St. Helena Novena – Pray for Faith, Hope, and the Holy Cross

Q: About St. Helena

St. Helena (c. 246–330 AD), also known as St. Helena of Constantinople , was the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great, the first Roman emperor to embrace Christianity. After her son's conversion, Helena became a devoted Christian and used her influence and resources to support the Church, build places of worship, and care for the poor. She is especially remembered for her pilgrimage to the Holy Land, where, according to ancient Christian tradition, she discovered the True Cross , the cross upon which Jesus Christ was crucified. She also helped identify and preserve many of the most sacred sites associated with the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, including locations in Jerusalem and Bethlehem. St. Helena is honored as a model of faith, humility, perseverance, and devotion to Christ. She is the patron saint of archaeologists, converts, difficult marriages, and those seeking the Holy Cross. Her feast day is celebrated on August 18 in the Roman Catholic Church.

About St. Helena

St. Helena (c. 246–330 AD), also known as St. Helena of Constantinople, was the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great, the first Roman emperor to embrace Christianity. After her son’s conversion, Helena became a devoted Christian and used her influence and resources to support the Church, build places of worship, and care for the poor.

She is especially remembered for her pilgrimage to the Holy Land, where, according to ancient Christian tradition, she discovered the True Cross, the cross upon which Jesus Christ was crucified. She also helped identify and preserve many of the most sacred sites associated with the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, including locations in Jerusalem and Bethlehem.

St. Helena is honored as a model of faith, humility, perseverance, and devotion to Christ. She is the patron saint of archaeologists, converts, difficult marriages, and those seeking the Holy Cross. Her feast day is celebrated on August 18in the Roman Catholic Church.

Why Pray the St. Helena Novena?

To grow in faith and trust in God
To receive strength while carrying life’s crosses
To seek perseverance during difficult times
To deepen devotion to the Holy Cross
To ask for guidance in making important decisions
To pray for family members and loved ones
To entrust any special intention to God’s care

Who was St. Helena?

St. Helena was the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great. She is remembered for her deep Christian faith and for her pilgrimage to the Holy Land, where tradition holds that she discovered the True Cross of Jesus Christ.

What is St. Helena the patron saint of?

St. Helena is the patron saint of archaeologists, converts, difficult marriages, and those devoted to the Holy Cross.

Why is St. Helena important in Christian history?

St. Helena helped preserve many of Christianity’s holiest sites and is traditionally credited with discovering the True Cross. Her efforts greatly contributed to Christian pilgrimage and devotion throughout the centuries.

What can I pray for in the St. Helena Novena?

You may pray for strength during trials, patience in suffering, deeper faith, family intentions, guidance, healing, or any personal need.

When should I pray the St. Helena Novena?

The novena may be prayed at any time during the year. Many Catholics begin it on August 9 so that it concludes on St. Helena’s feast day, August 18.

How long is the St. Helena Novena?

The St. Helena Novena is prayed for nine consecutive days, asking God to hear your prayers through the intercession of St. Helena.

Can I pray the St. Helena Novena for someone else?

Yes. You may offer this novena for family members, friends, those who are suffering, or anyone in need of God’s grace and St. Helena’s intercession.

Novena Begins:	August 9
Feast Day:	August 18

Day 1 – St. Helena Novena

Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Holy and blessed St. Helena, with the anguish and devotion with which you sought the Cross of Christ, I plead that you obtain for me God’s grace to suffer with patience the labors of this life, so that through them, and through your intercession and protection, I may seek and carry the cross which God has placed upon me, so that I may serve Him in this life and enjoy His glory forever in Heaven.