In the Parisian district of High Vaugirard, he built the lovely chapel of Saint Philomena in Rue Dantzig. From here his written work and his Message reached France and the rest of the world. In 1883 he received the approval of the Cord of Saint Philomena from the Sacred Congregation of Rites and spread its devotion through this period.
Louis Petit also had the inspiration to share the Work of Saint Philomena, with the intention of giving Christian education to the working classes. He joyfully witnessed this pious association become a Universal Archconfraternity with an official act of Pius X on May 21, 1912.
“It is not our intention” – said the virtuous Father Petit – “to make the devotion of Saint Philomena a devotion which could damage the devotion of the Blessed Virgin, or even more, the adoration of God himself. This would not be Christian, as we know from the teachings of the Church. With our devotion to Saint Philomena we honor God who is reflected in his Saints. Honoring Saint Philomena we proclaim God’s power in the strengths of his martyrs, and his endless kindness in the favors that He concedes through the prayers of his Saints. This was the theology of the Saint Curé of Ars and this will be ours as well.”
After the death of Don Francesco De Lucia (1847), of John Marie Vianney (1859) and of Pauline Jaricot (1862), another great apostle of Saint Philomena distinguished himself. He was the Abbot Louis Petit who worked in Paris. Born in Colombey-Les-Deux-Églises on June 15, 1852, he cultivated within his family the love for Saint Philomena. He was a seminarian when his parents moved to Paris, living around the parish church of Saint-Gervais. This church was the only one in the capital with the devotion of Saint Philomena well established. In 1872 he founded the periodical L’Echo de Sainte Philoméne, which he managed to publish for two years. Not yet a priest, he also published Histoire du culte de SaintePhiloméne, “History of the devotion of Saint Philomena.”
He was ordained in 1879 and two years later joined the Congregation of Saint Vincent de Paul, where he was director of the Messager de Sainte Philoméne until his death. The purpose of his life had been the spreading of the devotion of Saint Philomena and he created a center from which to radiate it.
In the Parisian district of High Vaugirard, he built the lovely chapel of Saint Philomena in Rue Dantzig. From here his written work and his Message reached France and the rest of the world. In 1883 he received the approval of the Cord of Saint Philomena from the Sacred Congregation of Rites and spread its devotion through this period.
Louis Petit also had the inspiration to share the Work of Saint Philomena, with the intention of giving Christian education to the working classes. He joyfully witnessed this pious association become a Universal Archconfraternity with an official act of Pius X on May 21, 1912.
The first century of the finding of Saint Philomena’s bones was solemnly celebrated in Rome in 1902. He had the honor of closing these celebrations with a sung Mass.
When the Abbot Petit came to Mugnano to venerate Saint Philomena in 1883 and 1902, he uses the wonderful missal donated by Pope Leo XIII for the celebration of the Sacred Mass. He died in Paris in 1914, full of merits towards our Saint whom he deeply loved and venerated.
In August 1876 Father Louis Petit published the first issue of the “Messenger of Saint Philomena.”
Keeping in mind the Philomenian message of the Sanctuary of Mugnano, the precious periodical spread the devotion toward the glorious Virgin and Martyr all over the world.
Following the footsteps of the venerable Father Petit and under the guidance of the highly esteemed Rector Msgr. Gennaro Ippolito, the Sanctuary published the bulletin “The Voice of Saint Philomena.” On 10 February 1884 in Paris, Father Petit himself, with the blessing and approval of Cardinal Giubert, founded the Confraternity of Saint Philomena, also known as the Work of Saint Philomena, which would later spread devotion of Saint Philomena from Paris to all over the world. The work of the Archconfraternity continues today in the organisation re-founded by the late Msgr. Giovanni Braschi, and headquartered in Glasgow, Scotland.
The Messenger of Saint Philomena was revived by Msgr. Giovanni Braschi, President of the Archconfraternity 1987 and Rector of the Sanctuary. It was written and published in Scotland by Marie Burns, Director of the Archconfraternity, Michael Malley R.I.P. who had served the devotion to the Saint in Scotland for the previous 13 years and realized by benefactor Rosemary Campbell of Scotland. It continued in 2004 to be published in Italy.
The Liturgical Devotion in the Pontifical Documents
Leo XII, with decree of the Sacred Congregation of Rites, on March 15, 1826 granted only the celebration of the solemn Mass de Communi Virginum et Mart. In the day of Saint Philomena’s feast, in her Sanctuary of Mugnano del Cardinale, as long as it was not a fixed Sunday occurring on the Office Double of First class.
