I’m just going to relate my St. Philomena experience. A little over a year ago (around May-August 2006) I prayed several continuous novenas to St. Philomena. I had a specific intention in mind, or rather a set of very much inter-related intentions. I wasn’t praying for a luxury good. I prayed for that which I absolutely knew what was good for me (spiritual guidance) but also for other health issues, too. I prayed and prayed, inside the church, within the chapel, before the Holy Eucharist, along the outdoor stations. I prayed the novena, trusting St. Philomena, a good saint who is applauded in the books as granting anything you ask, even if it seems superfluous, would answer me. Indeed, in one book I read, the author relates how he asked for a sports car, and how through St. Philomena’s intercession he supposedly shortly thereafter received the car.
I prayed and prayed, hoping throuh the intercession of St. Philomena God would heal, and if not heal, at least give me hope for the situation. I ended up going to a shrine, and while I was at the shrine store, I found a statue of St. Philomena. I bought it, and I prayed the novena before it for several weeks more. Then, one morning, as I was moving my arm for the alarm clock, I accidentally tipped the statue over. It fell on soft material, but the head still somehow broke off. Well, somewhat weirded out by this, I later bought a painting of St. Philomena. I still have it, but I’m not sure if I like it.
In any case, St. Philomena never granted my petitions.
I know I have nothing to expect from St. Philomena. I’m just finished praying to her for intercession. As I was praying, there was almost something “not right” about all of it. I’m not going to get into that, as it includes a personal event. I’m sticking with praying to Christ. Please note, I’m not trying to defame St. Philomena. I admire her very much as she is depicted in the stories of her martyrdom.