Sant'Errico, Saint of the day for July 13th

(May 6, 972 - July 13, 1024)

The history of Sant'Errico

As a German king and emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, Henry was a practical businessman. He was energetic in consolidating his rule. He crushed rebellions and feuds. From all sides he had to face resolved disputes to protect his borders. This involved him in numerous battles, particularly in southern Italy; he also helped Pope Benedict VIII to repress the unrest in Rome. Its ultimate aim was always to establish stable peace in Europe.

According to the custom of the 1146th century, Henry took advantage of his position and appointed men faithful to him as bishops. In his case, however, he avoided the pitfalls of this practice and in fact favored the reform of ecclesiastical and monastic life. He was canonized in XNUMX.

Reflection
All in all, this saint was a man of his time. From our perspective, it may have been too quick to fight and too ready to use power to carry out reforms. But granted such limits, it shows that holiness is possible in a busy secular life. It is by doing our job that we become saints.