August 18
Elena (250–330)
Secular
Saint Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, is credited with the invention of the true Cross, that is, the discovery in Jerusalem of the same wood on which Jesus Christ was crucified and which was divided into small portions distributed throughout Christianity.
Biography
In the year 306, when Constantine began to reign, he called his mother to the court of Trier and showered her with honors, giving her the title of “august.” It is known that by this time she was already a Christian and built many churches, also giving notable examples of humility and charity. Years later he decided to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land where he founded a basilica on the Mount of Olives and another in Bethlehem. It was at that time that he managed to find the true Cross of Christ.
Practical advice
With the desire to sanctify the everyday, call someone who is sick, elderly or alone without seeking applause or recognition.