Saint Henry II

I was born in 972 to Duke Henry of Bavaria and Princess Gisela of Burgundy. During my youth, I received both education and spiritual formation. I was an intelligent and devout student and for a period of time I considered entering the priesthood. However, it was not in the Church, but in the political sphere that I would seek to show my Christian values. I took my father’s position as a Duke in 995 and in 1002, I became King of Germany. I encouraged the German bishops to reform the practices of the Church. In 1014, I travelled to Rome, where Pope Benedict VIII formally crowned me as Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. I became a great patron of churches and monasteries, donating much of my wealth. I also gave to the poor people. I was married to Cunigunde of Luxembourg, but we did not have children. During the last years of my life, I suffered from a serious illness. I found strength in prayer and the love of my wife. I died in 1024.