Santa Helena

Saint Helena, whose full name is Flávia Júlia Helena Augusta, is a historical and religious figure who occupies a prominent place in Christianity. Of plebeian and pagan origin, she was born in the middle of the 3rd century, probably in Drepamin, a city in Bithynia, located in the Gulf of Nicomedia, today's Turkey. The story of Saint Helena is marked by an extraordinary journey of faith, humility, charity and devotion to Christ, which made her one of the great saints in Christian history.

Modest Origins and Conversion to Christianity

Helena came into the world into a commoner family, and from an early age, she demonstrated a notable inclination towards prayer and contemplation. She held the position of “stablekeeper”, responsible for the stables, in the city where she was born. Her beauty, modesty and delicacy captivated Constâncio Chlorus, an officer in the Roman army, who, despite belonging to a higher social class, fell in love with her. Constantius married Helena and took her with him to Dardania, in the Balkans, where she gave birth to their son, Constantine, in the year 280.

However, Constantius's political career required him to divorce Helena and marry Theodora, stepdaughter of Emperor Maximian. Roman law did not recognize marriage between commoners and nobles, which forced Helena to move away from her family and her son. Despite all adversity, she remained humble and dedicated, remaining in the shadows while her son Constantine gained prestige at Diocletian's court.

Helena's Conversion to Christianity and Her Influence on Constantine

After Constantius' death in 306, Constantine became head of the empire and sent for his mother, Helen, to join him at Court. It is not known exactly when Helena converted to Christianity, but she became a fervent and pious Christian. Some believe that she influenced Constantine's conversion, while others claim that he was the one who converted her. Regardless, Helena's faith had a profound impact on Constantine's life.

Constantine, recognizing his mother's importance, conferred on her the title of Augusta, and Helena had free access to the imperial treasury. However, honors never affected his humble heart. On the contrary, she dedicated herself even more to others, carrying out works of mercy, giving alms to the poor and freeing prisoners. His influence on the conversion of Constantine and the promulgation of the Edict of Milan in 313, which granted freedom of worship to Christians after centuries of persecution, is widely recognized.

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land and Discovery of the True Cross

In 326, Helen embarked on a penitential journey to the Holy Land, a spiritual pilgrimage that took her to sacred places associated with the life of Jesus Christ. There, she ordered the construction of two Basilicas in Bethlehem and on the Mount of Olives. Helena's initiative inspired Constantine to also build the Basilica of the Resurrection.

In her activities in the Holy Land, Helena ordered the destruction of pagan buildings built by the Romans, and in the place where Golgotha was believed to have been, a miraculous discovery occurred: a corpse found on a tree came to life. This was one of the events that led to the discovery of the true Cross of Christ. Helena donated three nails, which pierced Jesus' body, to Constantine. One of these carnations was embedded in the Iron Crown, preserved in the Cathedral of Monza, as a symbol of sovereignty submitted to the will of God. The relics of the True Cross were kept in the Roman Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem.

Legacy and Death

Helena died in 329, at the age of 80, in an unidentified location. During her deathbed, her son Constantine attended her and then took her body to Via Labicana, in Rome, where he was buried in a mausoleum in her honor. Helena's sarcophagus, made of porphyry, was transferred to the Lateran in the 11th century and is now kept in the Vatican Museum.

The cult of Saint Helena spread throughout the East and West, being celebrated on May 21st and August 18th, associated with the symbol of the Cross. Her spiritual greatness is remembered to this day, and she was immortalized along with other saints in monumental statues on the pillars of Michelangelo's Dome in the Vatican Basilica.

Conclusion

The story of Saint Helena is a remarkable journey of faith, devotion and humility. From modest beginnings, she faced challenges and adversity but remained true to her Christian beliefs and values. Her influence on her son Constantine, one of the most important Roman emperors, and her discovery of the True Cross made her an iconic figure in Christianity. His life is an inspiring example of generosity, charity and devotion to God and others. Saint Helena's legacy continues to live on today, reminding us of the importance of following Christ's teachings and practicing charity for the benefit of all.