00:00Did you know that the woman who discovered the cross of Christ was also the mother of a Roman emperor?
00:06Today we are going to meet Saint Helena,
00:10a figure who is at once imperial, maternal and deeply religious,
00:16whose history has forever marked Christianity.
00:20Helen was born around 250, probably in Bithynia, in present-day Türkiye.
00:27Traditions say that she was of humble origins, perhaps an innkeeper or servant.
00:36It was during a trip that she met the future emperor Constance Clore, who made her his companion.
00:44From their union was born a son, Constantine, destined to change history.
00:50When Constance is forced to repudiate Helen for a political marriage,
00:55she disappears from the public scene.
00:59But in 306, Constantine became emperor and called her back to him.
01:05Honored with the title of Augusta, she receives wealth and influence.
01:11She converted to Christianity and devoted herself to charitable works.
01:17Release of prisoners, aid to the poor, support for churches.
01:22Around 326, already old, Helen undertook a journey to Palestine.
01:29She visits holy places, has basilicas built in Bethlehem on the birthplace of Jesus,
01:36on the Mount of Olives and especially in Jerusalem, on Golgotha.
01:41It was there that she discovered, according to tradition, the true cross on which Christ was crucified.
01:50This relic would become one of the most venerated treasures of Christianity.
01:55Helen died shortly after, around 329, probably in Rome.
02:02His body is placed in a sumptuous mausoleum.
02:05Venerated as a saint by the Church, she remains the symbol of an ardent faith
02:11and a total commitment to the service of God and men.
02:16His example still inspires believers today.
02:20Simplicity of origin, greatness of soul and passionate search for truth.
02:25From the inn to the imperial court, from Rome to Jerusalem,
02:32Saint Helena followed a unique route,
02:35Mother, empress, pilgrim and above all faithful witness of Christ.
02:45Prayer to Saint Helena
02:47O blessed Saint Helen,
02:50You who have ardently sought the traces of Christ on earth,
02:54You who discovered the holy cross,
02:57Sign of our salvation and pledge of the victory of love,
03:02Light our way in the darkness of this world.
03:06Attentive mother,
03:07You who guided your son Constantine
03:10Towards the light of faith,
03:13Intercede for families,
03:15So that parents know how to transmit peace
03:17And may children grow up in trust and hope.
03:21Empress with a humble heart,
03:25You who were not afraid to lower your crown to put yourself at the service of the poor,
03:30Help us choose charity over glory
03:33And to build, like you, a more just and fraternal world.
03:38Saint Helena,
03:41By your faithfulness and unwavering faith,
03:45Lead us always to the glorious cross,
03:49So that with you we may sing forever.
03:53Glory to the risen Christ,
03:56Our savior and our king.
03:59Amen
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