This image is an original painting done in a breviary. It depicts St. Philomena praying. There are various catholic symbols included in the image. One example is the background that expresses an underground pathway which represents the catacombs of St. Priscilla where her body was found many years after her martyrdom. Additionally, her garments are white which symbolizes her purity. St. Philomena died in defensum castitatis, meaning that she was a virgin martyr. This painting was made using a reference image painted in the 1960s by Feszty Masa.[1] Lastly, this image was intentionally painted within a breviary because the liturgy of the hours is the prayer of the Church. By adorning the book with an image of this saint, the one praying with the breviary is reminded of the gift of one's own life for the Church. St. Philomena died for love of Christ and his Church. The medium used to receive this gouache painting is significant of the young saint it depicts and her dedication to the Church.
[1] Feszty Masa, “St. Philomena,” painting, 1961, www.flickr.com.
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