St Henry, Emperor & Church Reformer – Jul 13 – Homily – Fr John Lawrence

 

Fr John Lawrence gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Jul 13, 2023, on the life of St Henry, who was a Holy Roman Emperor, and was known as a model Christian ruler during the Middle Ages. He was educated in holiness by St. Wolfgang and succeeded his father as Duke. Despite his high position, he remained humble and sought to faithfully carry out his duties. He fought wars to restore order and support the reform of the Church. St. Henry supported the monastic reform of Cluny and made benefactions to various churches. He also supported the conversion efforts of St. Stephen of Hungary and founded the See of Bamberg. In 1014, he was crowned emperor by Pope Benedict VIII and promoted the recitation of the Creed at Mass. St. Henry desired to live as a monk but was ordered by the abbot to continue governing the empire. He later became a Benedictine oblate. He died on July 13, 1024, at the age of 51.

00:00 – Introduction
00:16 – Early Life of St. Henry II
00:39 – St. Henry II's Ascension to Duke and his Duties
02:01 – Coronation of St. Henry II, Marriage to St. Cunegunde
02:35 – The Challenges of St. Henry II's Reign and his Humility
03:22 – St. Henry II's Support for the Church Reform
05:09 – The Recitation of Creed at Mass: St. Henry's Influence
05:37 – St. Henry's Desire to be a Monk and his Induction as a Benedictine Oblate
06:10 – The Role of St. Henry in the Affirmation of Clerical Celibacy
06:41 – The Death of St. Henry II

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Henry - Opt Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=3719
Readings: Thursday 14th Week of Ordinary Time - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/071323.cfm
1st: gen 44:18-21, 23-29, 45:1-5
Resp: psa 105:16-21
Gsp: mat 10:7-15

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1106&r=1441

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