Loading...This past week we completed the Round of 32 and began the Saintly Sixteen. Nicholas finished the Round with a dominating win over Rudolph. He had the most votes (7,073) and the highest percentage of votes (97%) for all 16 contests! Will Nicholas’s support continue in his upcoming matches, or will the voters find the courage to vote against the inspiration for the man in the big red suit?
While it is too early to make a Golden Halo prediction, Martha of Bethany must be a strong contender. On Thursday she had a decisive Saintly Sixteen victory over Nicodemus. However, don’t count out William Wilberforce who had a strong showing over Richard Allen on Friday. My takeaway is simply that the Golden Halo is still too close to call!
There are some exciting matches coming up this week. The celebrity bloggers continue providing fascinating insights about each match, so be sure to check your emails for the daily updates…and don’t forget to vote!
Now for the previews of this week’s matches.
Monday, April 1 – Monastics & Martyrs
Ignatius of Loyola vs. Marina the Monk
Ignatius: Founder of the Jesuits and famous spiritual master
Marina: Desired to be a monk; disguised herself as a man; lived as a beggar outside the monastery
My pick: Ignatius
Tuesday, April 2 – Miscellaneous Saints
John Chrysostom vs. Ephrem of Nisibis
John: Powerful preacher, writer and reformer
Ephrem: Syriac Christian, prolific writer and supporter of women singing in choirs
My pick: John
Wednesday, April 3 – Biblical Saints
Tabitha vs. Photini
Tabitha: Beloved member of early church always helping the marginalized in society
Photini: Samaritan ‘woman at the well’ who, after baptism, founded vibrant Christian community
My pick: Photini
Thursday, April 4 – Mostly Modern Saints
Marguerite d’Youville vs. Pandita Ramabai
Marguerite: Foundress of the Grey Nuns; called “Mother of Universal Charity”; first native-born Canadian saint
Pandita: Champion of women’s rights in India; started Mukti Mission, a home for widows and orphans
My pick: Pandita
Friday, April 5 – Monastics & Martyrs
Gobnait vs. Paula of Rome
Gobnait: Founded convent in Ireland; revered for her gifts of healing
Paula of Rome: After death of her husband, founded 4 monasteries and helped St. Jerome as he translated the Old Testament
My pick: Paula