Gregory XVI, with decree of September 6, 1834, granted the singing of the Mass even on a Sunday, as long as the feast falls on August 10th, day of the Translation of the Saint’s body.
The Sacred Congregation of Rites, with decree of September 6, 1834, granted to the secular and regular clergy of the Diocese of Nola the possibility to recite, on August 11th, the Office with the Mass of de Comm. Virg. et Mart., primo loco with the Fourth Lesson proprius in honor of Saint Philomena Virgin and Martyr. Pope Gregory XVI on January 30, 1837 approved such decree.
Gregory XVI, with decree of the Sacred Congregation of Rites, on March 16, 1839 grants the clergy of Mugnano to recite the Office of Saint Philomena V. and M. on her feast with double major rite.
Gregory XVI, with decree of the Sacred Congregation of Rites, on January 1, 1841 promotes the Office of Saint Philomena Virgin and Martyr to double rite of second class without Octave in her own Church of Mugnano.
Pius IX, on the request of King Ferdinand II of Bourbon (fig. 17) in 1854 proclaims Saint Philomena second Patroness of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, where the devotion toward the glorious Martyr is widely spread.
Pius IX, on January 11, 1855, approves the decree of the Sacred Congregation of Rites, granting the clergy of Mugnano the new Office with its own Mass in honor of Saint Philomena V. and M., with the double rite of second class.
Pius IX, on January 15, 1857, approves the decree of the Sacred Congregation of Rites, on request of Mons. Joseph Formisano, Bishop of Nola, extending to the secular and regular clergy of the diocese of Nola the concession to celebrate with the double minor rite the proper Office with the Mass in honor of Saint Philomena V. and M. already approved and granted to the clergy of Mugnano and other dioceses.
Pius IX, on April 15, 1858, approves the decree of the Sacred Congregation of Rites that grants the foreign priests who go to Mugnano to visit the Sacred Body of Saint Philomena, the indult to celebrate once only the Saint’s votive mass at her altar, although it would require the Office of double rite, excluding the double rite days of first and second class, the holidays, the vigils and the privileged octaves.
Pius IX, with Brief Pontificate of December 9, 9, grants temporarily to the Rector of the Sanctuary of Saint Philomena in Mugnano the privilege to use the pontifical insignias to accomplish all the sacred functions in the Sanctuary.
Leo XIII, on January 14, 1896, grants the Patronage Feast of Saint Philomena.
Leo XIII, with Brief Pontificate, grants the privileged altar in the Sanctuary of Saint Philomena.
Leo XIII, promotes the feast of Saint Philomena to second class rite for the whole Diocese of Nola.
The Liturgical Devotion in the Pontifical Documents
Leo XII, with re-script of the Sacred Congregation of Indulgence, on May 10, 1826, declares the altar of Saint Philomena as daily privileged.
Gregory XVI promotes Saint Philomena to Patroness of the Living Rosary.
Pius IX more than once grants indulgences, both plenary and partials, and other privileges to the Sanctuary of Saint Philomena with proper decrees bearing the following dates: 16.10.1849; 4.5.1852; 4.1.1853; 31.12.1853; 18.3.1859; 26.6.1863; 3.7.1863.
Leo XIII, on December 15, 1883, approves the devotion of the “Cord of Saint Philomena” and on April 4, 1884 he enriches it of precious indulgences.
Leo XIII, on September 24, 1889, grants to France alone, the title and privilege of Archconfraternity to the work of Saint Philomena.
Pius X, on May 21, 1912, extends to the whole Church the Archconfraternity of Saint Philomena. This Pius association is proclaimed Universal Archconfraternity. In the Brief Apostolic, with regard to the historical authenticity of Saint Philomena, ordains that: “The current statements are and remain always fixed, valid and effective; in this way it has to be regularly judged; and if it is proceeded in another way, it will be null and void, whatever its authority”.
Archconfraternity decrees of the Popes & Other Important Historical Events
Oct 1871 – the Abbot Thédenat, of the dioceses of Paris, received the inspiration to start the movement of the national French pilgrimages to Ars and to Our Lady of Salette (fig. 25) while praying on the tomb of the Venerable J.M. Vianney, in proximity of the altar of Saint Philomena.
Aug 1872 – first national pilgrimage to Ars and La Salette, promoted by the Abbot Thédenat.
Dec 15th, 1883 – Leo XIII approves the pious practice of the Blessed Cord of Saint Philomena and grant indulgences to whoever carries it.
