The story behind the St. Philomena Statue
By: Andrew and Bridget Schroeckenthaler
After having our first son, we had three back to back miscarriages. It was after our third miscarriage Bridget came across a third-century saint named Philomena. We read the book “Saint Philomena the Wonder Worker” by Fr. Paul O’Sullivan and quickly fell in love with this ‘Little Saint’.
She is the patron saint of infertility, infants, toddlers, and impossible causes. We began novenas to her for her intercession for another baby. The petition was brought forth that if Bridget became pregnant and it was a safe and healthy delivery, we would buy a statue to honor her at the prayer garden. Added to our petition was that if the baby was a girl, we would name her Philomena in her honor.
When Andrew finished installing a light for the last shrine of the year (2017) for Our Lady of Good Health, Fr. Thomas Joseph brought us both together and we said a Hail Mary as he gave us his blessing. Fr. Thomas said the New Year would bring us great joy… two weeks later we found out we were expecting. Our prayers heard and answered in ways, miraculous, throughout the pregnancy and delivery.
June 2018, we gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, our Philomena.
“Pax Tecum Filumena” (Rest In Peace, Philomena) on your feast day, August 11
St Philomena, Patroness of the Children on Mary, Pray for us. Praise be to God.