SPIRIT AND VIRTUE OF THE ARCHCONFRATERNITY
The Association of Prayer canonically established under the patronage of Saint Philomena, in Paris, by fraternally uniting the servants of Saint Philomena, has formed a little army, which is not without power before God. If union is strength, is it not well that we should mutually unite our intentions in our prayers?
One of the greatest happinesses of the Christian is his ability to draw from the treasury of God, by prayer, all that God Himself draws thence by His Power. In the hands of the friends of God prayer is a universal instrument that can be adjusted to any need, to the supplying of temporal needs, as well as of spiritual necessities, and which places nature at their orders. It is a sort of celestial arm which nothing can resist. One sees the saints perform miracles so easily that it would appear as if the Almighty had made Himself their servant, and only waited for the commands of their prayers, to act (obedi. ente Domino voci hominis: the Lord obedient to the voice of man, Jos. X. ii.) By virtue of the promises that have been made, prayer, which is characterized by the necessary qualities, possesses a boundless efficacy: its results are infallible, and its action knows no limits, save these of the goodness and infinite power of God. It is almost impossible that persevering prayer should not, sooner or later, according to the secret designs of God, receive its reward.
The power of prayer, however, great as it is in itself, can still be increased. The lever gains power. in proportion to the length of its arm, and the number of hands that work it.
So, the power of prayer increases in proportion to the number of souls that participate in it. The Divine Master has himself assured us of this: I say to you, if two or three among you gather together on the earth to ask whatever may be, it shall be granted you by my Father who is in heaven. We may therefore say that union is the means established by God to ensure to prayer unlimited efficacy.
Every association must have a leader. And who so fitting to be the head of the union of prayer formed by the servants of Saint Philomena, as the glorious Thaumaturge herself, who has so often shown how powerful is her intercession with the Divine Mediator.
As the saints pray to God for us, it is but fitting that we should address ourselves to them, in order to obtain their co-operation in our petitions.
It is, therefore, in the virginal hands of the illustrious martyr, that her servants deposit, as in a golden vase, their mutual prayers, that from it they may ascend as a perfume before the throne of the Most High, and in so far as they coincide with the secret designs of God be answered.
PRAYERS OF THE ARCHCONFRATERNITY
DAILY ARCHCONFRATERNITY PRAYER FOR GRACE OF FAITH
O Glorious Virgin, Invincible Martyr, Philomena, thou, who for the love of Jesus Christ, thy Spouse, endured torment and death in witness of the Faith which I have the happiness of professing, obtain for me lively faith, firm hope, ardent charity, and the grace of which I have most need, in order that I may serve Jesus Christ faithfully during this life, and be united to Him after death. Amen.
PRAYER FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARCHCONFRATERNITY
O Blessed Saint, who hast given health to so many sick, obtain for all the members of our Association, and our friends and benefactors, bodily, and especially, spiritual health, that walking in thy footsteps in humility, penance, detachment from the world, and renunciation of self, we may merit to share with thee in the ineffable joys of eternity. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary.
Saint Philomena, pray for us.
Preparatory Prayer at the Mass celebrated every month for the intention of the members of the Association.
Humbly kneeling at thy feet,
O glorious Saint Philomena,
I pray thee to obtain for me the grace of assisting at this Holy Sacrifice with deep adoration, tender love, ardent gratitude, and sincere contrition.
My intention, O holy Patron, is to thank by the merits of this Divine Sacrifice, the adorable Trinity for all the graces that thou hast obtained from the Divine Mercy, through the sufferings of thy martyrdom, united to the infinite merits of the Passion of Jesus Christ; and to implore the graces necessary for all the members of our Association, the conversion of sinners, and the salvation of our country.
Prayer recited at the commencement of the Reunions of the Archconfraternity
O holy Saint Philomena, from thy place in heaven, look down we beseech thee, with a benign and loving gaze, on the servants gathered about thy altar. Our intention, illustrious Spouse of Jesus Christ, is to honor thee by a devotion full of love and confidence, and to implore, through the Divine Mercy, in the name of our Arch-confraternity, the graces necessary for each of its members, the conversion of sinners, and the salvation of our country, Amen.
Act of Consecration for the Patronal Feast, (August eleventh)
O glorious Virgin and Martyr, Saint Philomena, in the presence of the Most Blessed Trinity, and all the celestial court, I this day consecrate myselt to thee, and enroll myself in the number of thy devoted servants.
I promise always to love and honor thee, to serve thee faithfully, and to endeavour to do all in my power to extend devotion to thee.
Deign, in return, benign and powerful protectress, to watch over me with solicitude, to aid me in the trials of life, and to obtain for me the grace to imitate thy virtues.
O thou, who despite the weakness of human nature, and the seductions of the world, succeeded in preserving, in perfect beauty, the lily of purity, maintain in my heart this beautiful virtue, which renders man like unto the angels.
O thou who, while still of a tender age, proved thyself so strong, obtain for me the gift of strength, to resist temptation, to fulfill the duties of each day, and to make generously and unhesitatingly, all the sacri fices that God may ask of me.
I implore thy powerful intercession for the conversion of sinners, and the salvation of my country.
I beseech thee to accept, O Saint Philomena, this humble and sincere protestation of love.
May I, through thy example and protection, lead a truly Christian life, and thus merit to share in thy glory in heaven. Amen.
Praises of St Philomena
(Taken from the Archconfraternity Manual)
Hail, Philomena angelic child of Heaven.
Hail, Philomena pearl of holy Virgins.
Hail, Philomena rose empurpled in thine own blood.
Hail, Philomena flower of Martyrs, breathing the perfumes of Heaven.
Hail, Philomena model of faith and hope.
Hail, Philomena whose goodness wins all hearts.
Hail, Philomena come from the dark catacombs to enlighten our souls.
Hail, Philomena powerful Wonder-worker.
Hail, Philomena who dost pray for us to Jesus and Mary.
Glory Love Honor benediction
To God the Father Who predestined thee.
To God the Son Who chose thee for His own
To God the Holy Ghost Who led thee and sanctified thee.
To Mary thy Mother, whose daughter, dear beyond the rest, thou wert.
Blessed be the Angel who guarded thee,
Peace and everlasting blessings be to all who invoke thee. Amen