St. Helena – The Finding of the True Cross

Rebroadcast of the long-running radio program, "The Ave Maria Hour," a presentation of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement. www.AtonementFriars.org

Born in Bithynia, Asia Minor (present-day Turkey), circa 248, St. Helena was married to Roman Emperor Constantius and had a son who would become Constantine I, also known as Constantine the Great, the first Roman emperor to become a Christian. St. Helena, who converted as well, oversaw the construction of churches on Holy Land sites. She would later be credited with discovering the cross upon which Jesus Christ is believed to have been crucified. 

St. Helena was renowned for helping entire communities through her works of charity. She helped the poor and destitute. She visited churches and left them rich donations. St. Helena was a very devout servant of God. Through her influence and work, Christianity continued to spread throughout the known world.

St. Helena died circa 328 in Nicomedia (present-day Turkey). Her feast day is celebrated on August 18.