Day 291: Saint Helena

Today we honor Saint Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine the Great and one of the most fascinating women of the early Christian world. After becoming a Christian, Helena used her extraordinary influence to support the poor, strengthen the Church, and make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.Ancient Christian tradition famously connects Saint Helena with the discovery of the True Cross in Jerusalem. While the detailed accounts appear in sources written after Helena's pilgrimage, her association with the Cross became one of Christianity's most enduring traditions.Scripture"Far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ."Galatians 6:14Thought to Remember"Seek Christ, even if the road leads you to the Cross."This is not a direct quotation from Saint Helena, but it captures the journey for which Christians have remembered her for centuries. The Cross looks like defeat until we see it through the Resurrection. Sometimes the place we most want to avoid becomes the very place where Christ reveals His love most clearly.PrayerSaint Helena, help us to seek Jesus above every earthly treasure. Teach us never to believe that we are too old, too late, or too insignificant for God to use our lives. When we encounter the Cross, give us the faith to recognize the victory of Christ. Pray for us. Amen.Please like, comment, share, and subscribe to @TravelingtoDamascus as we continue our journey through the lives of the saints, one day at a time.#SaintHelena #TrueCross #SaintsInAYear #TheRoadToDamascus #Catholic #CatholicSaints #HolyLand #Jerusalem #Constantine #ChristianHistory