St. Helen, Mother of Constantine the Great.
by VP
Posted on Monday August 18, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
"O his accession to the imperial throne, Constantine the Great declared himself in favor of Christianity. It was not, however, until after his miraculous victory over Maxentius that he actually embraced the faith and induced his mother Helen to do likewise. Helen was then far advanced in years, but the precious seed fell upon good soil, and the august princess set to work with inconceivable ardor. She was nearly eighty years old when she journeyed to the Holy Land, sought and discovered the Cross of our Redeemer; and there erected monuments worthy of God and the empire. She founded churches, monasteries, and hospitals, and lent aid to every enterprise favorable to the interests of religion. Humble as fervent, she mingled unobtrusively with the crowds assisting at the public services, and afforded a salutary example to all the faithful. St. Helen died in 328, bequeathing to her imperial son the precious legacy of a mother's wise counsels.
When our souls shall leave this dwelling,
The glory of one fair and virtuous action
Is above all the 'scutcheons on our tomb,
Or silken banners over us.
JAMES SHIRLEY.
Favorite Practice: Devotion to the Passion and the Holy Cross of our Lord
Source: Short Lives of the Saints By Eleanor Cecilia Donnelly
