Origin
The story of the Empress Helena, mother of Constantine, is narrated in window 34, located on the south side of the Cathedral of Milan (Duomo di Milano). The window was commissioned in 1570 to Raimondo da Umbria di Fiandra, and completed by Valerio Perfundavalle a few years later, with the help of Pier Angelo Sesini. Perfundavalle devoted himself to the transposition into glass of sketches by Pellegrino Tibaldi.
Altar of the Crucifix known as of Saint CharlesVeneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano
The window is located behind Altar of the Crucifix known as of Saint Charles.
Crucifix of Saint CharlesVeneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano
Stories of Saint Helena and the finding of the Cross (1570/1577) by Rainaldo da Umbria di Fiandra (?), Valerio Profondavalle, Pellegrino Tibaldi (?)Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano
Saint Helena was born in Bithynia (a province of the Roman Empire on the Black Sea coast of Anatolia in modern-day Turkey), in the middle of the 3rd century. At a young age, she married Constantius Chlorus, a legionary officer, who was appointed Caesar in 306.
The mother of the Emperor Constantine, Saint Helena played a leading role in a truly astonishing event.
In A.D. 326, the empress went to Jerusalem: a pilgrimage which according to tradition was the scene of the discovery of an important relic.
Having gone to the site of the death of Jesus, Saint Helena found not only the cross but also the three nails used for the crucifixion.
The miracle of the finding the Cross was fulfilled. The nails were formed into a horse's bit and a crown, and given to her son Constantine so that he may rule with justice and with the help of God.
The discovery is also described through the miracle of the Young Risen Man, which can be seen at the top of the window.
Traces of the prodigious event can still be seen inside Milan Duomo.
One of the nails was actually brought to Milan in the Middle Ages. And according to tradition, that very nail was kept in the basilica of Santa Thecla until 1461, when it was moved to the Duomo.
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Today, the Holy Nail is kept in the apse of the Cathedral at a height of roughly 131 feet (over 40 m). Its presence is indicated by a red light that is never turned off.
The Nivola (2020)Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano
Every year, the Nail is carried in procession by the Archbishop on the occasion of the Triduum of the Holy Nail–around September 14 for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross–using a special 17th-century lift: the Nivola. The Nail is exhibited to worshippers for 40 hours.
The Nivola (2020)Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano
The characteristic lift is decorated by drapes and four wooden statues, painted with figures of angels added in the 18th century. The Rite of the Nivola was instituted by St. Charles Borromeo to exalt one of the most important relics of the Ambrosian Church and Christianity.
Read more on Milan Cathedral Remixed.
