Loading...Lent Madness is officially underway as of “Ash Thursday”. We had 3 matches during this first week. Be sure to go to Lentmadness.org and sign up for their emails. That way you’ll be reminded daily to read the blog and vote!
On to the summary of the new week’s matches…
Monday, March 11 – Miscellaneous Saints
John Chrysostom vs. Margaret of Cortana
John Chrysostom known for his powerful sermons and focused on reform and care for those who were poor and vulnerable. John spoke truth to power which resulted in his being removed as bishop and exiled.
Margaret, a single mother turned away by her father, became a nurse and started a hospital. She was always willing to stand up to authority figures.
My pick: Margaret of Cortana
Tuesday, March 12 – Biblical Saints
James the Greater vs. Nicodemus
James, along with his brother John and Peter, was an early follower of Jesus. He was a very ‘human’ apostle, often showing weakness and lack of insight. He was killed by Herod in the early 40s.
Nicodemus was a Pharisee who is best known for coming forward with Joseph of Arimethea after the crucifixion to prepare the body of Jesus for burial in Joseph’s tomb.
My pick: James the Greater
Wednesday, March 13 – Mostly Modern Saints
Hannah Grier Coome vs. Richard Allen
Hannah is known as the foundress of the Sisterhood of St. John the Divine in the Anglican Church of Canada. The sisterhood is known for training nurses, providing rehabilitative care, opening hospitals, providing education and shelter, and care for the elderly.
Richard was born into slavery. After gaining his freedom he became a Methodist minister and founded the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) as the first black Christian denomination. Allen and his wife Sarah also operated a station on the Underground Railroad.
My pick: Richard Allen
Thursday, March 14 – Monastics and Martyrs
Dominic vs. Marina the Monk
Dominic was born in Castile, Spain and became known for his scholarship and care for the poor. He established the Order of Preachers in France, known today as the Dominicans.
Marina lived in either the fifth or eighth centuries in Lebanon. When old enough to marry she wanted to move into a monastery along with her father. She shaved her head, dressed herself in men’s clothing and took the male name Marinos. Only at the time of Marina’s death did the monks discover her true identity.
My pick: Marina the Monk
Friday, March 15 – Miscellaneous Saints
Mellitus vs. Ephrem of Nisibis
Mellitus, a Roman and son of a noble family in the 7th century, traveled to Britain to assist in the conversion of the Aethelberht’s kingdom.
Ephrem was a deacon, doctor of the church, and saint greatly revered in the Syriac Christian tradition. He was a prolific writer and supported the rise of hymns sung by choirs of women.
My pick: Ephrem of Nisibis
Source: The Definitive Guide to Lent Madness: Saintly Scorecard 2019
