The Feast of Saint Helena

St. Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, played a key role in finding the True Cross. She became a Christian later in life and had a deep devotion to Jesus. In the year 326, she went on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. She wanted to find the places where Jesus lived, died, and rose from the dead. Her greatest goal was to find the Cross on which Jesus was crucified.

During her journey, she asked the people of Jerusalem for help. Tradition says that after much searching, she discovered three crosses buried near the site of Jesus’ crucifixion. She believed one of these was the True Cross. To know which cross belonged to Jesus, they touched a sick woman with each one. When the woman was healed after touching one of the crosses, they knew it was the Cross of Christ.

The discovery of the True Cross was a moment of great joy for Christians. St. Helena made sure the Cross was treated with great respect. Part of it was kept in Jerusalem, while other parts were sent to churches throughout the Roman Empire. This allowed many Christians to venerate the True Cross.

The True Cross became a central symbol in the Church. It reminded Christians of the sacrifice Jesus made for them. St. Helena’s discovery strengthened the faith of many believers. The Cross has been honored ever since as a sign of victory over sin and death.

Each August, the St Helena Maltese/Australia Social Club gathers at our church, dedicated to honouring Saint Helen, the patron saint of Birkirkara, Malta, to celebrate her feast with faith and devotion.

In 2027, the celebrations will include the following events:

Friday, 20 August – Feast Mass

• Mass at 7.00 pm, followed by light refreshments.

Sunday, 22 August – Feast Day Celebrations

• Feast Mass at 2.00 pm.

• Procession with the statue of Saint Helen following Mass.

• Entertainment and fellowship in the parish hall.

All parishioners and members of the wider community are warmly invited to join us in celebrating the feast of Saint Helen and sharing in this special occasion of faith, tradition and community.