CORD OF SAINT PHILOMENA http://catholictradition.org/Saints/p | Heathens Begone

CORD OF SAINT PHILOMENA

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

The pious practice, born spontaneously amongst the Saint's devotees, was approved by the Congregation of Rites on September 15, 1883. Later, on April 4,1884, Leo XIII enriched it with precious indulgences. It consists in carrying, tied around the body, a cord of wool, linen or cotton, colored white and red to indicate the virginity and martyrdom of Saint Philomena. The devotion is very widely practiced, especially outside Italy, to obtain spiritual and corporal graces.

The purposes of this devotion are:

1. To obtain, through the intercession of St. Philomena, the means adequate to conserve purity, in conformity with our own situation;

2. To combat increasing unbelief and to reinforce oneself in the
spirit of our faith;

3. To profess a special love for St. Philomena the wonder worker
and deserve her protection against sickness of the body and soul.

Every priest has the faculty to bless the Cord of St. Philomena according to the formula in the Roman Ritual. Many faithful followers of St. Philomena prefer to have the cord blessed in churches where a special devotion to St. Philomena is observed and have it blessed after it has touched a relic of the saint. When the cord is worn out and replaced the new cord should also be blessed.

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.