Who is Saint Henry, our patron? (Sunday homily)

This weekend we celebrate the patron of this church, Saint Henry.

Saint Henry’s feast day falls on July 13 each year; 

for a parish or church named for a saint, that day is a solemnity 

and the bishops allow the feast to be celebrated 

on the nearest Sunday – so that’s what we’re doing this weekend.

The point is that it’s important for a parish to know its patron saint.

We were entrusted to his care; Saint Henry prays for us in heaven!

Since I’m new here, I haven’t learned why 

Archbishop Alter and Father Franer picked Saint Henry. 

Perhaps some of our more senior members know; 

if so, please send me an email or call me to share that information. 

In any case, let me share a bit about Henry. 

He was born about a thousand years ago into a royal family; 

his father had been Duke of Bavaria.

But then his father fell into disfavor with the King, 

and dad was deposed from his office.

Later, the political winds changed again, and Henry and his family 

were back in their position of power and prestige.

One of the wise decisions his father made 

was to entrust Henry to be educated by the bishop Wolfgang, 

who was later recognized as a saint. 

Perhaps St. Wolfgang helped Henry learn from his family’s trials 

to focus on Christ’s kingdom, instead of his own, uncertain one?

Some people have great conversion moments;  perhaps Henry did too.

Others are set on a path of prayer early on – this was Henry’s story.

He was taught the importance of giving Jesus time every day.

Sometimes the most life-changing decisions are the simplest.

I mention all this because there is an obvious fact:

Not many politicians are declared saints! It’s not hard to understand.

What deserves attention is what makes the difference 

between the long, sad record of kings jockeying for power,

and those who humble themselves before the King of Kings?

Henry became Duke of Bavaria, later, King of Germany, 

and then Holy Roman Emperor, then the major power in Europe.

The seeds planted in his youth yielded a great harvest later.

This is why our family of parishes maintains Bishop Leibold school, 

and why it is essential our school keep Christ at the center.

A few notable details about Henry. 

So many kings valued their wives solely for giving them heirs.

He and his wife – Saint Cunegunda (yes, that was really her name!) 

did not conceive any children. 

Other kings would renounce their wives; Henry remained true to her.

Henry’s family complained to him that he was squandering his fortune;

not on palaces and politics, but on the poor.

As king, Henry commanded armies and faced wars; 

but he was notable for seeking paths of peace and reconciliation.

Where did Henry learn these things? 

Was it when he got together with other kings and dukes?

Or was it when he attended Mass, and first heard the Word of God,

and then received him in the Holy Eucharist?

Again, it’s all about what you and I really make a priority.

We always find time for what matters most. 

Saint Henry’s earthly family and kingdom are long gone.

Had he tried to secure a worldly dynasty, he would have failed.

Yet halfway around the world, you and I enjoy his spiritual friendship.

You can visit the grave of him and his queen, also a saint, 

in the cathedral of Bamberg, Germany.

But his tomb is not the center; the altar of Christ is.

Henry was king, with all the temptations and pitfalls.

Yet what mattered most was he pointed to Jesus, saying:

He is the true King – bow down to him.