The zeal of thy house hath eaten me up.

Emperor St Henry II’s devotion was formed by the likes of St Wolfgang of Regensburg and St Odilo of Cluny. He and his wife, Cunegunde were zealous promoters and reformers of the Church within the Holy Roman Empire. Although having no children, they remained faithful in their marriage and left most of their wealth to the promotion of monasteries.

St Henry, a Benedictine oblate, is sometimes remembered as "the Exuberant" for his great desire to become a monk. The Abbot of Saint-Vanne in Verdun finally relented to his request but gave his new monk the obedience of returning to the Imperial throne and ruling well those under his care. Following the early death of her husband, St Cunegunde dispersed their remaining possessions and took the Benedictine habit in Kaufungen Abbey, Hesse Germany.

St Henry, along with St Frances of Rome, is patron saint of all Benedictine oblates.

11 x 14”