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Also known as: Helen;
Flavia Julia Helena Augusta
Profile
Converted to Christianity late in life. Married Constantius Chlorus,
co-regent of the western Roman empire. Mother of Constantine the Great.
Her husband put her aside for a second marriage with better political
connections. On his death, her son ascended to the throne, brought her
home, and treated her as royalty. Used her high position and wealth in the
service of her religious enthusiasm. Helped build churches throughout the
empire.
At the age of 80 she led a group to the Holy Land to search for the True
Cross. She and her group unearthed three crosses in 326. At the suggestion
of Saint Macarius of Jerusalem, she took them to a woman afflicted with an
incurable disease, and had her touch each one. One of them immediately
cured her, and it was pronounced the True Cross. She built a church on the
spot where the cross was found, and sent pieces to Rome and
Constantinople; the Feast of the Holy Cross on 14 September celebrates the
event. Thus in art, she is usually depicted holding a wooden cross.
Born: 250
Died: 330
Canonized: Pre-Congregation
Name Meaning: light, torch
Patronage: archeologists, converts, difficult marriages, divorced
people, empresses, diocese of Saint Helena Montana
Representation: cross; woman, usually wearing a crown or otherwise
vested as royalty, holding a cross
source:
http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/sainth01.htm
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