As I was creating and curating this box, a beautiful devotion revealed itself…the Cord of St. Philomena. I was immediately intrigued because I know the power of this young Saint and this devotion promises some pretty might graces. So I began researching this devotion and here’s what I discovered…

The Cord of St. Philomena is a very old devotion, created by St. Philomena’s devotees, and was approved by the Congregation of Rites on September 15, 1883. Later, on April 4, 1884, Leo XIII enriched it with precious indulgences. The cord must be made of wool, linen or cotton, and is colored white and red to indicate the virginity and martyrdom of Saint Philomena. This devotion has the following motives: A) To obtain the intercession of St. Philomena in preserving the virtue of chastity according to one’s state of life. B) To fight the growing disbelief and penetrate the spirit of faith. C) To demonstrate a love of St. Philomena and thereby deserve her special protection from diseases of soul and body. This devotion is very widely practiced, especially outside Italy, to obtain spiritual and corporal graces. A priest has the faculty to bless the Cord of Saint Philomena using the Roman Ritual formula.

Wearers of the Cord ought to have the intention of honoring St. Philomena to the best of their ability in order to merit protection against evils of soul and body, and to obtain through her prayers perfect chastity and the spirit of faith. It is also recommended that the following prayer be said daily:

 Saint Philomena, Virgin and Martyr, pray for us that through thy powerful intercession we may obtain that purity of mind and heart which leads to the perfect love of God. Amen.

This extraordinary privilege of a cord is shared with other saints, such as, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Thomas Aquinas, and St. Joseph.
The devotion of the Cord of St. Philomena was adopted on account of the innumerable graces obtained through the intercession of the Hidden Saint of the Catacombs. The Cord was first distributed by the saintly Cure of Ars. It was the illustrious Leo XIII who blessed and approved the Cord and attached many privileges and indulgences to its wearing.

Many records tell of the favor granted to those who wear the Cord. We read of striking cures; for instance, when wound about diseased limbs, the Cord has driven out the pain and healed them. There is also the story of the child who fell into a pool of water, but was preserved because of the Cord of St. Philomena around his waist. The Cord itself remained perfectly dry.

Plenary Indulgences of The Cord of Saint Philomena

1. On the day on which the cord is worn for the first time.
2. On the 25th of May, the anniversary of the opening of St. Philomena’s tomb in the Catacombs of Saint Priscilla.
3. On August 11, her proper Feast.
4. On December 15, the anniversary of the approbation of the cord by the Holy See.
5. At the moment of death, under the ordinary conditions.

With the exception of the last, it is necessary for gaining the above indulgences to go to confession, receive Holy Communion, make a visit to some church and there pray for the intentions of the Sovereign Pontiff.

So, included in August’s 2018 Saint of the Month Club is the Cord of St. Philomena. This cord may be blessed by a priest and tied around one’s waist. I also read that it can be placed under a pillow, kept in a pocket, or tied around one’s wrist. But keeping with the tradition of the devotion, waist is recommended.  Along with the Cord, I included a bracelet with an anchor attached as a reminder of this devotion and St. Philomena.

Here are some resources which explain further about the Saint Philomena Cord and I sited on this post.

http://catholictradition.org/Saints/philomena3.htm

http://philomena.us/devotions/