Saint Helena

She was the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great and en Empress of the Roman Empire. She is from Drepanum in Asia Minor and born into a poor family and lower class int he Roman culture of the day.

Despite her background, she married Constantius Chlorus. With him she bore her only son, Constantine. As Constantius wanted to advance his own reputation, he divorced Helena for Theodora.

However, Constantine was forever loyal to his dear mother, he loved her very much.

Following the death of his father, Constantine became Emperor and summoned his mother back and the imperial court. She received the title of Augusta. He ordered all to honor his mother. Through her son's influence, she began to embrace Christianity. Helena was given free reign over the imperial treasury. She was tasked with locating relics of Christian tradition.

Between years 326 - 328, she took a trip to the Holy Places in the Middle East. During her journey, she had many churches constructed, including the one at the site of Jesus Christ's birth - the Church of Nativity, Bethlehem and another at the site of his ascension - Church of Eleona on the Mount of Olives.

Around the year 130, Emperor Hadrian had a temple built over the site of Jesus' death to be dedicated to Venus and Helena had this temple destroyed and chose a site in this location to be excavated and led to the discovery of three crosses.

Tradition says she brought a woman dear death to the crosses. There she had the woman place a hand on all three crosses. Nothing happened when she touched the first two crosses, but when she placed her hand on the third cross she suddenly recovered. Helena declared the third cross to be the True Cross. At this site, Constantine ordered the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to be built.

Helena also discovered the nails of the crucifixion. She had one of the nails placed in Constantine helmet and one in the bridle of his horse to aid him with their miraculous powers. Churches were built at these sites as well.

Several of the relics believed to be found by St Helena are located in Cyprus. Among these are parts of Jesus' tunic, pieces of the holy cross, and piece of the rope used to tie Jesus to the cross.

When she returned to Rome from Jerusalem, she brought parts of the True Cross back with her and stored these in her palace's chapel. Her palace has been converted to the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem.

She died around 330 with her son by her side. She was then buried in the Mausoleum of Helena outside of Rome.

She was renowned for helping not only individuals, but entire communities through her works of charity. She often sought out to help the poor and destitute. She would visit churches and leave them with rich donations. She's a very devout servant of God and through her influence and work, Christianity continued to spread throughout the known world.