Today we honor Leopold. Happy Name Day, Leopold!
The name Leopold is of Old German origin and means "brave people". Leopold is also a saint's name, and it's a royal or aristocratic name in Belgium, Austria, and Britain.
St. Leopold
St. Leopold was born in Melk, Austria, in 1073. As the age of 23, he succeeded his father as military governor of Austria.
In 1106, Leopold married Emperor Henry IV's daughter, who bore him 18 children, 11 of whom survived. Known for his piety and charity, in 1006 he also founded 3 monasteries.
In 1125, Leopold refused to become Emperor upon the death of his brother-in-law, Henry V. He died in 1135 at one of the monasteries he had founded. He was canonized by Pope Innocent VIII in 1486.
When one carries out the duties of one's state of life with fairness, justice, and virtue, as did Leopold, many people are won over not only to a peaceful political scene, but also to a life of faith and virtue.
St. Leopold is the patron saint of Austria and today is his feast day.
