• 1819 - the future Pius IX is healed of epilepsy by intercession of Saint Philomena.
• 1824 - first edition of the work of Don Francis De Lucia, Historic Relation of the translation of the Body of Saint Philomena, Virgin and Martyr from Rome to Mugnano del Cardinale. It was printed an additional six times and translated in many different languages.
• 1835 - the image of Saint Philomena is displayed for the first time in the Church of Saint Gervais in Paris (fig. 26).
Fig. 26 – The first effigy of Saint Philomena displayed in the Church of Saint Gervais in Paris (1835). Devotion to the Martyr spread quickly in France.
• 1837 - the Holy Curate of Ars builds an altar in honor of Saint Philomena.
• 1880 - Arnard Doncoeur first and, then later, the abbot Louis Petit and Father Joseph Bonavenia, following accurate studies, dates the burial niche of Saint Philomena to the post-apostolic period.
• 1890-1910 - De Waal and Marucchi show doubts.
• 1906-1907 - Bonavenia challenges the two archaeologists.
• 1961 - the Congregation of Rites removes the feast of Saint Philomena from the liturgical Calendar.
• 1964 - Mons. Luigi Esposito, Rector of the Sanctuary of Mugnano, with the visto from Msgr. A. Binni, Bishop of Nola, submits a question, asking about the authentic interpretation of the disposition “Festum autem S. Philumenae…” and precisely if with that disposition had been removed only the liturgical cult or also every kind of cult. The answer was - “The liturgical cult has been removed, the popular cult has remained unchanged. The Saint can be venerated and honored even by the Local Council with the external feast and the Mass.”.
• 1964 - Dante Balboni underlines the theological aspect.
• 1971 - Mons. Luigi Esposito publishes the book “Saint Philomena Roman Virgin. Historic news.”
• 1981 - publication of G.J.E. Mautner Markhof’s “Das un-bequeme Wunder”, Poseidon Press, Vienna 1981.
• 1983 - on September 25, Don Giovanni Braschi is nominated Rector of the Sanctuary of Saint Philomena, with decree of H. E. Mons. Joseph Costanzo, Bishop of Nola.
• 1985 - Don Giovanni Braschi publishes the book “Saint Philomena”, reprinted in 1992, 1996, 1999 and 2003.
• 1987 - institution of the Philomenian Centers in the world, wanted by Rector Braschi; promotion of the Universal Archconfraternity of St. Philomena and of the Living Rosary in USA and Canada.
• 1989 - beginning of restoration work at the Sanctuary of Saint Philomena.
• 1990 - Rector Giovanni Braschi founds the Agency “Lumena Travel” in Boston for the pilgrimages of USA – ITALY, with compulsory visit to the Sanctuary.
• 1990 - Rector Braschi promotes the official publication of the periodical “Philomena” for Switzerland, in the German language, edited by the Theresia-Verlag (CH).
• 1992 - Conference of Philomenian Studies with Chairman H. E. Mons. Umberto Tramma, Bishop of Nola. Coordinator Prof. Don Giovanni Ariano. Speaker and vaticanist Mons. Dante Balboni. Many were the participants and vast the contents.
• 1994 - conclusion of the partial restoration of the Sanctuary - artistic panelled ceiling of the seventeenth century, new Martyrs hall and House of the Pilgrim; installation of bells in the bell tower.
• 1996 - a year rich with pilgrimages to the Sanctuary of Saint Philomena, pilgrims coming from the USA, Germany, Australia, Angola, Guatemala, Ukraine and Hungary.
• 1997 - publication of the book Ismeretlen Ismeros in Hungarian, promoted by the Rector Braschi, written by Dr. Golenszky Kandid O. Cist. (Budapest). Inauguration and blessing of a new statue of Saint Philomena in Kecskemét, attended by the Rector of the Sanctuary.
• 1999 - donation of a painting by the famous artist Festzy Masa by the Association of Saint Philomena in Hungary. This was made possible on initiative of the responsible Horvàth Gyongyi of Budapest.
