Saint Philomena was martyred in 304 at the age of 13 after bravely defending her virginity in the face of the Roman emperor Diocletian, who wanted to marry her. She is a patron saint of children. Her Feast Day is August 11.
St. Philomena,
We thank God for your example of courage
And of virginal devotion to Him,
Even when you were pressured
By the most powerful forces on earth.
We pray to you today,
That we and all God’s people,
Especially the young,
May have the same courage.
Pray for young people who are deceived by Planned Parenthood,
Or pressured by others to violate chastity
Or to kill the child in their womb.
Obtain for them from God,
The light of conscience to know what is right
And the strength of will to be faithful to carrying it out,
In Jesus’ mighty Name. Amen.
St. Philomena, pray for us!
Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director, Priests for Life