The name of St. Henry, Emperor of Germany, born in 972, is held in veneration by all. He spread Christianity and advanced piety and religion among his subjects. He defended the Church and the Holy See. He came down repeatedly into Italy in order to defend the rightful Pontiff against opposing factions.

Detained at Monte Cassino; by illness he was miraculously cured through the intercession of St. Benedict. He asked to be accepted as a monk in the Abbey of St. Vanne at Verdun; the abbot commanded him in the name of religious obedience to re-ascend the throne. He spent a great part of his treasure in founding Episcopal sees, enriching churches, and endowing monasteries. On one occasion he sent his imperial insignia to the Abbey of Cluny in order that they should be offered up to the Redeemer. St. Henry died on July 13, 1024, and was canonized by Pope Eugenius III in 1145.

(Source: The New Roman Missal, Rev. F. X. Lasance)