Saint Henry II

Henry II was the Roman Emperor who ruled Germany and Italy between the years 1002 and 1024. He was the son of Duke Bavaria, born in 973 in a castle in Germany. His birth marks the beginning of a holy lineage, as his other brothers also lived lives of holiness: Bruno was the first to give up the comforts of the court to become a priest and bishop of Augusta; Brígida became a nun; and Gisela was the wife of King Stephen of Hungary, also a saint.

During his youth, Henrique dreamed of his spiritual director, who wrote on the wall of his room: “Between six”. He interpreted that he would have six days before he died, but when that didn't happen, he prepared for six months. However, six years after the dream, he assumed the throne of Germany in 1002, after his father died. Two years later he was also king of Italy. In 1014, Pope Benedict VIII consecrated him Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire.

Then, Henry married Cunegonde of Luxembourg, also a saint, daughter of a count. Together, they provided benefits to the population and social assistance. Unfortunately, the couple was unable to have children. Henry II died on July 13, 1024, being buried in Bamberg, and was canonized in 1152 by Pope Eugene III. Cunegonde lived for another 15 years, retiring to a monastery and abdicating his throne and fortune. She died on March 3, 1039 and was canonized in 1200 by Pope Innocent III.

In short, Saint Henry II was the Roman Emperor who ruled Germany and Italy between the years 1002 and 1024, being consecrated by Pope Benedict VIII. His marriage to Cunegonde of Luxembourg was blessed with sanctity. After Henry's death, Cunegonde retired to a monastery, abdicating his throne and fortune. Both were canonized and are revered as saints.