The icon above is written by Brother Claude at Mount Angel. It depicts the two patrons of the Benedictine Oblates. Saint Frances of Rome and Saint Henry.

July 13 is the feast of Henry II. Saint Henry II was born in 973 in the village of Regensburg, Bavaria, German. He was a king and later an emporer.

He is an example of service to the true King. Rather than being concerned with material wealth and political power, He focused on building the Church. He established the See of Bamberg and built its cathedral. It is there he is buried with his wife awaiting the Reaurrection.

Here is a poem of the couple:

Here rest the benefactors,
Here they lie close together, as saints,
Here is the foundation of the diocese of Bamberg.
Their names are inscribed
In our history,
Their work is
Still felt today.
They are ahead of us,
We follow in their footsteps.
They have arrived,
We are still traveling.

Henry was a Benedictine Oblate who spent his energy in preaching Christ according to his state in life.

Henry received a miracle from Benedict. While I do not expect any physical miracle, Benedict has surprised me by being my guide in a renewed spiritual life. I have found fresh perspectives being an oblate and am grateful.

Henry is an example that being a saint is possible. Be a saint in your state in life and keep Christ in the center of all your activities.

Happy feast day!