There is no substitute for encouragement in a person's life.

Mothers spend their days and weeks, months and years encouraging others. But let us not forget that mothers need a little encouragement and reassurance themselves from time to time.

Saint Helen was an incredible mother, and her encouragement literally helped change the world.

Born around 250 AD in modern-day Turkey, Helen married Constantius Chlorus. They had a son together named Constantine, who would become Saint Constantine the Great—the man who converted the Roman Empire to Christianity. Despite being divorced by Constantius, Helen remained close to Constantine, giving him the loving support and guidance he needed to become emperor.

When Constantine became Emperor in 306 AD, he honored his mother by bestowing upon her the title of “Augusta,” making her the most powerful woman in the Roman empire. Helen's influence was pivotal in Constantine's conversion to Christianity, and his risky move to change the state religion to Christianity. 

Seeking to support her son’s holy mission, Helen made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land where she discovered the True Cross upon which Jesus was crucified. It had an enormous impact on the empire, and soon Christianity was flourishing.

Saint Helen changed the world with the genius of her motherhood.

Motherhood is one of the purest expressions of God's genius. The genius of motherhood is both powerful and mysterious.

If you are a mother, hear this message today:  You are exactly the mother your child needs. Anytime you feel inadequate, ask yourself: Is this coming from God? Because you will soon discover that it never is. And anything that is not of God should be uprooted. Embrace your genius... as a mother... as a woman ... as a person... as a child of God. And remember, all great things can only be achieved with a light heart. Motherhood ranks high among the greatest of things, so ask God to bless you with a light heart and a joyful spirit as you carry the gift and the burden of motherhood.

If you are not a mother, take a moment today to encourage a mother in your life.



Feast Day: August 18

Feast Day Shared By: Saint Agapitus

Patron Saint of: Archaeologists, Converts, Difficult Marriages, Divorced People, Empresses, and New Discoveries

Also Known As: The Holy and Right Believing Empress

Symbols: Holding a Cross and a Flower