Two Young Martyr Saints: Philomena and Tarcisius

Who was Saint Philomena?


Saint Philomena is a saint who has received extraordinary honor in the Church from popes, bishops, saints, and mystics. Pope Gregory XVI referred to her as the “wonder-worker” of the nineteenth century. Bl. Pope Pius IX declared her the “Patroness of the Children of Mary.” St. John Vianney attributed all of his miracles to her, stating, “I have never asked for anything through the intercession of my Little Saint without having been answered.” Bl. Anna Maria Taigi, the Roman “mother-mystic,” received through this saint the miraculous cure of her granddaughter and entrusted all her children to her powerful intercession. Father Damien of Molokai showed his devotion by naming his church in her honor. The popes of the nineteenth century showered this young saint with numerous plenary indulgences, and gifts such as papal rings and pectoral crosses.



In 1802, excavators working in the ancient Catacombs of St. Priscilla in Rome discovered a tomb with three terra-cotta slabs reading PAXTE; CUMFI; LUMENA which means "Peace Be With You, Filumena." The slabs were marked with a lily, arrows, an anchor and a palm, indicating virginity and martyrdom. Inside were the remains of a girl of about thirteen years of age, along with a vial of her dried blood which signified that this was indeed a Martyr who died for the love of Christ and Christianity.


St. Philomena is the patroness of many types of petitioners, but most especially the Children of Mary. Her Feast Day is August 11.

St. Philomena Chaplet

This chaplet consists of three white beads and thirteen red beads. On the medal say the Apostles' Creed to ask for the grace of faith.

On each of the white beads say an Our Father in honor of the three Divine Persons of the Blessed Trinity in thanksgiving for all favors obtained through her intercession.

On each of the red beads, which are thirteen in number to commemorate the thirteen years that St. Philomena spent on earth, say the following prayer:

Hail, O holy St. Philomena, whom I acknowledge, after Mary, as my advocate with the Divine Spouse, intercede for me now and at the hour of my death.

St, Philomena, beloved daughter of Jesus and Mary, pray for us who have recourse to thee. Amen.

Who was Saint Tarsicius?


Back in the third century a boy named Tarcisius gave a great testimony. About 12 years old,he was an altar server. Being a time of persecution, they could not celebrate Mass openly as we do, so they went underground – in the Catacombs of Rome. Usually after Mass the deacon took Communion to prisoners, but one day the deacon was not there. For his replacement they made a remarkable choice. On account of his maturity, faith and piety, they chose Tarcisius. The priest placed the consecrated hosts in a special container, then gave them to Tarcisius who held them under his clothes, near his heart. On the way some boys were playing ball. Needing an extra player, they called Tarcisius to join them. When he said he could not, they asked him what he was holding. He did not want to show them the Eucharist, so they gathered around him and began hitting him. Eventually a man came who shouted and chased the boys away. Tarcisius was beaten so badly the man had to pick him up. He died on the way and was buried in the Cemetery of St. Callixtus.

St. Tarcisius is the Patron Saint of Altar Boys. His feast day is August 15.

An Altar Boy’s Prayer

O God, You have graciously called me to serve You upon Your altar. Grant me the graces that I need to serve You faithfully and wholeheartedly. Grant too that while serving You, may I follow the example of St. Tarcisius, who died protecting the Eucharist, and walk the same path that led him to Heaven.

Amen.