St. Henry
Feast day: July 13
Born in Germany, Henry was the son of Henry, Duke of Bavaria, and of Gisella, daughter of Conrad, King of Burgundy. Henry became duke after his father died, and then emperor in 1002 when his cousin, Otto III, died. In 1014, he was crowned Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Benedict VIII. Henry worked to consolidate the power of the German monarchy and reform and reorganize the Church. He also founded the see of Bamberg. Both Henry and his wife, St. Cunegund, were zealous supporters of Benedictine monasticism and made many generous contributions to the care of the poor. Henry died in 1024 and was canonized in 1146 by Pope Eugene III. He is patron of the childless and the Benedictine Oblates.
Collect
O God, whose abundant grace prepared Saint Henry
to be raised by you in a wonderful way
from the cares of earthly rule to heavenly realms,
grant, we pray, through his intercession,
that amid the uncertainties of this world
we may hasten towards you with minds made pure.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
