Loading...The week of March 24th is a big milestone for Lent Madness 2019 as we finish the round of 32 on Wednesday and begin the Saintly Sixteen matches on Thursday and Friday. The big news of the week is that women made a clean sweep of this past week’s matches! Granted two of them were female vs. female saints, but still worth noting.
The daily emails during the round of 32 provided biographical details on each of the saints. With the Saintly Sixteen, the bloggers will be providing “Quirks and Quotes” from the contestants, so enjoy their updates before you vote.
Now for the previews of this week’s matches.
Monday, March 25 – Mostly Modern Saints
Damien of Molokai vs. Pandita Rambai
Damien is honored for ministering to the lepers in Hawaii. He lived among them, established standards for cleanliness, began education plans for young and old, and ensured the sick were cared for and the dead buried.
Pandita was born in India and became known as a champion of women’s rights and a social reformer. She converted to Christianity while studying in England, returned to India and started the Mukti Mission, a home for widows and orphans.
My pick: Damien
Tuesday, March 26 – Monastics and Martyrs
Paula of Rome vs. Marcella of Rome
Paula was a wealthy woman who lived extravagantly. She was inspired by the faith and action of her friend, Marcella—yes, the organizers have these two friends competing against each other! After the death of her husband, Paula settled in Bethlehem, founded 4 monasteries and supported St. Jerome with his Latin translation of the Old Testament.
Marcella was born into wealth. After her husband’s death, she took on the life of an ascetic and turned her estate into a place of refuge for those who were poor and vulnerable.
My pick: Paula
Wednesday, March 27 – Miscellaneous Saints
Nicholas of Myra vs. Rudolph of Gubbio
Really…St. Nicholas is competing against Rudolph! Methinks I detect some twisted humor here!
Yes, Nicholas of Myra is the inspiration for Santa Claus. The many traditions and stories of Nicholas regularly recognize themes of generosity and gift-giving.
Rudolph, born in 1034, converted to Christianity at age 17 and joined the Benedictine Order. He was a rigorous ascetic and led a life of extreme personal discipline. Though made a bishop, he continued his ascetic life and paid particular attention to the poor and vulnerable.
My pick: Nicholas
Thursday, March 28 – Saintly Sixteen
Mary of Bethany vs. Nicodemus
Mary of Bethany: Practical sister of Lazarus and close friend of Jesus
Nicodemus: Pharisee who bravely came forward to prepare the body of Jesus for burial
My pick: Mary of Bethany
Friday, March 29 – Saintly Sixteen
William Wilberforce vs Richard Allen
William: Politician who successfully abolished slave trade in England
Richard: Freed slave who became a Methodist minister and founded African Methodist Episcopal Church
My pick: Richard
