena Vindicated
Supplement No. 2
Letters from Readers
Appendix
Prayers
The publishers note dated October 26, 1993 begins with:
“Sometimes a question arises about devotion to St. Philomena being no longer acceptable in the Church. This question comes up because on February 14, 1961, just prior to Vatican Council II, the Sacred Congregation of Rites in Rome issued an instruction that St. Philomena’s feast day, August 11, was to be removed from all liturgical calendars (which would include the liturgical calendar of the universal Church as well as calendars of particular dioceses or congregations which might include special feast days). A number of other feast days were likewise dropped at that time.”
And it ends with:
“In any case, private devotion to St. Philomena is still very praiseworthy. It is our hope that a renewal of devotion to St. Philomena will lead to a great shower of graces and favors from Heaven—to lead, in turn, to the restoration of the Feast of St. Philomena throughout the universal Church.”
And after reading this book, it is our great loss that devotion to this saint has fallen by the wayside. For me reading about the saints is like encountering holy friends. Some I am familiar with, some I know well and spend time often with, and some are mostly new to me. Prior to reading this work I have only read Alice Curtayne’s short volume, simply called Saint Philomena. Yet this volume goes well beyond Curtains work both in depth, in details, and in sheer number of stories about the saints favor and even a few cases of displeasure. This volume has an Imprimatur issued in 1925.
While reading this book parts reminded me of Curtayne’s work, but there was so many more wonderful miracles recounted in this book. I literally could not put it down. And have talked to my youngest about it, so that we can plan to read it together soon.
Father O’Sullivan states in the foreward:
“The writer of the following short sketch [that is, this book] was himself at one time very little in sympathy with the “dear Little Saint,” as the holy Curé of Ars loved to style St. Philomena. In fact, he strenuously opposed the erection of her statue in the church then under his direction. Happily, however, the Saint, in her own inimitable way, overcame with a sweet violence this unworthy opposition and transformed her would-be antagonist into one of her most grateful clients. This fact will go far to show how impartial is the testimony he bears to her.”
This sets the ground for us. Fr. O’Sullivan was not a fan and became a big devotee. And he was converted to her cult. The stories will amaze, surprise, and entertain. A few will make you weepy, and a few will likely inspire laughter.
There is a collection of prayers at the end of the book, and it is worth picking up just for these prayers. There are also letter from readers of the book who have had answered prayers that are now included in the reprint.
An excellent read about an amazing saint. It is well written. Nearly impossible to put down. I highly recommend it to you. It will change your life.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Father Paul O'Sullivan.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan!
January 24, 2019
This book was fantastic! I had heard a little bit about St. Philomena at the end of a religious CD I listened to once, so my interest was piqued when I saw this volume. I very much enjoyed reading about the history of catacombs and the discovery of the "dear Little Saint" and all the wonders attributed to her intercession. I found it so intriguing that I plan to read about the accounts of more saints' lives in the future.
March 13, 2019
Truly a wonderful little read. It'll inspire anyway with a devotion to this powerful saint
November 14, 2020
A wonderful little book! Makes me want to read the other Saint Philomena books out there next!
February 24, 2022
A wonderful account of the history of St. Philomena, the finding of her relics, and the stories of her wonder-working! Great for anyone looking to start this devotion or spread it to others.
June 5, 2022
It very hard to find information about her and any information is good.
June 8, 2024
Un livre à conseiller à toutes celles et tous ceux voulant découvrir Sainte Philomène ou ayant une inclinaison aux premiers martyrs chrétiens.
December 11, 2024
A must read. Short, but powerful account of the miracles of St. Philomena.
January 17, 2025
St Philomena school and church is probably the place I’ve been most in my life. Good to finally learn some details about who she was and is
April 21, 2025
What a detailed explanation of this great Saint!
February 1, 2014
This was a very interesting book. This book is about a young girl named Philomena who will do anything for Jesus no matter what. Philomena is put through many painful tests to prove her love for Jesus. There are many adventures and miracles preformed in this book. I liked this book because Philomena was put through many tests and dealt with peer pressure from her parents and no matter what she would not change what she believed in. Something I didn't like about this book was it had a really slow beginning.
December 5, 2019
92/100 (= 5.5/6) ≈ 5 Stars
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Excellent! Enumerates well the many miracles at the time of the discovery of her relics. The account of Pauline Jaricot's miraculous healing is particularly moving (worth it for this alone!). Fr. Sullivan's visit to Mugnano was full of wonders. Cure of Ars chapter is super. Approval and devotion of Pontiffs and saints is shown well. Great short biography of her life from private revelations. Fascinating accounts of miracles packed into the book! St. Philomena vindicated! Everyone should read this book!
-----------------------------------------
Excellent! Enumerates well the many miracles at the time of the discovery of her relics. The account of Pauline Jaricot's miraculous healing is particularly moving (worth it for this alone!). Fr. Sullivan's visit to Mugnano was full of wonders. Cure of Ars chapter is super. Approval and devotion of Pontiffs and saints is shown well. Great short biography of her life from private revelations. Fascinating accounts of miracles packed into the book! St. Philomena vindicated! Everyone should read this book!
March 28, 2025
Fantastic saint, but the book itself is a bit repetitive in second half. Crazy how little was known of philomena before the finding of her relics.
February 13, 2012
Intriguing information.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews