Of all the Emperors throughout history, there is one that stands out for his goodness towards God and man. He was the Holy Roman Emperor Henry II (973-1024).

He governed his domain with wisdom, kindness, and diligence. He was victorious in many battles against the enemies of his lands. Finally, he himself set the example for his people as a good, moral, and pious person. Needless to say, this was an Emperor who earned the respect and love of all his subjects.

More than anything else, it was Henry’s great love for God that enabled him to be such an ideal Emperor.

There was a Benedictine monastery close to the palace. The pious emperor often went there to pray and to speak with the monks about spiritual things. Whenever he witnessed the quiet, humble monastery life, it pained Henry that the great responsibilities of emperor kept him from leading the holy and peaceful life of a monk.

One day, Henry was walking with Bishop Haimon and the Abbot of the Monastery. They went together to the monastery so often visited by the Emperor.

But this time, as Henry entered, he suddenly stopped. After a moment’s silence, he cried out, his devout soul bursting with sudden zeal.

"This is where I can finally find peace! Yes, here I shall live forever."

With stunned eyes fixed on the emperor, the bishop quietly and quickly took the Abbot aside.

"Did you hear what the Emperor has just said?" the bishop asked anxiously. "He has resolved at last to lay aside the crown and sceptre and to become a monk! Now, if you yield to his request, and receive him as one of your monks, the empire which God has entrusted to his care will suffer a loss that nothing can repair."

The Abbot was silent, deep in thought. Finally, he said,

"I know what I will do."

He then had all the monks of the monastery come together. They were to witness the Emperor’s request.

The humble Abbot asked the mighty Emperor what was his wish. Henry burst into tears of joy. He had wanted this chance so much, and now it was actually here!

"Venerable Father and brothers," he cried out, "I have resolved to leave behind the empty riches and vainglory of the world, and to spend the rest of my days in this holy house in solitude and prayer, that I may save my soul."

The Abbot solemnly asked him,

"Then, do you promise me that, according to the rule of this house, and according to the example of Jesus Christ, you will be obedient in all things until the day of your death?"

This question was very serious. Up until now, Henry was used to having unequaled authority over millions of people. Was such a man really prepared to follow the commands of a simple monk for the rest of his life?

"With all my heart I promise." answered the Emperor.

"Then," said the Abbot, "I receive you into this monastery, and admit you among my monks. From this day I myself will take charge of your soul. But you must promise me again to do whatever I command you, in the Name of God."

Henry once more promised.

The Abbot then gave his first and most important command to his Emperor.

"It is therefore my will, and I command you in the Name of God to return to your palace as Emperor. Continue to govern the empire which God has entrusted to you, that by your watchfulness and your zeal you may bring about the eternal salvation of your subjects."

This was the last thing Henry had expected to hear. Again he wept, this time out of grief.

But Henry’s desire to please God was sincere. And so, he obeyed His clear will for him, confident now that it was by this means he was meant to serve Him and save his soul. Although Henry carried the burden of being emperor for the rest of his life, the pain of this cross soon left him. He willingly, even cheerfully devoted himself to the good of the countless souls that God had put under his care.

Henry the Emperor was a monk that never lived in a cell. He never received the solitude he had yearned for. Yet this great man humbly remembered God in everything. God’s law was the foundation of Henry’s empire. Henry also strove to be grateful for everything that God did for his people, and for himself as well.
In fact, Henry’s love for God grew so intimate, and so perfect, that - not two hundred years after his death - Pope Eugenius III declared this Holy Roman Emperor a Saint of the Catholic Church.

St. Henry, pray for us!