The Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee celebrated the feast day of St. Henry II on Wednesday, praising him for his support of the Church while he was king.

“Today is the feast of St. Henry II, a German king who defended Europe's Holy Roman Empire in the 11th century,” the diocese posted on Facebook. “From a young age, St. Henry received his education and spiritual guidance from St. Wolfgang, the bishop of Regensburg. He was a bright and devout student and was even considered for the priesthood for a time.” 

St. Henry II was born in Bavaria in 973, a Britannica report said. He served as duke of Bavaria and later as king of Germany, and finally he served as Holy Roman emperor until his death in 1024. Pope Eugenius III canonized him more than 100 years after his death. Catholics celebrate St. Henry's feast day each year on July 13. 

St. Henry worked to bring about moral reform, fighting against simony, which was essentially bribery within the Church; a report from Vatican News said. He worked with Pope Benedict VIII, who had appointed him Holy Roman emperor, to encourage celibacy among clergy. Henry's life was also a witness to the Sacrament of Marriage, as his love for and devotion to his wife, St. Cunigunde, was evident. 

Franciscan Media describes Henry as a practical, energetic ruler, who was always working toward establishing peace and unity in Europe. 

"As king, St. Henry was known for his support of Church reform,” the diocese said in its post. “He peacefully resolved an uprising in his territory and also donated large sums of his wealth to churches, monasteries and the poor. … St. Henry, please pray for us!”