Oct 16th, 1887 – Leo XIII blessed the flag that Father Louis Petit used in the pilgrimages to Paray le Monial, Ars and La Salette.
Sept. 24th, 1889 – Leo XIII grants France the title and privilege of Archconfraternity for the work of Saint Philomena.
Jan 8th, 1905 – Saint Pius X affirms that “the greatest argument in favour of the devotion of Saint Philomena is the Curate of Ars” (cfr. – J.M. Martinez, Luz y fuerza).
June 14th, 1906 – Pope Pius X personally writes a blessing for the members of the Work of Saint Philomena.
June 6th, 1907 – Pope Pius X, receiving the Abbot Louis Petit, affirms – “The great argument in favor of Saint Philomena is the Curate of Ars.”
May 21st, 1912 – Pope Pius X extends to the whole Church the Archconfraternity of Saint Philomena.
1987 – institution of the Philomenian Centers in the world, wanted by Rector Braschi; promotion of the Universal Archconfraternity of St. Philomena and of the Living Rosary in USA and Canada
2000 – Marie Burns of Glasgow, Scotland (United Kingdom) is appointed Director of the Archconfraternity by the President of the Archconfraternity of Saint Philomena and Rector of the Sanctuary of Saint Philomena, Monseigneur Giovanni Braschi.
2000 – First Archconfraternity of Saint Philomena meeting in Navarre, Ohio, USA, coordinated by Rector Msgr. Braschi and Marie Burns of the Philomenian Center of Glasgow (Scotland, UK) hosted by Fr. Robert Gibas.
May 18th – 25th 2001 – first official pilgrimage to stay in the newly resorted Pilgrim Center, within the Sanctuary, from Scotland UK, included the young, old, disabled and children. Led by Fr. Peter Lennon of Glasgow Scotland UK, a great promoter of St. Philomena and the Curé d’Ars. Welcomed by the Rector of the Sanctuary Msgr. Braschi and the Mayor of Mugnano along with prestigious council committee members.
2002 – celebration of the bicentenary for the finding of the Sacred Body of Saint Philomena. Pilgrimage to Priscilla’s catacombs in Rome – promoted and organized by the President of the Universal Archconfraternity of Saint Philomena and Rector of the Sanctuary of Saint Philomena and with the participation of the International Archconfraternity Centers and of the citizens of Mugnano.
April 9, 2005 – Conference of Philomenian Studies promoted by Msgr. Braschi, Rector of the Sanctuary and coordinated by the Prof. Fr. Giovanni Ariano. Held in the Basilica of St. Silvester in Rome above Priscilla’s catacombs. Participation included various heads from the International Philomenian Centers and well-known scholars. Discussed the “Philomena Question” in knowledgeable, lucid, and exhaustive detail. Conference presenter and webmaster reported that the Sanctuary’s website was receiving more than a million visitor hits a month, thus demonstrating the great renewal in the devotion to Saint Philomena in the 21st Century.
September 23rd – 25th, 2011: the Archconfraternity of Saint Philomena Conference “It’s Time to Meet Saint Philomena”, held at Church of Our Lady of Snows in Belleville, Illinois (United States) is organized by Marie Burns, worldwide Director of the Archconfraternity, attending with Monseigneur Giovanni Braschi.
November, 2011: Monseigneur Giovanni Braschi visited the United States, making several stops at Saint Philomena Centres; “It’s Time to Meet Saint Philomena” Mass and youth program and conference in Pennsylvania (United States).
February 26th, 2021: Monseigneur Giovanni Braschi, President of the Universal Archconfraternity of Saint Philomena and Rector of the Sanctuary of Saint Philomena, died. Stunned and shocked by his sudden death, the worldwide devotion mourned the death of the greatest devotee to Saint Philomena the present world had ever witnessed.
February 26th, 2021 – Mrs. Marie Burns, Director of Universal Archconfraternity of Saint Philomena, takes over full responsibility for the Archconfraternity.
May 25th, 2023: Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Prefect of the Department of Evangelization, celebrated a Holy Mass at the Sanctuary of Saint Philomena. His Holiness Pope Francis appointed His Eminence Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples to preside over the beatification ceremony of Venerable Pauline Marie Jaricot in Lyon, France on 22nd May 2022, the previous year. Archconfraternity worldwide Director Marie Burns requested and told to His Eminence Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle to reinstate the worldwide feast day formally as it was previously because the Archconfraternity need it. She also organised all Archconfraternity Centres present to request the same.
