Dedicated to Saint Helen
Saint Helen ca. 246/50 - 18 August 330
Credited with finding the relics of the True Cross, the Construction of Churches and for being Saint Constantine's Mother.
The Life of Saint Helen (from various resources):
It is not known exactly where Saint Helen was born, but she came from a very humble patronage. Saint Helen was the consort of Emperor Constantius and mother to Emperor Constantine I. She converted to Christianity when she was 63 years old. While in her late 70s she began a journey to Palestine, called "the pilgrimage of an anxious mother" by Saint Ambrose. On her journeys, we was extremely benevolent to the poor, to soldiers and prisoners. She is also know as the benefactor and "builder" of many churches. She's especially known for having "built" the Church of the Nativity built in Bethlehem and a church on the Mount of Olives.
A dream led her to finding the relics of the True Cross (they were buried to keep Christians from having it). A temple for Venus was built on top of the Mount Golgotha to cover traces of the crucifixion. She had the temple destroyed. At her command, they found the three Crosses of Calvary buried under the temple site as well as: the nails that they used to crucify Jesus, the placard with the inscription mentioned in the Gospels that hung over Jesus' head and other relics. To be sure which was the "True Cross" they took all three of the crosses to a sick lady. Only one of them instantly cured her.. the True Cross. She had the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem built at the site.
One of the greatest things that she did in her life time, in my opinion, is whatever she did that encouraged and led to the canonization of her son: Saint Constantine. What a wonderful example!
Building Brilliant Minds Online, Homeschool Architecture, Photography, Art and Dance, the National Art Honor Society and most importantly the Vocation of Wife and Mother (laying the foundations for nine "Tabernacles for Jesus") - our "Domestic Church" are my attempts to imitate Saint Helen's example. Following Our Father's Will over mine has always proved to be exciting, challenging and fruitful. I can't wait to see what HE has in store for us next :).
Credited with finding the relics of the True Cross, the Construction of Churches and for being Saint Constantine's Mother.
The Life of Saint Helen (from various resources):
It is not known exactly where Saint Helen was born, but she came from a very humble patronage. Saint Helen was the consort of Emperor Constantius and mother to Emperor Constantine I. She converted to Christianity when she was 63 years old. While in her late 70s she began a journey to Palestine, called "the pilgrimage of an anxious mother" by Saint Ambrose. On her journeys, we was extremely benevolent to the poor, to soldiers and prisoners. She is also know as the benefactor and "builder" of many churches. She's especially known for having "built" the Church of the Nativity built in Bethlehem and a church on the Mount of Olives.
A dream led her to finding the relics of the True Cross (they were buried to keep Christians from having it). A temple for Venus was built on top of the Mount Golgotha to cover traces of the crucifixion. She had the temple destroyed. At her command, they found the three Crosses of Calvary buried under the temple site as well as: the nails that they used to crucify Jesus, the placard with the inscription mentioned in the Gospels that hung over Jesus' head and other relics. To be sure which was the "True Cross" they took all three of the crosses to a sick lady. Only one of them instantly cured her.. the True Cross. She had the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem built at the site.
One of the greatest things that she did in her life time, in my opinion, is whatever she did that encouraged and led to the canonization of her son: Saint Constantine. What a wonderful example!
Building Brilliant Minds Online, Homeschool Architecture, Photography, Art and Dance, the National Art Honor Society and most importantly the Vocation of Wife and Mother (laying the foundations for nine "Tabernacles for Jesus") - our "Domestic Church" are my attempts to imitate Saint Helen's example. Following Our Father's Will over mine has always proved to be exciting, challenging and fruitful. I can't wait to see what HE has in store for us next :).
