St. Helena, A Woman Of Substance

St. Helena; a woman of substance

St. Helena was the mother of the Emperor Constantine. At a time when women were not allowed to hold office under Roman Law let alone be considered a voice to be listened to, St . Helena had a great degree of influence over not only her son but the spreading of the new found religious belief-system, Christianity.

Helena was of humble descent, born in the Roman province of Moesia, but some believe that she was a British Princess. Though there is no historical evidence to prove this, it is a fact that Constantanius, Helena's Royal husband spent some time in Britain putting down a rebellion among the Scots and died in York.(Catholic Encyclopedia) Going back to historical evidence about Helena's humble beginnings, according to St. Ambrose she was an inn-keeper when Constantine's father, Constantius Chlorus made her his consort. This relationship did not last long as he took a new wife and cast Helena off into the shade. But her son Constantine always had a great love and admiration for his mother, thus when he became the Emperor he brought her back so that she may reside at Court at Byzantium. He honored Helena so greatly that he vested on her the title Augusta or Empress and had coins made in her honor.(Catholic Encyclopedia)

Helena converted to Christianity after Constantine embraced the faith. Constantine's conversion came after a vivid dream he saw before his victorious battle at the Milvian Bridge in which he saw a cross in the sky and beneath it were the words "In this sign you will conquer". (Medieval Europe, 22) Though Constantine revised imperial religious policy to make Christianity tolerated within the empire he did not officially convert to Christianity until close upon his death, but his mother became a devout Christian.

Due to her powerful status with regard to influence and wealth, Helena was able to spread and extend the Christian faith. She built many churches and shrines, particularly in Rome and at Trier in Gaul. Her most important work came with her visit to the Holy Land, and it is her work here that is best