The mother of Constantine the Great, Helena was born into a poor family in about the middle of the third century. She probably lived  in Drepanum (later known as Helenopolis) in Asia Minor and was referred to by Saint Ambrose as a stabularia, or inn-keeper.
 
Despite her humble background, Helena married Constantius Chlorus, a military commander who eventually became co-Regent of the West. About the year 274 A.D., Helena gave birth to her only son, Constantine. Twenty years later Chlorus divorced Helena to marry Theodora, who was the daughter of Emperor Maximinianus Herculius, to advance his own reputation and standing in Roman society.
 
Helena's son, Constantine, however loved his dear mother very much. Even when he became a member of the ruling class, he never left her. When Constantine became Emperor of Rome in 306 A.D. his influence resulted in her conversion to Christianity. Helena was eventually given the title "Augusta" and was considered the first lady of the Roman Empire.
 
Constantine tasked his mother with traveling through the Empire and gathering the holy objects that were scattered due to years of war and persecution. Helena’s pilgrimages led her to build churches on such holy sites as the birthplace of Jesus, the Church of the Nativity, and the site of His Ascension, the Church of Eleona.
 
It was during these pilgrimages that Helena discovered a temple dedicated to Venus that was built upon the site of the crucifixion. She immediately ordered the temple destroyed and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre constructed there. In the process, workers discovered three buried crosses, one of which was the True Cross of Christ. Helena also found many other relics during her pilgrimages. Among them are parts of Jesus’ tunic, the nails used during the crucifixion, and pieces of rope used to tie Jesus to the Holy Cross.
 
Helena of the Cross died peacfully around 330 A.D. with her beloved son by her side. 
 
This print is part of the "Happy Saint" collection by Anna Morelli.
 
The image is professionally printed, hand-signed by the artist, and comes enclosed in a plastic sleeve to ensure protection.