• 1999 - Regional Conference in the Sanctuary of Saint Philomena for the Centenary of the birth of P. Jaricot, Foundress of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith and of the Living Rosary.
• 2000 – Marie Burns of Glasgow Scotland UK is appointed acting Director General of the Archconfraternity by the Rector Msgr. Braschi.
• 2000 - First Archconfraternity of Saint Philomena meeting in Navarre, Ohio, USA, coordinated by Rector Msgr. Braschi and Marie Burns, acting Director General, of the Philomenian Center of Glasgow (Scotland, UK). Hosted by Fr Robert Gibas.
• 2000 - realization of the bronze main entrance of the Sanctuary, the work of artist William Savini. Donated by the Local Council of Mugnano del Cardinale and blessed by Cardinal Louis Poggi on the12th of December, with the participation of H. E. Abp. Benjamin Depalma, Bishop of Nola.
• 2001 - 18th May - first official pilgrimage to stay in the newly restored Pilgrim Center, within the Sanctuary, from Scotland UK. Included the young, old, disabled and children. Led by Fr. Peter Lennon of Glasgow Scotland UK, great promoter of St. Philomena and the Cure d’Ars. Rosemary Campbell, Marie Burns and Michael Malley R.I.P. Welcomed by the Rector of the Sanctuary Msgr. Braschi and the Mayor of Mugnano along with prestigious council committee members. The first of many Scottish and worldwide pilgrimages staying in the new pilgrims centre and continue to do so.
• 2002 - painting restoration of the Sanctuary and of the old Sacristy. Building of the chapel of the Crucifix, annexed to the altar of Saint Philomena. All on initiative of the Rector Mons. Giovanni Braschi. The restoration of the wooden Crucifix and the realization of the polychrome stained glass window were assigned to the artist Luigi Falco.
• 2002 - donation of an artistic and monumental statue, the work of the sculptor Peratoner of the Ortisei School (Bolzano). Donated by a group of devotees from Austria and Bavaria (Germany).
• 2002 - celebration of the bicentenary for the finding of the Sacred Body of Saint Philomena. Pilgrimage to Priscilla’s catacombs in Rome –promoted by the Rector of the Sanctuary and with the participation of the International Centers and of the citizens of Mugnano.
• February 27-29, 2002 - recognition of the Sacred Relics of Saint Philomena on the occasion of the bicentenary of the finding on May 25, 1802 in Priscilla’s catacombs. The recognition was carried out, with maximum discretion and scientific scrupulousness in the presence of a board of studies delegated by H. E. Abp. Benjamin Depalma, Bishop of Nola and the Rector Mons. Giovanni Braschi.
• 2003 – Permanent appointment of Marie Burns of Glasgow, Scotland UK as Director of the Universal Archconfraternity of St Philomena. Appointed by Msgr. Braschi, Rector.
• 2003 - visit of the Rector Giovanni Braschi to the house of the Ven. Pauline Jaricot in Lorette and to her tomb in the Church of Saint-Nizier in Lyon. On this occasion he also visited the Sanctuary of Ars.
• 2003 - launching a comprehensive new website by webmaster, Richard Donley Fox.
• August 9, 2003 - Conference of the Rector Mons. Giovanni Braschi on television (Rai 1, program Mattina Uno) on the subject “The miracles of Saint Philomena”.
• February 2004 - official visit of the Rector Mons. Giovanni Braschi to the Archconfraternity of Saint Philomena center in the Ivory Coast.
• May 2004 - visit of the Rector Mons. Giovanni Braschi to the Archconfraternity center of Scotland, with Mass and a meeting with devotees at Carvin Grotto in Motherwell, Scotland UK.
• November 2004 - official visit of the Rector Mons. Giovanni Braschi to the various centers and churches of the United States. Eight states were visited - Indiana, Georgia, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Washington, Arizona, Nevada and California. While in Arizona, Marie Burns, Director of the Archconfraternity of Saint Philomena, joined Father Braschi in meeting with new webmaster, Richard Donley Fox, who introduced Fr. Braschi and Mrs. Burns to Arizona Governor, Janet Napolitano.
