Saint Leopold III

Saint Leopold III, also known as Leopold the Good, Leopold the Pious, Leopold the Valiant, Leopold of Austria, and Leopold the Saint, was born in 1073 in Melk, Lower Austria, Austria. He was the grandson of Emperor Henry III and the father of Otto of Freising, who wrote his biography, and Duke Henry II of Austria. Leopold was also the step-father to King Conrad III of Germany. Leopold's upbringing was guided by his education under Bishop Altman of Passau, Germany. At the age of 23, he succeeded his father as the margrave (military governor) of Austria. Leopold married Agnes, the widowed daughter of Emperor Henry IV, and together they had a total of eighteen children, of which eleven survived. Agnes brought two children from her previous marriage into their union. Throughout his life, Leopold displayed immense devotion to his faith and founded several monastic houses. In 1106, he established Benedictine, Cistercian, and Augustinian houses, with notable ones being Heiligenkreuz, Klosterneuburg, and Mariazell, which still exist today. Leopold demonstrated his dedication to his homeland by successfully defending Austria against Hungarian invasions. Additionally, he played a significant role in resolving the conflict between the royal and ecclesiastical powers through the Concordat of Worms in 1122. This agreement brought an end to the battle over royal versus ecclesiastical investiture. Despite his accomplishments, Leopold refused the throne of the Holy Roman Emperor when offered in 1125, prioritizing his responsibilities to Austria and his family. He actively supported the First Crusade and demonstrated his commitment to the Christian cause. Throughout his life, Saint Leopold III was known for his piety, generosity, and humility. He is often depicted as an armed man with a cross on his coronet, holding a banner with three eagles, and carrying a model of the church of Heiligenkreuz. Other representations include him in the presence of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Anne, hunting with his courtiers and discovering his wife's veil near the monastery of Klosterneuburg, and accompanying Saint Jerome during his contemplative moments. He is also depicted with a depiction of his building, Klosterneuburg, and the Blessed Virgin Mary appearing to him while hunting, with a nearby veil. Saint Leopold III passed away in 1136 at the abbey of Klosterneuburg, Niederosterrich, Austria, of natural causes. He was canonized on January 6, 1485, by Pope Innocent VIII. He is revered as a patron saint for the prevention of death among children, large families, step-parents, Lower Austria, as well as being the patron saint of Austria since 1663 and of Abetone, Italy, Upper Austria, and Vada, Rosignano Marittimo, Italy. Saint Leopold III's life serves as an inspiration of devout service, virtuous leadership, and family values.