St. Henry the Emperor Medal

Biography of St. Henry

St. Henry II, also known as Henry the Saint or Henry the Exalted, was a king of the Holy Roman Empire from 1002 until his death in 1024. He is known for his strong leadership, his efforts to reform the Church, and his patronage of the arts and sciences. He is also known for his canonization as a saint by the Catholic Church.

Henry was born in 973 in Bavaria, Germany, as the son of the Duke of Bavaria, Henry the Wrangler, and his wife Gisela of Burgundy. He was educated in the liberal arts and trained in military tactics. He succeeded his father as Duke of Bavaria in 995 and quickly began to expand his territories through military campaigns and political alliances.

In 1002, Henry was elected king of the Holy Roman Empire, and he immediately began to work to strengthen the authority of the crown. He reformed the legal system, strengthened the royal administration, and launched a series of military campaigns to expand the territories of the empire. He also worked to reform the Church, promoting the use of the vernacular in liturgy and encouraging the translation of religious texts into German.

As king, Henry also encouraged the arts and sciences, building schools, monasteries, and libraries throughout the empire. He was a patron of many artists, scholars, and theologians, and his court was known for its cultural achievements.

Henry’s reign was marked by several important events, including the marriage of his son, Conrad, to Gisela of Swabia, the daughter of the powerful Duke of Swabia, and the coronation of his grandson, Henry III, as king of the Holy Roman Empire in 1024.

Throughout his reign, Henry was known for his strong leadership, his commitment to justice, and his devotion to God. He was recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 1146 and his feast day is celebrated on July 13th.

As the king, he was known for his generosity and charity to the poor, and he was also known for his efforts to encourage a deeper faith among the people. He has been recognized as one of the most important figures of his time, and his reputation as a saint and a leader has continued to grow over the centuries.

He was canonized by Pope Celestine III, and he is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church, His tomb and remains are in the Church of St. Peter in Bamberg, Germany, which is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the country.

The Life of St. Henry II

St. Henry was the grandson of St. Matilda, the son of Duke Henry of Bavaria, and the nephew of Emperor Otto the Great. Learn more about this remarkable saint and why Catholics often wear a St Henry Medal

Saint Henry was reared in the abbey of Hildesheim and was greatly influenced by St. Wolfgang, Bishop of Ratisbon. He married Kunigunde, daughter of the Count of Luxemburg. After Otto’s death, he was chosen emperor and was crowned in the cathedral of Mainz on June 16, 1007. His territory included most of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Low Countries, and the northern part of Italy. As emperor, he had to go to war often to defend his possessions He appeared in Italy a number of times, sometimes to defend the pope.

Henry is regarded as one of the most Christian princes who has ever reigned in the West. He worked hard for the glory of God and the good of the Church. He established many churches and monasteries, and sent missionaries to the heathens. He gave St. Stephen assistance in making Hungary a Christian nation. Henry himself was known for his great virtue, especially for his humility and forgiveness.

Today the Catholic Church celebrates the feast day of St. Henry the Emperor on March 14^th. You may also be interested in reading the Biography of St. Leonard of Port Maurice and the Biography of St. Clement Hofbauer

Popular St. Henry Medal and St. Henry Rosary

A St. Henry medal or a St. Henry rosary is a perfect gift to give to a young man who bears the name Henry or who has chosen St. Henry as their confirmation name. Wearing a St. Henry medal daily is a perpetual prayer for Saint Henry to intercede on behalf of the wearer. As saints are united closer to God, their prayers are more efficacious, and enriches your own prayer.

Additionally, a Saint Henry pendant is a reminder to emulate the example of the holy saint in your daily life. What a beautiful testament of faith to share with the world, or to keep discretely tucked under your clothes. During the challenging moments of your day, reflect upon the holy life of St. Henry and pray for their intercession and protection.

Our expertly crafted, hand pressed, St. Henry medal pendants feature the image of the holy saint with his hands folded in prayer while wearing his iconic crown. Surrounding this image, the St. Henry medal features the words “St. Henry Pray for us”

Prayer to St. Henry II

Prayer as you put on a St. Henry Medal

Lord,
you filled Saint Henry with your love
and raised him from the cares of an earthly kingdom
to eternal happiness in heaven.
In the midst of the changes of this world,
may his prayers keep us free from sin
and help us on our way towards you.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

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Prayer to Saint Henry Intercession

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, one God, for ever and ever.

St. Henry II – A Prayer for Strength and Guidance

Dear St. Henry II,

You were known for your leadership and devotion to the Catholic Church. I turn to you today seeking your strength and guidance. Help me to lead with integrity and to make decisions that honor my faith and bring me closer to God.

May I follow in your footsteps and be an example of faith and kindness to those around me. Please give me the courage to stand up for what is right and to always put others before myself.

Thank you for your unwavering devotion to God and for being a source of inspiration to all who knew you. I ask for your intercession now and pray that I may have the wisdom and strength to live my life in a manner worthy of your example.

Amen.

St. Henry II – A Prayer for Graciousness and Understanding

Dear St. Henry II,

You were known for your graciousness and understanding, and I turn to you today seeking these qualities for myself. Help me to be patient, kind and understanding to those around me, and to show compassion to those who are in need.

May I have the courage to put aside my own selfish desires and to always act in the best interest of others. May I be a source of comfort and support to those in need and may I bring peace and hope to those who are struggling.

Thank you for your unwavering devotion to God and for the love and kindness you showed to all those around you. I ask for your intercession now and pray that I may have the wisdom and grace to live my life in a manner worthy of your example.

Amen.

 

St. Henry II: Patron Saint of the Holy Roman Empire

St. Henry II was the King of Germany and Holy Roman Emperor from 1002 until his death in 1024. He is venerated as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church, and is the patron saint of the Holy Roman Empire.

St. Henry was known for his devotion to God and his efforts to promote the spread of Christianity throughout his realm. He was also known for his fairness and justice as a ruler, and for his efforts to maintain peace and stability in Europe.

One of the reasons St. Henry is considered the patron saint of the Holy Roman Empire is because of his role in strengthening the power and influence of the empire. He worked to extend the territories of the empire and to increase its stability and prosperity. He also established a number of monasteries and religious institutions, and was a strong supporter of the Church.

In addition to his role as the patron saint of the Holy Roman Empire, St. Henry is also considered the patron saint of the city of Bamberg, Germany. He was buried in Bamberg after his death, and a number of important religious institutions were established in the city in his honor.

St. Henry’s feast day is celebrated on July 13th, and he remains an important figure in the history and tradition of the Holy Roman Empire. Through his example, he continues to inspire us to work for peace, justice, and the spread of the Christian faith.”

Discover biographies, prayers, and reflections for more than 400 Catholic Saints

Saints Similar to St. Henry II

You may also be interested in reading the Biography of St. Isabella of Portugal and the Biography of St. Hubert of Liege. St. Henry II, St. Isabella of Portugal, and St. Hubert of Liege are all recognized as saints and had historical roles within the Christian faith. Next up: Biography of St. Hilary of Poitiers

 

Also check out our handmade St. Henry II Medal and St. Henry II Rosary and St. Henry II Rosary Bracelet .