• January 2005 - restoration work on the tomb of Don Francis De Lucia. Realization of a bas-relief in bronze, which was the work of Prof. Silvano Muollo. The work was inaugurated during the feast of Saint Philomena’s Patronage. Inauguration of new benches in the Sanctuary. The benches were donated by an anonymous devotee from the United States.
• February 2005 - beginning of the restoration works of the Sacred Altar of Saint Philomena.
• April 9, 2005 - Conference of Philomenian Studies promoted by Msgr. Braschi, Rector of the Sanctuary and coordinated by the Prof. Fr. Giovanni Ariano. Held in the Basilica of St. Sylvester in Rome near Priscilla’s catacombs. Participation included various heads from the International Philomenian Centers and well known scholars. Discussed the “Philomena Question” in knowledgeable, lucid, and exhaustive detail. Conference presenter and webmaster Richard Donley Fox reported that the Sanctuary’s website was receiving more than a million visitor hits a month, thus demonstrating the great renewal in the devotion to Saint Philomena in the 21st Century. In memory of the Michael Malley of Glasgow (Scotland UK) who was due to attend but died just before, his hand painted banners exquisitely made where presented to the Sanctuary of St Philomena and Archconfraternity Centres of Aruba, Ivory Coast, Australia and USA to commemorate the occasion.
• May 2005 - official visit of the Rector Mons. Giovanni Braschi to various centers and churches of England, Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland. Participation of the Rector in a meeting and solemn Mass in the Sanctuary of Knock, Ireland.
• August 10, 2005 - celebration for the bicentenary of the translation of the Body of Saint Philomena from Rome to Mugnano del Cardinale. Display and procession of the Sacred Body of the Saint. The unveiling of a shell with the effigy of Saint Philomena (high-relief in bronze realized by the artist Prof. Silvano Muollo) in remembrance of the bicentenary.
• March 10, 2007 - second official visit of the Rector Mons. Giovanni Braschi to the Philomenian Center of Budapest, Hungary.
• June 2008 - official visit of the Rector Mons. Giovanni Braschi to the Philomenian center at the in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA. Also to commemorate the death of Fr James Swenson R.I.P., a great benefactor of the Sanctuary, who donated the elevator, at the Church of St. Bridget’s in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
• July 4, 2008 - centenary of the coronation of Our Lady of Graces with solemn celebration in Umberto I square, Mugnano del Cardinale.
• September 25, 2008 - 25th Rectorate Anniversary for Mons. Giovanni Braschi at the Sanctuary of Saint Philomena.
• February 2009 - official visit of the Rector Mons. Giovanni Braschi to the various centers and churches of the United States. The journey was organized for the inauguration of the new statue (by the sculptor Gioacchino Cennamo) of Saint Philomena in the Church of Saint Peter Chanel in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
• January 2011 – Sister Bertilla’s death in Mugnano. A very special tribute must be paid to our late Sister Bertilla. Sister Bertilla, originally known as Maria Giuseppina Ecclesiastico, was sent to Mugnano del Cardinale on August 5, 1986 by H. E. Mons. Joseph Costanzo, Bishop of Nola. With admirable dedication for nearly a quarter of a century, she carried out her mission in our Sanctuary, fully devoted to the divine cult, the glory of Saint Philomena and at the service of the very many faithful.
• April 2011 – A new website for the Archconfraternity of Saint Philomena is launched by webmaster Richard Donley Fox.
• For several years now, on the last Sunday of August, at the request of Msgr. Giovanni Braschi, Mugnano del Cardinale is gladdened by the Alfonsian Chorus and by the Alfatern Orchestra. The much anticipated concert is conducted by the authoritative Maestro Father Paolo Saturno and is the expression of the creative talent of composer Father Alfonso Vitale. There has been an excellent and constructive relationship for some time between the Sanctuary of Saint Philomena and the Fathers of the Congregation of the SS. Redeemer, founded by Saint Alphonsus de Liguori.
Fig. 25 – The statue of Saint Philomena which stands out in the scenery of La Salette, France near the famous Marian Sanctuary, a destination of many pilgrimages.
