Saint Helena

Helena was born around 248 in humble circumstances, probably at Drepanum in Asia Minor, and tradition says she worked at an inn. She became the companion of the Roman officer Constantius Chlorus and around 272 gave birth to their son Constantine. When Constantius rose to power, he set her aside to make a political marriage.

After Constantine became emperor in 306 and ended the persecution of Christians, he honored his mother with the title of Augusta. Helena became a Christian, and Eusebius of Caesarea describes her humble piety and generosity to the poor, prisoners and soldiers. Though nearly eighty, she made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land around 326–328 and sponsored the building of churches at Bethlehem and on the Mount of Olives. Later tradition credits her with finding the True Cross in Jerusalem. She died around 330, with her son at her side, and was buried in Rome; her great porphyry sarcophagus is now in the Vatican Museums.

In the Western Church her feast is August 18, while Eastern Christians honor her with Constantine on May 21. Many images show her holding the Cross, and she is remembered whenever the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is celebrated on September 14.

The Spanish-speaking world honors her as Santa Elena, and many towns and churches bear her name.