CHANDELIERS | KAIROS GLOBAL | MARCH 2019

Author: Joseph Santhosh & Bijie Santhosh

Family Saints 

Saint Henry II and Saint Cunegund 

The clerically trained Henry succeeded his father as Duke of Bavaria in 995. In 1002, he became the German emperor. Twelve years later, Henry was crowned Holy Roman Emperor alongside his wife, Cunegund, a princess from Luxembourg.

 Although Henry’s path to power involved military initiatives detrimental to the Church – as when he allied himself with pagan tribes to attack Christian Poland – from the time he was made ruler over most of Christian Europe, he drew the Church’s ideals close to his heart and enthusiastically supported needed reform. He was a man of devotion, truly interested in supporting the work of the Church and correcting abuses in it. 

 Cunegund’s life as an empress was not easy, especially since they did not have any children. It is mentioned that she became the victim of a slander which was believed by everyone, including Henry. Cunegund requested the ordeal by fire to prove her innocence and walked barefoot across a bed of red-hot ploughshares, and suffered no harm. The emperor Henry was thoroughly ashamed of his moment of doubt. Cunegund encouraged Henry to found the monastery and cathedral of Bamberg, Germany, where they are still revered as co-patrons. On her own, she established a convent at Kaufungen. Upon Henry’s death in 1024, she traded her robes for the habit of a nun in the presence of German nobles and retired to Kaufungen. She was able to adopt her new life totally, without any expectation of the honors due an Empress.  She chose the lowliest duties of the convent and her daily schedule included reading, prayer and visitation of the sick. She died in 1033 A.D. and was buried next to Henry in the Cathedral church built by them earlier.

This saint couple was able to uphold their marital vows and focused their energy to build-up the church. This couple teaches us that when we are in a position of authority or power, even today, it can be used to serve people and to get them closer to the Lord. 

 Constant prayer is the foundation for strong Catholic families. “Seven times a day I praise you” (Ps 119:164). There are many Catholic couples who do pray together more than once a day to build the domestic church – family. Let us be one.

Feast Day

 Saint Henry II (July 13) and Saint Cunegund (March 3)