St. Henry II the Emperor COLLECTION (BBS 10)

In this image done in the Beuron style of Benedictine art, St. Henry II (972-1024), Holy Roman Emperor, wears Imperial regalia—a crown, an ermine-lined vermillion red cloak over a teal robe, and carries a scepter and orb symbolic of his temporal power. His crown, the Reichskrone, or Imperial Crown of the Holy Roman Empire, is a distinctive one comprised of eight hinged arch-shaped metal plates surmounted by a cross in the front with a high hoop connecting the front of the crown to its back. A layman and not a consecrated religious, nevertheless, St. Henry was known for his personal holiness practicing Benedictine values as an Oblate. Today, St. Henry is venerated as patron saint of Benedictine Oblates as well as people rejected by religious orders, the physically challenged, and childless couples. + Feast: July 13 + Note Well: St. Henry II (972-1024) is not to be confused with Henry II (1133-1189), King of England, who tangled with St. Thomas Becket (1118-1170) over Church-State relations.