Her name means way of light. She is called the "Wonder Worker" because of all the miracles she performs for those who pray to her on earth.
Philomena was a virgin and martyr. At the age of thirteen her parents wanted her to marry an emperor, but she refused becuase two years before she promised the Lord to remain a virgin. The emperor tied her up in a dungeon for days, but she wouldn't break her promise. The virgin Mary appeared to her and told Philomena that in three more days she would join the Lord in Heaven.
Her last three days on earth was not pleasent, for the emperor was outraged and that she wasn't obeying. On the last day she was suppose to be killed by archers, however, when they released the arrows, the archers got killed and Philomena did not.
She suffered greatly on her last days, but was rewarded in Heaven. She has cured many diseases and granted many requests to those who ask of her. Sometimes requests aren't granted, that is because the Lord has other plans for those people.
There is a shrine to Saint Philomena in Mugnano (which I think is in Italy, but I'm not completely sure). Countless miracles have occured there. There are some relics (things like her bones) that cure those who touch them. The oil from the lamps that burn at the shrine also have healing powers. Those who say novenas ( a little prayer you say for nine days) and offer to do something for the saint have also been helped. Promises could be things like vowing to spread the word about the saint, or recieving communion for nine days, or attending mass for nine days.
O faithful virgin and glorious martyr, Saint Philomena, who works so many miracles on behalf of the poor and sorrowing, have pity on me. Thou knowest the multitude and diversity of my needs. Behold me at they feel, full of misery, but full of hope. I entreat they charity, O freat saint! Gracioulsy hear me and obtain from God a favorable anser to the request which I knw humbly lay before thee. (Specify your petition here) I am firmly convinced that through thy merits, through the scorn, the suffereings, the death that though didst endure, united to the merits of the Passion and Death of Jesus, thy Spouse, I shall obtain what I ask of thee, and in the joy of my hear I will bless God, who is admirable in His saints. Amen.
Three Part Novena Prayer
We beseech Thee, O Lord, to grant us the pardon of our sins by the intercession of Saint Philomena, virgin and martyr, who was always pleasing in Thy sigh by her eminent chastity and by the profession of every virtue. Amen.
Illustriou virgin and martyr, Saint Philomena, behold me prsostrate before the throne whereupon it has pleased the Most Holy Trinity to place thee. Full of confidence in thy protection, I entreat thee to intercede for me with God. Ah, from the heights of Heaven deign to cast a glance upon thy humbile client! Spouse of Christ, sustain me in suffering, fortify me in temptation, protect ime in the dangers surrounding me, obtain for me the graces necessart to me, and in particular (mention petition here). Above all, assist me at the hour of my death. Saint Philomena, powerful with God, pray for us.Amen.
O God, Most Holy Trinity, we thank Thee for the graces Thou didst bestow upon the Blessed Virgin Mary, and upon Thy handmaid Philomena, through whose intercession we implore Thy Mercy. Amen.