May 23rd ,2024: The Branch office of the Archconfraternity, formerly located within the Sanctuary of Saint Philomena, opens its new location on Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, Mugnano del Cardinale (Avellino). This office, functioning as a point of contact between the Archconfraternity and the Sanctuary, assists the head Office in Glasgow, Scotland (United Kingdom) in its mission to spread devotion to Saint Philomena and support Her sanctuary. Due to rapid growth of centers in Europe and elsewhere around the world, the Archconfraternity required a restructure, beginning with the change of location of this office to better serve both the Archconfraternity and support the Sanctuary of Saint Philomena as the body of work fast outgrew our previous location. From 2024 onwards the Archconfraternity continues to grow apace, requiring the creation of additional branch offices in the USA, Asia, and Oceania to support the head office in Glasgow in this important work.
June 20th 2024 – Our worldwide director Mrs Marie Burns travels to Paris and visits The Church of Notre Dame de la Salette, the historical birth-place of the Universal Archconfraternity and meets Fr. Philippe Maura, pastor of the church. This initial meeting was fruitful where we were able to finally obtain contact with the church where the legacy archconfraternity was canonically erected. In this brief meeting we obtain a signed letter recognizing the Archconfraternity headquartered in Glasgow, authorizing it, and extending the legacy archconfraternities privileges to us.
June 21st 2024 – A follow up meeting with Fr. Maura further established contact between the legacy Archconfraternity and the organization headquartered in Glasgow. Following the signed letter, certificates were signed recognizing, and authorizing us to take over and continue the work and vision of Louis Abbe Petit. This long sought after result, initially begun by Don Giovanni Braschi, finally bore fruit as we were able to entwine both threads of history of the Archconfraternity into one continuous strand. In addition to the signed documents, we were also able to re-establish the old tradition of masses being said at Notre Dame de la Salette for all members of the Archconfraternity every second Friday of the month.
July 24th, 2024 – A letter was sent to our European Branch Office form Father Gilles MORIN – Provincial Superior, Religious of Saint Vincent de Paul for the Province of France to Mrs. Marie Burns, Worldwide Director of the Universal Archconfraternity of Saint Philomena. Giving his blessing and stating, “With these few lines, I would like to tell you how much I rejoice in knowing that devotion to Saint Philomena is maintained and spread well beyond our French borders. As you know, this devotion so dear to the Holy Cure of Ars has marked the history of our sanctuary of Notre-Dame de la Salette in Paris and has been maintained there for many decades. A statue of Saint Philomena is still clearly visible on the square in front of our small sanctuary, the central location of our Congregation of the Religious of Saint Vincent de Paul. I can therefore only encourage you to maintain and develop this devotion”
October 2nd, 2024 – A new Honorary President for the Universal Archconfraternity of Saint Philomena is announced: His Excellency the Most Reverend Dieudonne Datonou, Apostolic Nuncio and titular Archbishop of Vico Equense. Also, a devotee of Saint Philomena brought to our powerful little Saint by his own mother who was named Philomena.
His Excellency the Most Reverend Dieudonne Datonou is a Beninese archbishop of the Catholic Church who has worked in the diplomatic service of the Holy See since 1995. On 7 October 2021 he was appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Burundi and elevated to the rank of archbishop. He is the first native of Benin to hold the title of nuncio. Was born in Dekanmè, Benin, ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Cotonou on 7 December 1989. He earned a degree in civil and canon law from the Pontifical Lateran University in 1995 with a dissertation “Du concept de patrimoine commun de l’humanité aux droits de l’humanité. Étude historico-juridique du concept de patrimoine commun de l’humanité en droit international”. He entered the diplomatic service of the Holy See on 1 July 1995. He has filled assignments in the offices of its representatives in Angola (1995–1998), Ecuador (1998–2001), Cameroon (2001–2004), Iran (2004–2006), India (2006–2009), and El Salvador (2009–2014). He also worked in the Section for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State where in 2021 he became coordinator of papal travels. He was responsible for organizing Pope Francis’ trip to Iraq in March 2021 and to Hungary and Slovakia in September 2021. Pope Francis himself nicknamed him “the sheriff”. On 12 September 2021, during a press conference while en route to Budapest, Pope Francis mentioned that Msgr Datonou would soon become a bishop. On 7 October 2021, Pope Francis named him Apostolic Nuncio to Burundi and titular archbishop of Vico Equense. On 20 November 2021, he received episcopal consecration by cardinal Pietro Parolin, co-consecrators archbishop Protase Rugambwa (today Cardinal) and archbishop Edgar Peña Parra.