Constance of Vercelli was born about 325 AD, as Constantine Augustus. She was the eldest of the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great and of his second wife Fausta, daughter of Emperor Maximian .

She had leprosy which saddened and depressed her. Since the leprosy created ugly spots on her face, not many people could bear to look at her, or even be with her. Giving up hope at times, she wanted to wear a mask. Her father had doctors from every land searching for a cure, but it seemed hopeless.

As a last resort, a friend told Constance about a young martyr named Agnes, at whose tomb cures were known to happen. On the way to the tomb of Saint Agnes, a woman overheard Constance and her friend questioning each other about what to do when they arrived at the tomb. The woman explained how God performs miracles when people pray to Him through the saints. Constance was moved by this woman’s faith and become a Christian.

Upon arriving at the tomb of Saint Agnes, Constance covered her face with a scarf and knelt down to pray, as the woman had taught her. When she got up and removed the scarf, the leprosy was gone from her face, as well as from the rest of her body.

Saint Constance chose not to marry and devoted her life to God. She spent the rest of her life helping others, the way that she had been helped, working with the sick and giving them hope. 

She died in about 354 AD, near the Basilica of Saint Agnes, which was commissioned by Constance.

Her feast day is February 17.

For God’s Glory.