Once upon a time, there was a woman named Helen who lived in the early fourth century. She was the mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine, and it is said that she had a profound impact on his life and his eventual conversion to Christianity.
Helen herself was a devout Christian, and after her son became emperor, she set out on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land to visit the sites where Jesus had walked and to search for the True Cross, the cross on which Jesus was crucified. Legend has it that Helen was guided by a dream to the location of the True Cross, and she worked tirelessly to excavate the area until she found it.
Helen's discovery of the True Cross was a significant moment in Christian history, and it cemented her place as a beloved saint in the Christian faith. Her commemorative day is celebrated on August 18th, and it is a day to honor her devotion and her unwavering faith.
On this day, we offer a prayer to Saint Helen, asking for her intercession and guidance in our own spiritual journeys:
Dear Saint Helen, we honor you on this day for your unwavering faith and your tireless efforts to uncover the True Cross. We ask for your intercession in our own spiritual journeys, that we may have the courage and dedication to follow in your footsteps and seek the truth of Christ's love.
Guide us, Saint Helen, as we navigate the challenges and temptations of this world. Help us to remember that we are never alone, that Christ is always with us, and that your example of faith and devotion can inspire us to be better, more faithful followers of Christ.
May your memory be a blessing to us all, Saint Helen, and may we always seek to honor your legacy by living lives of faith, love, and service. Amen.