From our latest newsletter found here: https://conta.cc/4cNav4l=
Dear Devotees of Saint Philomena throughout the world,
With hearts united in Christ and strengthened by the intercession of the beloved Saint Philomena, we turn to God in gratitude for the countless graces received through this devotion.
Devotion to Saint Philomena continues to flourish throughout the world, drawing countless people to prayer, pilgrimage, and a deeper Christian life. In order to preserve unity and avoid misunderstanding, it is important to present clearly the ecclesial framework within which this devotion is lived.
The Diocese of Nola has provided official guidance on the purpose of the Sanctuary of Saint Philomena and the nature of the devotion. The pastoral note, issued on 20 April 2026 by the Vicar General, Monsignor Pasquale Capasso, at the direction of Bishop Francesco Marino, may be consulted here:
Ecclesial Structure of the Sanctuary
Following the death of the Rector of the Sanctuary of Saint Philomena, Monsignor Giovanni Braschi (RIP), the Bishop of Nola, Francesco Marino, by official decree (Prot. n. 88/21/C, dated 29 March 2021), established the present structure of governance of the Sanctuary:
- Don Giuseppe Autorino was entrusted with the pastoral care and liturgical life of the Sanctuary;
- Monsignor Pasquale Capasso, Vicar General of the Diocese, was appointed Administrator of the Sanctuary, with full responsibility for its governance, administration, and conservation.
This structure remains in force.
Pastoral Note of the Diocese of Nola
The Diocese of Nola states clearly that:
- the Sanctuary of Saint Philomena is not connected to any public or private association;
- it does not establish, govern, or direct groups, confraternities, or organisations;
- no mandate has been granted to any person or group, in Italy or abroad, to organise or represent devotion in the name of the Sanctuary.
Furthermore, the Diocese affirms that:
- all associations and devotional initiatives must refer to the competent ecclesiastical authority of their own territory in accordance with Canon Law.
Clarification for the Faithful
In recent years, various devotional initiatives have arisen in different countries, sometimes presenting themselves under titles such as “community,” “confraternity,” or using the name of the Sanctuary of Saint Philomena.
In light of the official position of the Diocese of Nola, it must be clearly understood that:
- the Sanctuary remains a sacred place of prayer, pilgrimage, and spiritual life open to all;
- it is not a governing authority for devotional organisations;
- no group, initiative, or association may claim authority, representation, or legitimacy from the Sanctuary of Saint Philomena.
This clarification is offered to prevent misunderstanding and to preserve unity.
Places such as Portugal, Italy, and Mexico have caused confusion, where some have assumed authority to speak on behalf of the Sanctuary, calling themselves the “Community of Saint Philomena” or using the name of the Sanctuary itself as if it conferred authority. As is now clearly established, this is not the case.
There are currently trusted and recognised centres of the Universal Archconfraternity of Saint Philomena. For all matters relating to Saint Philomena, contact should be made directly with these centres:
PORTUGAL
Portugal, Lisbon (Centre 10): Basilica of Martyrs
Official representatives: Hayley and Alexandre Fernandes santafilomenacentro10@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/archconfraternityphilomena/
Spiritual Director: Canon Armando Duarte.
Any group using the title “Confraternidade de Santa Filomena (Community of Santa Philomena – Sanctuary)” has no official connection to the Sanctuary
ITALY
Mugnano del Cardinale: The Sanctuary of Saint Philomena exists as a place of devotion where the sacred body of the Saint is enshrined. The Archconfraternity maintains its European branch office in the same town.
Italy (Centre 100): National committee representing Italy within the worldwide centres, based in the European branch office
The European Committee will be announced in the next newsletter
No other formal association exists in Italy connected either to the Archconfraternity or to the Sanctuary
MEXICO
(Centre 49): Parish of Our Lady of the Assumption, Chuburná, Mérida, Yucatán
Representative: Rafael Enrique Adam Medina
santafilomenacentro49@gmail.com
(Centre 70): Actopan, Hidalgo
Representative: Eloísa Godínez Hernández
Any group using the title “Community of Saint Philomena” has no official connection to the Sanctuary
The Mission of the Archconfraternity
The Universal Archconfraternity of Saint Philomena was founded as the Work of Saint Philomena in 1884 and was formally recognised by the Holy See and elevated by the Roman Pontiffs, who granted it the title of Archconfraternity and its universal character.
