You do not have to be religious and you do not have to be Catholic to find inspiration and courage in the story of this third century Martyr.

The story of how this thirteen year old girl stood up for herself, stood up for what she believes in, in spite of the torture she endured, is a story that can give strength to all of us, no matter our age, gender or nationality.

Her story is universal. Her story is of courage. And her story can give strength to anyone.

We all want to be liked by our friends. We all want to have friends and to feel important to them. We all can compromise our own instincts of what we should and should not do, out of fear sometimes, just to make our friends like us.

Saint Philomena had respect for herself and was fortunate enough to have the courage to “say no” when asked to make choices adults around her demanded she make. She suffered terribly for her choice, but saved her respect for herself and has earned a place in history of greatness that will never be forgotten because of her courage.

There are many shrines around the world that have her name. And many cities in many countries that have chosen to name themselves for her. And that is because the adults in those communities understood that her message is a good one for the youth of their communities. Many of those shrines were built and cities formed in the nineteenth century. But, Saint Philomena and her story and her inspiration are as important today as they were those some two hundred years ago.

I invite you to learn about her to give yourself inspiration and hope in the face of fear to make the choices in your life that you know in your heart are right, but are afraid to make those “right choices” because you are afraid your friends will not like you, or that you will not be popular if you do the right thing.

Online, you may visit the official website for Saint Philomena to learn more about her at: http://www.philomena.it.