Statue of Pope Saint Pius X in the Votive Candle Chapel

On May 21, 1912, Pope Pius X raised the Archconfraternity of Saint Philomena to a Universal Archconfraternity, opening it to worldwide membership.

Our statue was restored by our parishioner and artist, Jim Ryan, 
in honor of the Centennial observance this year. 



The Retreat and Pilgrim Center is open!

Information on upcoming Retreats and Days of Recollection may be found on the Retreat Center Page.


Join us in Completing Phase II of the Renovation of the
Retreat and Pilgrim Center

We have begun work on the second phase of the renovation of the Retreat and Pilgrim Center.  

For a tour, or to arrange a visit or a retreat, please contact the Parish Office at 610-622-2420.  

Read more about this project in the "Retreat Center" page. 

We are grateful for all the support we receive from the devotees of Saint Philomena from around the world.  If you are able to contribute to the Pilgrimage Center Renovation Project we would be most grateful.

You can make a donation here:
 

 The Beginnings of the National Center of the Archconfraternity U.S.A.

Sunday, November 13, 2011 was a great day for Saint Philomena Roman Catholic Church in Lansdowne. We were honored with the presence of Monsignor Giovanni Braschi, Rector of the Saint Philomena Shrine in Mugnano del Cardenale, who preached the Homily at the Noon Mass. Benvenuto Monsignor Braschi! At Mass on that day, our Church was established as an Official Center of the Universal Archconfraternity of Saint Philomena. I was honored, and surprised with the appointment by Monsignor Braschi, as Spiritual Director of the Universal Archconfraternity of Saint Philomena for Pennsylvania, in the United States. Mass was concelebrated by Monsignor Braschi and Father Dave Robinson of Phoenix, AZ, Deputy Spiritual Director for the United States. Dr. Mark Miravalle of Steubenville assisted as Deacon of the Word and our own Deacon Tim McGuire assisted as Deacon of the Eucharist.

 Also in attendance were Marie Burns, the Director General of the Archconfraternity, from Scotland, Lisa Bowen of Delaware, the Center Representative of the Universal Archconfraternity for Delaware and Pennsylvania, and Bernadette Morris, the Representative for Northern California. Mass was attended by more than five hundred pilgrims and friends of Saint Philomena from across the Country and around the world. Music for the Mass was provided by a wonderful group of singers assembled especially for this day. The Knights of Columbus, as always, added a sense of dignity and great celebration.

Following Mass the Youth Conference convened in Marian Hall, (so named because it was dedicated in 1954, the Marian Year) Again, some five hundred people gathered as Father Chad Partain, Chancellor of the Diocese of Alexandria LA, and official Archconfraternity Spiritual Director for Mansura, La., launched the new Archconfraternity initiative, the Worldwide Congregation of the Children of Mary, of which he is now the Director. Donna and John Kurtz of Saint Philomena Academy also spoke about the amazing events brought about in their lives by our little Saint, Philomena.

In addition, Father Kevin McGoldrick of Holy Name of Jesus Parish spoke about the importance of devotion to Saint Philomena. Music was provided by Bill Monaghan and Friends, children were taught how to make their own Cord of Saint Philomena, and the indefatigable and ever charming Monsignor Braschi - called Don Giovanni by his friends and admirers - signed copies of his book on Saint Philomena,
recently translated into English

The day ended, as it began, in prayer. The Novena Prayers and the Litany of Saint Philomena concluding with Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament. The Oblate Apostles of the Two Hearts and the Leaven of the Immaculate Heart of Mary assisted as servers and provided music to the devotions.

Throughout the day our guests were welcomed and assisted, and fed, by an army of volunteers from Saint Philomena Church. Thank you to everyone who assisted to make this day such an extraordinary success. - although with Saint Philomena supporting us with her intercession, what else could we expect? Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to prepare for this day.

I pray that this marks only the first extraordinary Pilgrimage to the new Center of the Universal Archconfraternity of Saint Philomena at Saint Philomena Roman Catholic Church in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania.

May God bless us and Saint Philomena, Powerful with God, be at our side.
Pax Tecum Filumena!

In the Lord and Saint Philomena,

 Reverend Jason V. Kulczynski,
Parochial Administrator of Saint Philomena Catholic Church, Lansdowne, Pa.
National Director of the Archconfraternity of Saint Philomena



The History of the
Universal Archconfraternity of Saint Philomena

The Confraternity of Saint Philomena, also known as the Work of Saint Philomena, was begun in Paris France. It was founded on October 6, 1876 by Fr. Louis Petit, with the blessing and approval of the Cardinal Giubert.


He said: "With our devotion to Saint Philomena we bless God who is reflected in His Saints. Honoring Saint Philomena we proclaim the power of God in the strength of His Martyrs, and His Infinite Goodness in the favors He concedes to the prayers of His Saints. This was the theology of the Holy Curé of Ars, and this will be ours also".

The Confraternity of Saint Philomena was raised to the rank of Archconfraternity by Pope Leo XIII, in November 1886.

The Archconfraternity of Saint Philomena was raised to the rank of a Universal Archconfraternity by Pope St. Pius X, on May 21, 1912, with the publication of the Apostolic brief, "Pias Fidelium Societates."

The example of love of the Holy Fathers towards Saint Philomena has caused many great souls to consecrate themselves to her. Among her devotees, the most distinguished may be the Holy Curé of Ars, Saint John Vianney, because of his great love for her and for his commitment to making her known and loved.

The purpose of the Universal Archconfraternity of Saint Philomena remains the same today, to join devotees of Saint Philomena worldwide into one spiritual family under the direction of the International Shrine - The Sanctuary of Saint Philomena in Mugnano del Cardinale, Avellino, Italy.

The members of the Universal Archconfraternity form an association of prayer and work who resolve to live a life according to the Gospel of Christ and to promote the Gospel in the world. The Universal Archconfraternity is also dedicated to the Christian education of children and youth and to prayer for vocations and the sanctification of the Clergy, following the special example of Saint Philomena, Virgin and Martyr.

Become a member
of the Universal Archconfraternity of Saint Philomena
You can sign up at our Parish

or online CLICK HERE

Joining the Universal Archconfraternity of St. Philomena is a wonderful way to honor Saint Philomena and become united with her and all of her devotees throughout the world.

The organization offers Christians around the world a recognized and coherent structure to share fellowship and devotion to Saint Philomena. There are many privileges and indulgences attached to becoming a member of the Archconfraternity.

Holy Mass is celebrated at the Shrine in Mugnano del Cardinale the second Friday of each month for the intentions of all members living and deceased.
Members, in turn dedicate themselves to a prayerful life through the intercession of Saint Philomena, and promise to do what they can to learn more about her life and to spread devotion to her wherever possible.