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 is an  altar,  on  which  rests  the  reliquary  containing  the phial of  the  martyr's  blood. This exquisite  casket  was  the gift of  Marie  Therese,  Queen  of  Naples. It is  entirely composed of  silver,  and  through  an  aperture  filled  with glass the  sacred  relic  may  be  easily  seen. The generosity of faithful  hearts,  in  happier  times,  bestowed  vast  endowments and  estates  on  this  church  of  St.  Philomena,  and  thus provided for  the  relief  of  the  poor  and  the  advancement of other  meritorious  works. But, alas! the sacrilegious hands of  the  usurper  have  confiscated  all.

The constant  stream  of  pilgrims  has,  however,  never ceased. Old and  young,  rich  and  poor,  of  all  nationalities, assemble there,  and  bring  away  with  them  graces  untold, and a  deep  sense  of  the  power  of  God  through  the  efficacy of His  saints.

The decree  authorizing  the  devotion  to  St.  Philomena, and granting  to  the  clergy  of  Nola  the  privilege  of  saying Mass in  her  honor,  was  published  by  Gregory  XVI  on January  30,  1837. In March,  1839,  the  same  Pontiff, by decree  of  the  Sacred  Congregation  of  Rites,  raised  her feast to  the  dignity  of  a  double  of  the  second  class. It is to  be  noted  that  hers  is  the  only  instance  of  a  Proper Office" being  granted  in  honor  of  a  saint  of  whom  no details  are  recorded  or  known,  except  the  bare  fact  of  her martyrdom.  This  was  indicated,  as  we  have  already  remarked, by  the  emblems  cut  on  her  tomb,  and  the  three simple  words  inscribed  on  the  slab  enclosing  her  place  of rest:  "Pax  tecum! Philomena." "  Peace  be  with  thee! Philomena."

Pius IX  and  Leo  XIII  gave  evidence  of  a  similar  veneration for  the  martyr  of  the  primitive  Church.

In Ireland,  the  devotion  to  this  child  —  saint  and  martyr — has  been  taken  up  with  great  fervor,  and  rewarded  with many striking  favors.

The pious  Sisterhoods,  to  whose  hands  is  confided  the great work  of  Catholic  education,  have  not  been  slow  to find  how  powerful  is  the  help  of  the  "little  wonder-worker." Schools, special  works  of  charity,  the  wants  of  the  sick  and afflicted, have  many  a  time  been  blessed  and  promoted  in wonderful  ways  through  the  invocation  of  St. Philomena.