Works of the Archconfraternity

For more than 30 years, the Universal Archconfraternity of Saint Philomena has successfully contributed the growth of life and wellbeing of the sanctuary of Saint Philomena by fulfilling two key goals: First, to promulgate and encourage devotion to St. Philomena, Virgin and Martyr as a means of encouraging growth and formation in Christ for all the faithful. Second, by informing devotees around the world where the body of our beloved patroness, Saint Philomena, is reposed. 

In addition to these two key goals, members of the Universal Archconfraternity of Saint Philomena around the world, through substantial financial contributions throughout the years have successfully secured the Sanctuary of Saint Philomena for many years to come. First by funding essential repair work of the church building both internal and external, and funding the creation of the pilgrim center, equipping it with the following:

2001 – The archconfraternity raised funds for the following:

• Bringing the rooms up to safe standard to receive guests.
• Install central heating within the pilgrim house to ensure comfort for guests. 
• The installation of an elevator to assist elderly and infirm pilgrims and residents of the Sanctuary alike. 
• Installed a professional kitchen so guests can enjoy meals while staying at the sanctuary.
• The creation of a shop within the Sanctuary
• Creation of websites and social media presence to promote the devotion of Saint Philomena, and to promote her Sanctuary. Informing visitors where to find it. 
• Creation of the online shop.

2002 – Saw the painting restoration of the Sanctuary and of the old Sacristy.  Funding also helped the building of the chapel of the Crucifix, annexed to the altar of Saint Philomena, on the initiative of the Rector Monsignor Giovanni Braschi.  The restoration of the wooden Crucifix and the realization of the polychrome stained-glass window were assigned to the artist Luigi Falco. A commemoration plaque for the Stained glass window which was donated by the Archconfraternity (center 3) in Scotland knows as The Family of St. Philomena, 18th April 2015 can be seen next to the window. The existing gift shop was expanded, where it remains to this day. 

2003 – Saw the launching of a comprehensive new website for both the Archconfraternity and the Sanctuary, whose hosting and construction was funded by the Archconfraternity. 

Jan 2005 – Saw the commission of restoration work on the tomb of Don Francis De Lucia.  Realization of a bas-relief in bronze, which was the work of Prof. Silvano Muollo.  The work was inaugurated during the feast of Saint Philomena’s Patronage.  Inauguration of new benches in the Sanctuary, donated by an archconfraternity member from the United States.

Feb 2005 – saw the beginning of the restoration works of the Sacred Altar of Saint Philomena.
 

April 2011 – A new website for the Archconfraternity of Saint Philomena was launched, funded by archconfraternity members in the USA.

Historically

The Altar of the Sacred body of St. Philomena (not the original) was donated 1877 by the Archconfraternity members of France headed by Mr Garrigou at the request of Abbe Louis Petit who founded the confraternity in France and was the first worldwide director of the universal archconfraternity of St. Philomena.

Many donations were made by the Universal Archconfraternity of Saint Philomena members and centers throughout history which are not recorded here.