Today, we celebrate the memorial of Saint Helena of Constantinople.

Saint Helena was an Empress of the Roman Empire and mother of Roman emperor Constantine the Great. In her lifetime she wished to become a good mother and to find find the cross on which Jesus had been crucified.

At the age of 63, she went to Palestine and to see where Jesus had walked and talked and died. While in Palestine, Helena had workers dig in the ground. They found a cross. Helena believed that Jesus had died on that cross, and she brought large parts of it back to Rome with her.

It was Saint Helena, who ordered that a church be built at the Mount of Olives, where Jesus prayed, and at Bethlehem, where Jesus was born.

She was renowned for her good deeds, compassion for the poor and the needy, and kindness towards the soldiers and prisoners.

Saint Helena is the patron saint of Santa Helena Parish, Brgy. Paticui, Hinigaran.

Saint Helena, pray for us!

Source: catechesisbacolod