St. Henry

St. Henry, born in 973 to Henry, Duke of Bavaria, and Gisela of Burgundy, was a prominent figure in the Holy Roman Empire. He succeeded his father as Duke of Bavaria in 995 and became the King of Germany in 1002 after the death of his cousin, Otto III. In 1014, Pope Benedict VIII crowned him Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. Henry was known for his strong devotion to the Church, supporting monastic reforms and founding the See of Bamberg in 1006, along with building its cathedral, which was consecrated by Pope Benedict VIII in 1020. He also established a monastery at Bamberg and supported the Cluny reforms in France. As a ruler, Henry focused on fostering cooperation between church and state, and he led military campaigns to protect the papacy. His legacy includes numerous foundations and charitable endeavors. He died on July 13, 1024, near Göttingen, Germany, and was canonized in 1146. Henry's feast day is celebrated on July 13, and he is the patron saint of the childless, dukes, the handicapped, and those rejected by religious orders. His wife, Cunigunde of Luxembourg, is also venerated as a saint. St. Henry is remembered for his piety and dedication to the welfare of the Church, leaving a lasting impact on European religious and political history.