The Universal Archconfraternity of Saint Philomena is the only association that is historically canonically established in the Catholic Church, and remains the principal international movement dedicated to the promotion of devotion of Saint Philomena.
The purpose of the Archconfraternity is to invoke the intercession of Saint Philomena for the return to the faith and the Christian formation of souls.
Today, the Archconfraternity continues its historic mission of fostering devotion to the Saint and supporting those devoted to her throughout the world. Through its established centres, it promotes prayer, encourages pilgrimage, and assists in living the Christian life inspired by Saint Philomena.
The Universal Archconfraternity expresses its sincere gratitude to Monsignor Pasquale Capasso, Administrator of the Sanctuary, for his dedicated service, his clarity, and his faithful stewardship of the Sanctuary entrusted to him by the Diocese of Nola.
This guidance brings essential clarity and will greatly strengthen unity throughout the world. It is to be received with respect, so that devotion to Saint Philomena may continue to grow in truth, unity, and full communion with the Church.
The Diocese of Nola has now spoken with clarity.
The Universal Archconfraternity of Saint Philomena remains committed to serving this devotion faithfully throughout the world.
May Saint Philomena intercede for all, and may this devotion continue to flourish in grace, unity, and the peace of Christ.
Marie Burns,
Worldwide Director
Universal Archconfraternity of Saint Philomena
Pastoral Note on the devotion to Saint Philomena in the Diocese of Nola
This declaration arises from the need to regulate certain aspects of devotion to Saint Philomena at the sanctuary of the same name in Mugnano del Cardinale (AV). This pastoral note issued on 20 April 2026 by the Vicar General, Monsignor Pasquale Capasso, at the direction of Bishop Francesco Marino.
The original text in Italian can be found on the Diocese of Nola’s website here.
1. Brief historical notes
On August 10, 1805, relics believed to belong to a holy martyr were received at the Church of Madonna delle Grazie in Mugnano del Cardinale (AV), Diocese of Nola. These remains had been discovered on May 25, 1802, in the Catacombs of Priscilla in Rome and were donated by the Pope to the rector of the church, Don Francesco De Lucia, who had requested them.
The holy martyr was given the name Philomena, derived from three terracotta fragments that had covered the tomb, now preserved in a chapel of the sanctuary. Over about two hundred years, devotion to the Saint spread worldwide, especially due to the extraordinary number of miracles attributed to her intercession.
Among her many devotees were numerous saints, including Saint John Mary Vianney and Blessed Pauline Jaricot. In the cause for the canonization of the Curé of Ars, his visions of the Saint are recorded. Blessed Jaricot was miraculously healed from a disabling illness by Saint Philomena. Pauline Jaricot was beatified on May 22, 2022, in Lyon by decree of Pope Francis.
Many Popes promoted devotion to Saint Philomena: Gregory XVI elevated it to public liturgical veneration; Pius IX visited the sanctuary as Pope; Saint Pius X was deeply devoted to her.
The devotion grew so much that Saint Philomena was proclaimed co-patroness of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, also following the gift of motherhood granted to Queen Maria Cristina of Savoy.
2. The decree of 1961
In 1961, the Congregation of Rites issued an instruction removing certain saints, including Saint Philomena, from the liturgical calendars. This decision was motivated by the lack of historical documentation and effectively interrupted the ongoing approval given by previous Popes.
The bishop at the time, Monsignor Adolfo Binni, who had a personal devotion to Saint Philomena, requested an official interpretation. He received clarification that the Saint may still be venerated and honored, including through external feasts and Mass from the Common.
After this decree, confusion spread among the faithful. The sanctuary has always had a priest as rector and spiritual guide, and devotion and attendance have never ceased, even if quietly.
3. The role of the sanctuary today
Today the devotion remains alive, and pilgrimages are numerous on significant dates. Pilgrims come privately or in organized groups from southern Italy, as well as from European countries, the United States, South America, and Asian countries.
This pastoral note aims to provide a unified pastoral direction for the devotion to Saint Philomena, oriented toward ecclesial communion.
The bishop, Monsignor Francesco Marino, has clearly stated that the sanctuary’s role is to foster devotion to Saint Philomena and to welcome pilgrims from Italy and around the world.
The bishop has not authorized anyone to organize groups, associations, or confraternities either in Italy or abroad. Any such groups must refer to their local ecclesiastical authority for recognition according to Canon Law.
The Sanctuary of Saint Philomena in Mugnano del Cardinale, Diocese of Nola, is not affiliated with any public or private association and has no documents of affiliation.