The Feast of St. Henry

Born in the late 10th century in The Holy Roman Empire, he was the son of the Duke of Bavaria and grandson of Henry I, King of Germany. 

His own journey to become king was fraught with disputes typical of the day, as was his consolidation of power, but his reign was marked by fairness and moderation. 

Still, he had many battles to fight to protect his borders. 

He was deeply involved in a conflict in southern Italy, driving the invading Saracens and Greeks out of the country. 

Henry also played a significant role in defending Pope Benedict VIII in Rome. 

He and his wife, St. Cunegunda, took vows of chastity and the two were extremely generous, establishing a number of charitable foundations. 

Henry also built the Cathedral at Bamburg and was a strong proponent of ecclesiastical reform. 

At the age of just 51, as he was working with the Pope to establish a new system of ecclesiastical and imperial relations, he died. 

St. Henry is the Patron Saint of the childless, those with disabilities, and those rejected by a religious order. 

St. Henry, please pray for us.