THE
SHRINE IN MUGNANO
The Principal shrine of St.
Philomena is in Mugnano, Italy (Sanctuary of St. Philomena, Mugnano del
Cardinale, Avelino, Italy) The bones of the saint have been placed
in a waxen figure which rests in a magnificent case, the front of which consists
of a crystal plate, allowing visitors to see the image clearly. This shrine is
on the left side of the church in front of the chapel where the blood of the
saint is preserved. The figure is clothed in silken robes. On one finger is
seen a very large gold ring, set with a giant topaz, one of the several gifts
of Pope St. Pius X.
The image, like the blood undergoes marvelous transformations which are witnessed by large numbers of visitors and pilgrims. Indeed, it is in truth a “miraculous” image, as is apparent even from the fact that when the statue was first made, it was anything but a work of art, whereas now it is truly beautiful. At first, the figure was clumsy and the features of the face coarse and somewhat repellent. Moreover, the ebony case which was made for the image proved unfortunately to be too short. As a consequence, the figure when placed in it, lay in an unbecoming and ungainly position. Nevertheless, the case was closed and sealed, and the key was taken to Naples for safekeeping. The 29th of September 1805 was fixed as the day on which the case should be placed in the altar for it in the church of Mugnano. Great was the amazement of all when it was noticed that the figure had taken on a more graceful position and form. Still more wonderful, the face had become beautiful with a pleasing smile.
Another remarkable circumstance was noted about twenty years, when the new and more beautiful case was made for the image. The hair became more abundant and several times the eyes opened, a fact vouched for by many witnesses. The statue also changed its position somewhat and grew in length to fit the new shrine at it were. No interference from outside agencies could have been possible, since the figure rested within a wall, closed by a thick glass plate, and locked with three keys which were held by different authorities.
The image, like the blood undergoes marvelous transformations which are witnessed by large numbers of visitors and pilgrims. Indeed, it is in truth a “miraculous” image, as is apparent even from the fact that when the statue was first made, it was anything but a work of art, whereas now it is truly beautiful. At first, the figure was clumsy and the features of the face coarse and somewhat repellent. Moreover, the ebony case which was made for the image proved unfortunately to be too short. As a consequence, the figure when placed in it, lay in an unbecoming and ungainly position. Nevertheless, the case was closed and sealed, and the key was taken to Naples for safekeeping. The 29th of September 1805 was fixed as the day on which the case should be placed in the altar for it in the church of Mugnano. Great was the amazement of all when it was noticed that the figure had taken on a more graceful position and form. Still more wonderful, the face had become beautiful with a pleasing smile.
Another remarkable circumstance was noted about twenty years, when the new and more beautiful case was made for the image. The hair became more abundant and several times the eyes opened, a fact vouched for by many witnesses. The statue also changed its position somewhat and grew in length to fit the new shrine at it were. No interference from outside agencies could have been possible, since the figure rested within a wall, closed by a thick glass plate, and locked with three keys which were held by different authorities.
A priest, visiting the shrine, testified regarding the many strange occurrences that had taken place there: “Never have I seen a sanctuary so full of wonders, so alive with atmosphere of the supernatural, where one sees heavenly manifestations so palpably as in Mugnano. I do not mean to claim greater things for it that for other sanctuaries; but as the little saint’s special prerogative seems to consist in her amazing power of miracles and in the extraordinary abundance of favors that she dispense to her clients, so her sanctuary is especially distinguished by the constant, visible, and striking signs that the Almighty is pleased to work in it.”
The original church in Mugnano, in which the relics of St. Philomena were first enshrined, Our Lady of Grace, was rebuilt between 1853 and 1856, since it had become unworthy of Our Lady and the holy martyr. The splendid church which replaced it was financed by the contributions of the royal family of Naples and the alms of the countless pilgrims who visited it. St. Philomena’s chapel is beautifully constructed of marble, agate, and porphyry.
THE RT. REV. MSGR. GIOVANNI BRASCHI
Rector, Santuario de Santa Filumena, Mugnano, Italy (Principal Shrine)
Rector, Santuario de Santa Filumena, Mugnano, Italy (Principal Shrine)