7/13 feast of St Henry II: Holy Roman Emperor & patron of government leaders

"Fight to the death for the Truth, and the Lord will fight for you."

--Sirach 4:28

King Henry II of Bavaria, is the only Holy Roman Emperor recognized as a saint. While many emperors had active faith, only Henry is honored with novenas preceding his feast day. His circle of saintly friends strengthened him to put God first, and country second; despite politics, wars, wealth and power. In 1146, Pope Eugene III canonized him--St Henry II, the Exuberant--for his creative accomplishments. Saint Henry is the ideal patron for those who govern, despite earthly temptations of fame and glory. He is a saint for our times and his intercessory power awaits...

God forms Henry. Born the son of the Duke of Bavaria in 973, Henry was fatherless for much of his youth. Henry's dad was in exile, due to his politics. Henry studied under the Hildesheim Cathedral canons, receiving a solid Catholic education. It was designed by Bishop Wolfgang of Regensburg, later, canonized as a saint. When Henry was 22, he became Duke of Bavaria and married Cunigunde of Luxembourg, later, canonized as a saint. The couple never had children. Perhaps God wanted him childless, so he was free to lead God's papal army?

St Henry's brilliance. Henry was approachable and exuberant. Henry's speeches were peppered with Bible quotes and influences from saintly friends. In 1002, Henry was crowned as Germany's king where he ruled for 22 years. In 1014, he became the Holy Roman Emperor, crowned by Pope Benedict VIII. The purpose was for Henry to become the Pope's army and protect Catholicism. He fought the Greeks and Lombards in Italy, circa 1021. He fostered cooperation between the church and state. In his absences from Germany, King Henry II chose German bishops as secular rulers (burgermeisters, governors, etc.) which heightened Germany's religious piety. Henry shied away from aristocrats, or those tempted by greed, ambition and power. In those times, he trusted those under oaths of poverty and obedience: to lead in Truth and Justice. This did not suit everyone but God had a bigger plan, to which, Henry said yes.

Overcoming Monastic Opposition. Henry maintained a close relationship with the Church. He collaborated to create new dioceses, appoint devout bishops, forgive those straying and endow the holiest bishops with power. His generosity with his wealth was noticed, as relatives complained of his irresponsibility. As emperor, Henry felt his primary duty was to strengthen the church, spread the faith and exemplify charity. His generosity extended to his enemies. He successfully ended wars, pardoned rebels and restored peace. Over time, Henry was fond of prayer and harbored a deep devotion to Mother Mary. Regularly, he received the sacraments and prayed the Divine office. One of Henry’s greatest contributions to the Church was improving monastic life. The Rule of Saint Benedict was neglected and monastic life suffered. Politics had replaced prayer. Once Henry was emperor, he worked with the Abbot of Cluny, who later became Saint Odilo. Henry took vows as a lay Benedictine or Oblate. Together, they directed missionary activities and oversaw the new cathedral built in Bamberg, Germany. Henry's plan was to reset religious life through this new and "model" diocese. In doing so, this cathedral, monastary and diocese became the jewel of Germany, as it's "Rome." During this time, not only did it change Germany, its spiritual influence was felt internationally.

St Henry's Legacy. Today the world feels smaller, politics are ubiquitous and religion has mutated beyond recognition. St Henry's ideas would not work in our times. Or would they? His secret sauce was a solid prayer life and choosing holy friends. As long as he prioritized those 2 things, God did the rest. Whether God's plan for us is marriage, public service or a contemplative life; lasting fruit comes through total surrender to God. Nothing else matters. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight,” Proverbs 3:5-6. If St Henry were alive today, in all his exuberance, he might say with a twinkle and a smile, "just get out of your own way and let Him do it."

Novena to St Henry II

(Repeat the following every day for 9 consecutive days)

Lord, you filled St Henry with your love and raised him

for the cares of an earthly kingdom to eternal happiness in heaven.

In the midst of world changes, may his intercession keep us free from sin and help us find our way towards You.

We pray, through him that amid the uncertainties of this world we may hasten towards you with minds made pure.

We humbly beseech Thee, that as by the assistance of Thy grace,

he proved strong against all the temptations of the world,

so we may follow his example in withstanding all the flatteries of this world,

and serve Thee with clean hearts, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Followed by one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be...)

St Henry II, pray for us.