If you’ve ever been on a pilgrimage—or dreamed of walking where Jesus walked—you can thank St. Helena, a 4th-century empress who traveled across the Holy Land to find the sacred places of Christ’s life, death, and Resurrection.
Her journey wasn’t just historical—it was deeply spiritual. And it’s part of why we still treasure the True Cross today.
Quick Biography: St. Helena
St. Helena (c. 248–c. 330 A.D.) was the mother of Constantine the Great, the first Christian emperor of Rome, and is honored as “Equal to the Apostles” for her role in promoting Christianity throughout the empire. Born of humble origins—possibly in Bithynia—she later became the wife of Constantius Chlorus and gave birth to Constantine around 272 A.D.
When Constantine rose to power, Helena was elevated to high rank as Augusta (empress). After her conversion to Christianity, she became known for her piety, humility, and devotion to works of charity, caring for the poor and supporting the Church.
Helena is most remembered for her pilgrimage to the Holy Land in her later years. Tradition holds that she discovered the True Cross of Christ’s crucifixion, along with other sacred relics, near Calvary in Jerusalem. She had basilicas constructed over holy sites, including the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
She died around 330 A.D., leaving a legacy as one of the most influential Christian women of the early Church. Her relics are venerated in Rome, and she remains a model of faith, perseverance, and devotion to Christ.
Feast Day: August 18 (Western Church); May 21 (Eastern Church, with Constantine)
Patronage: Archaeologists, converts, difficult marriages, and the discovery of lost items
Symbols: Cross, nails, and the crown (as empress)
Legacy: Brought Christianity into imperial life, preserved holy sites, and inspired devotion to the Cross of Christ
From Humble Beginnings to Imperial Influence
St. Helena was born around 248 AD, likely in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), and came from humble origins. Despite this, she became the wife of Constantius, a rising Roman official. Their son? None other than Constantine the Great, the first Christian Roman emperor.
After Constantine rose to power and issued the Edict of Milan in 313 AD (legalizing Christianity), he honored his mother with the title “Augusta” and gave her the freedom to travel and use imperial resources. What did she do with this power?
She went searching for Jesus.
Discovering the True Cross
Around age 80, Helena journeyed to Jerusalem, determined to identify and preserve holy sites from the life of Christ. She oversaw excavations at Calvary and the tomb, and according to tradition, discovered three crosses buried at the site of the crucifixion.
How did they know which was the True Cross? One legend says that a dying woman touched each one—and was miraculously healed when she touched the cross of Christ.
Helena had churches built on these sacred sites, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, still one of the most visited pilgrimage destinations in the world.
Why She Still Matters
St. Helena didn’t let age, politics, or her past define her. She used everything she had to glorify God and make the Gospel tangible—literally bringing people closer to Christ through the physical places He walked.
Her story reminds us that we can seek and find Jesus in real, visible ways, and that holiness can flourish at any age and season of life.
Want to Imitate St. Helena?
- Learn about the biblical geography of Jesus’ life
- Support or plan a pilgrimage (even locally!)
- Use your resources, time, or influence to help others encounter Jesus
FAQ: St. Helena
- Q: What is St. Helena the patron saint of?
A: She’s the patron saint of archaeologists, converts, difficult marriages, and divorced people. - Q: Did she really find the True Cross?
A: According to strong early Church tradition, yes—she discovered the site of Calvary and the wood of the cross where Jesus died. - Q: Why is she important to Catholic history?
A: Her efforts preserved the sacred geography of our faith and helped establish Christianity more visibly across the Roman Empire.
Additional Resources
Read more of our new series, Meet the Saints, on our blog! Here’s one on St. Peter, and one on St. Anthony of Padua.
Here’s more on the saints from the blog:
- A Guide to Patron Saints for Every Situation
- Do Catholics Pray to Saints?
- Who Are the Most Popular Catholic Saints?
- Welcoming 2024 and 2025’s Newest Catholic Saints
- Your Favorite Saints’ Favorite Saints
- 25 Patron Saints of Really Random Things
- How to Choose a Confirmation Saint (With Saint Suggestions!)
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