Saint Helen and Liturgical Living

It might be a logical fallacy based on the circles in which I wander, but I feel like I’ve heard a lot about “liturgical living” lately. The idea behind liturgical living is that one allows the liturgical year to influence the rhythms within one’s home. Whether one is eating, crafting, or enjoying an adult beverage, there is no shortage of material available online and in print these days that allows a person to mindfully consider and celebrate the breadth of the Catholic liturgical calendar.

The Catholic Church in the United States determines its liturgical calendar (used to indicate who or what the church celebrates) by melding two calendars together: the seasonal calendar and the sanctoral (Saint-based) calendar. Different saints have different levels of significance in different parts of the country and world, so keeping them in tension is a sometimes confusing and often tricky balance.

This week, because she is the patron saint of our parish, we acknowledge St. Helen in a very special way. August 18 is officially “Thursday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time,” but through an interesting euchre-like series of events (see this for more), it becomes a Solemnity within our parish, the highest type of celebration.

St. Helen is a 3rd century saint, and was the mother of Constantine, the Roman Emperor who legalized Christianity in 313 CE. She is credited with finding the True Cross, the cross on which Jesus was crucified. She is known for her care for the sick, tenacity and generosity, and is the Patron Saint of divorce and difficult marriages.
If you would like to acknowledge St. Helen in your life or home, try one of these suggestions:

• St. Helen was known for her generosity and care for the sick. Make an extra serving or two of tonight’s dinner, and take the extras to an elderly neighbor or a sick relative.
• St. Helen sought the True Cross. Take a walk, and see how many crosses you can find in art, architecture, and nature. Take a picture and share it with #StHelenCrossWalk
• St. Helen ministered in Rome for a time. Make pizza alla romana for dinner!
• St. Helen has inspired many people and places throughout the world. Enjoy a wine produced by one of several wineries in St. Helena, CA.
• BONUS: Make a small pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Holy Relics in Maria Stein to see a relic of the True Cross!

St. Helen, Pray for Us!

-Ellen
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