Posted on 11/18/2007 6:39:24 AM PST by NYer
In a world where lost souls exploit their relationships through infidelity, promiscuity, or unholy acts outside of marriage, it brings us much joy to share this beautiful love story. Leo and Jacque are two inspirational young people who bonded through their faith in the Catholic Church and many adventures working in the youth ministry of St. Thomas More Catholic Parish in Irvine, California, United States. They were blessed with the grace of a pure friendship, forming the foundation for their relationship and enabling the honest discovery of everything they had ever wanted in marriage, family and ultimately their path to heaven. Their unyielding devotion to St. Philomena further cemented their love.
Leo and Jacque honor St. Philomena as the patroness of purity. As devotees, they wear a cord around their waists of red (for martyrdom) and white (for virginity/purity). In a recent trip to Rome, Leo visited the Roman Catacombs of Priscilla, the location of St. Philomena’s tomb. While there, he gathered some of the dirt and brought it back for Jacque to treasure as a second class relic.
But it wasn’t until an ordinary Wednesday a year ago on August 25 that their lives forever changed. Leo surprised Jacque with an impromptu trip to Rome. After arriving the next afternoon, they took in the sites, dined at St. Peter’s square, and made stops at Trastevere, the Pantheon, and Trevie Fountain. The next morning Leo told Jacque that they would start a new tradition where their first stop on any future trip to Rome would be to the Roman Catacombs of Priscilla where St. Philomena’s remains were discovered.
At the Catacombs they saw the oldest painting of the Blessed Mother and Jacque was enthralled and taken aback from being in the presence of so many martyrs. After their tour ended, Leo grabbed Jacque’s hand before leaving and beckoned her to follow him. “We're not leaving until we find St. Philomena's tomb," he said. After searching down dark caverns and narrow passageways, they stopped to pray. They placed their hands together inside the area where St. Philomena’s Blessed Remains had been removed and Jacque discovered a velvet bag that Leo had lovingly placed there moments before. As she discovered a ring inside, Leo got down on one knee and asked God for the honor of uniting them.
The lovely couple was married on July 7, 2007 (07/07/07) with their honeymoon celebrated in St. Philomena’s Sanctuary in Mugnano del Cardinale, Italy. They received special accommodations in the room normally reserved for Bishops and the same holy place where Pauline Jaricot had her famous cure. St. Philomena will maintain a principal place in their spiritual lives. Leo and Jacque began switching their cords in July in honor of their anniversary and devotion to St. Philomena.
We are grateful for the generosity Leo and Jacque have shown our Sanctuary, and know that their devotion will inspire other couples throughout the world. We wish this couple, worthy of emulation and grace, all of the blessings of a life-long marriage and healthy family. We pray for all couples who are finding the love of their life through their love for Christ and contemplating the Holy Sacrament of Matrimony.
Monsignor Braschi
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Leo at the front door of the Sanctuary of Saint Philomena |
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Leo and Jacque on the front porch of the Sanctuary |
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Leo and Jacque praying at the Holy Altar of Saint Philomena |
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Leo receiving communion |
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Jacque receiving communion |
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Praying after communion |
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Hugging Saint Philomena |
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Engagement in Rome |
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The wedding decor was all red and white in honor of Saint Philomena |
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Related Article: Producer of Bella the Movie consecrates movie to Our Lady and Saint Philomena
Santuario Santa Filomena
83027 Mugnano del Cardinale
Avellino, Italy
tel:011 39 081 825 7204
fax:011 39 081 511 2733
http://www.philomena.it
e-mail:SantaFilomena@philomena.us
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A beautiful love story to brighten your day.
What a lovely story.
What a nice couple!
How sweet. I hope they’ll be very happy and have lots of children.
Two nice Catholic kids who are probably a lot holier than I was at that age! I envy them (in a good sort of way!)
Mrs Romulus and I did the same thing on our honeymoon last year. Msgr. Braschi was a charming and generous host.
Thanks to St. Philomena.
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