St. Helena of Constantinople was born in the year 248, and converted to Christianity later in life. After her son Constantine became emperor, she was given unlimited access to the treasury so she could acquire the relics of Christianity. In 326 she began a pilgrimage to the Holy Lands where she was responsible for the construction of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and the Church of Eleona on the Mount of Olives. On her orders a pagan temple was torn down, and relics of three crosses were found. Helena had a woman who was near death brought in, and after touching two of the crosses to no effect, she touched the third and was miraculously healed. The cross was proclaimed to be the True Cross of Christ, and its relics are venerated to this day.
CHALLENGE
The veneration of relics has been a prominent part of the Judeo-Christian faith since before the time of Christ. Miracles happened when touching Elisha’s bones (cf. 2 Kings 13:21), and from ancient times through today, Jews have visited the grave of Rachel to pray for her intercession (cf. Genesis 35:20, Jeremiah 31:14-15, 1 Samuel 10:2, Matthew 2:18). Countless miracles are attributed to relics, from healings to casting out demons. Today, make plans to visit a reliquary near you, and bring your most difficult requests to ask for a saint’s intercession.
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