Saint Henry, son of Duke Henry of Bavaria and Gisella, daughter of King Conrad of Burgundy, was born in 972. Raised under the tutelage of Saint Wolfgang, the Bishop of Ratisbon, he received an exceptional education. His rise to power commenced in 995, when he succeeded his father as Duke of Bavaria. Upon the death of his cousin, Otho III, in 1002, he was elected as Emperor.
Despite his high status, Saint Henry remained grounded, deeply rooted in his faith and committed to serving God’s greater glory. He prioritized the Church’s welfare, striving to uphold ecclesiastical discipline through the support of the Bishops. Known for his victories in domestic and foreign conflicts, he displayed noteworthy moderation and clemency in his triumphs.
In 1014, Saint Henry traveled to Rome where he was crowned Emperor by Pope Benedict VIII. During this event, he reaffirmed the sovereignty of Rome and the exarchate of Ravenna, a donation made to the Pope by his predecessors. Despite his peace-loving nature, he was forced into war several times, most notably against the Saracens and their Greek allies in Southern Italy, whom he decisively defeated.
Saint Henry was as notable for his humility and sense of justice as he was for his religious zeal. After a misunderstanding with Herebert, Bishop of Cologne, Saint Henry personally sought his forgiveness. He considered abdicating his title to join a monastery but was persuaded otherwise by the Abbot of Verdun.
Saint Henry and his wife, Saint Cunegundes, committed themselves to a life of perpetual chastity. This vow was a testament to their dedication to religious service. Saint Henry was also known for his generous contributions to religious foundations and institutions, as well as his construction of the Cathedral of Bamberg.
He passed away at the castle of Grone, near Halberstad, in 1024. His feast day is celebrated on July 13th, and he is revered as the patron saint of the childless, Dukes, the handicapped, and those rejected by Religious Orders.
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