Feast of Sant'Elena di Laurino

Sant'Elena di Laurino, ora pro nobis

August 18th is the Feast of Sant'Elena, patroness of Laurino (SA) and Pruno (SA). One of three major observances held in her honor (May 22nd and June 29th are the others), the Feast should not to be confused with that of Saint Helena of the Cross, which is also celebrated on August 18th.

First class relic of Sant'Elena di Laurino

Born in Laurino in the first half of the sixth century (some say late eighth- or early ninth-century), Sant'Elena was a beautiful and pious maiden. Abused at home, she fled to the nearby mountains of Pruno to live the ascetic life of a hermit in solitude and prayer. After 21 years she died. 

Her remains were discovered in the grotto and translated to the Cathedral of Capaccio-Paestum. Over the centuries, her relics were moved several times before finally being interred in the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Laurino. 

According to tradition, neighboring Valle dell'Angelo contested the ownership of the relics. To appease the rival claimants it was decided her body would be put onto a cart driven by two heifers and they would decide. When the oxen reached a fork in the road leading to the two towns, they chose Laurino. 

In celebration, I'm posting a Prayer to Saint Elena. The accompanying photos of the statue and relic of Sant'Elena di Laurino were taken at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in East Harlem, New York. Evviva Sant'Elena di Laurino!

Prayer to Saint Elena

God our Father, enable us who honor the memory of Saint Elena, holy virgin of Laurino, to share with her in the joy of eternal life, through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen