Holy Blowout Week continued yesterday as Benedict took Anne to the (holy vestment) cleaners. Today, features the long-anticipated match-up between Big Pineapple and Big Lobster as the Hawaiian Damien of Molokai takes on the Mainer Frances Perkins. Can the Hawaii lobby do for Damien what it did for Queen Emma last year? Last year's Lent Madness cinderella, Emma, rode the wave all the way to the finals. Will Damien have a similar run or will he be pounded into the surf by Frances?
In other news, the Supreme Executive Committee answered some critics even as they prepare to co-lead a workshop today titled "Stealth Christian Formation" at the CEEP conference in San Diego. They're amazing multi-taskers (with enough coffee and a deadline).
What's that you say? You haven't liked us on Facebook or followed us on Twitter or whatever it is you do for Pinterest? Get inside the mind of the men and women behind the Madness and like, follow, become our disciples, join our cult, etc, today!
Damien of Molokai
Jozef de Veuster was born to a Flemish corn merchant in 1840. His fondest dream was to be a missionary-priest like his hero, St. Francis Xavier, but his teachers thought he was unintelligent and delayed his ordination. Finally, he was ordained, taking the name Damien and was eventually sent overseas, taking the place of his brother, who had fallen ill.
He arrived in the kingdom of Hawaii on March 19, 1864, and was assigned initially to his order’s mission on Oahu. But Damien had landed in a community struggling with the effects of colonialism, including foreign diseases to which Hawaiians had no immunity. One of these was leprosy, and in 1865, the kingdom’s government set up quarantines for the afflicted on the island of Molokai, fearing a complete epidemic.
The government’s plan was for the lepers’ colonies to grow their own food and to be largely self-sustaining. This plan had some major logic-holes in it, however, and after a while, it became clear to the local bishop that the people were in trouble. A priest was needed in Molokai but he was reluctant to assign anyone fearing the assignment would be tantamount to a death sentence.
After much prayer, in 1873, Damien volunteered. In May, he arrived in Molokai, and promptly set to work. He lived as one of the people. He set up a church, schools, and farms. He tended gardens and built houses. He organized activities and choirs for the living. He built coffins and dug graves for the dying. When his agreed-upon time was up, the lepers and Fr. Damien went to the bishop, and asked if he could remain with them. The bishop agreed, and Fr. Damien stayed on.
Six months after his arrival on Molokai, Damien wrote back to his brother in Belgium, “I make myself a leper with the lepers to gain all to Jesus Christ.” His words turned out to be prescient. In 1884 he was diagnosed with the disease himself and died on Molokai in April, 1889.
After his death, his fame spread. After being attacked by an anti-Catholic Presbyterian minister, Robert Louis Stevenson (yes, that Robert Louis Stevenson) wrote an open letter defending him, and no less than Mahatma Ghandi claimed Fr. Damien as an inspiration for his work with the outcast. He was made a saint in the Roman church in October of 2009.
Collect for Damien of Molokai
God of compassion, we bless your Name for the ministries of Damien [and Marianne,] who ministered to the lepers abandoned on Molokai in the Hawaiian Islands. Help us, following their examples, to be bold and loving in confronting the incurable plagues of our time, that your people may live in health and hope; through Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Frances Perkins
Born in Boston in 1880 with roots in Maine, Frances Perkins studied at Mount Holyoke College and completed a masters degree in economics and sociology at Columbia University. While working as a young woman in Chicago, she was drawn to the Episcopal Church and confirmed in 1905.
At 31, working for the Factory Investigation Commission in New York City, she witnessed the Triangle Shirtwaist fire that resulted in the death of 146 people, primarily young women factory workers. Perkins often said later, “The New Deal was born on March 25, 1911.” That experience galvanized her career as an advocate for workers. At a time when few women enjoyed a professional career after marriage and children, Perkins was spurred in her career by the emergence of her husband’s mental illness and his inability to earn an income. As the mother of a young daughter, she understood on a deep personal level the importance of work and the urgency of supporting a family.
In 1918, New York Governor Al Smith invited her serve in his administration and, with the election of Franklin D. Roosevelt to governor in 1928, she was named Commissioner of Labor. When he was elected to the presidency in 1932, Roosevelt asked Perkins to serve as his Secretary of Labor, the first woman to serve in a presidential cabinet and the longest-serving cabinet member in U.S. history.
Roosevelt called her “the cornerstone of his administration” for her tireless work in gaining passage of the Social Security Act of 1935 and the Fair Labor Standards of 1938 which established the minimum wage and prohibited child labor in most workplaces. Other New Deal efforts championed by Perkins included the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), unemployment insurance, a shorter work week, and worker safety regulations.
She has been called Roosevelt’s moral conscience. Donn Mitchell, in his 2010 profile of Frances Perkins published at www.AnglicanExaminer.com, “Architect of the Gracious Society,” suggests she was the “most overtly religious and theologically articulate member of the New Deal team.” Throughout her 12 years as Secretary she took a monthly retreat with the Episcopal order of All Saints’ Sisters of the Poor, with whom she was a lay associate
“I came to Washington to serve God, FDR, and millions of forgotten, plain common workingmen,” she said. Her theology of generosity informed her professional life and, in turn, transformed the lives of millions of Americans.
She remained active in teaching, social justice advocacy, and in the mission of the Episcopal Church until her death in 1965.
Collect for Frances Perkins
Loving God, whose Name is blest for Frances Perkins, who lived out her belief that the special vocation of the laity is to conduct the secular affairs of society that all may be maintained in health and decency: Help us, following her example, to contend tirelessly for justice and for the protection of all in need, that we may be faithful followers of Jesus Christ; who with thee and the Holy Spirit liveth and reigneth, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
-- Heidi Shott
UPDATE: At 2:06 a.m. EST, the SEC noticed some irregular voting in this contest. About 200 votes were cast from one address in Arizona on behalf of Damien. Those votes have been deleted, and the address has been banned.
Vote!
[poll id="53"]
177 comments on “Damien of Molokai vs. Frances Perkins”
Peeked at the bracket and realized Frances could contend against Dr. King in the next round.
I'm a woman and I respect all Frances did, but I had to go with Damien on this one. I have an "invisible" disability; it's not easy to find people that will support you simply because it's the good thing to do. It takes a lot of courage to be with people who have any illness or disability without fear; Damien used his love of Christ to lead him.
I looked at the brackett and knew it was an obvious choice: voting for Damien because I had never heard of Frances. Then I had go and read the bios and all of a sudden my choice wasn't so obvious. Had to really think about this morning's choice. Just goes to show how this craziness called Lent Madness can open me up to new ideas. Thanks for the challenge.
What a battle! My RC roots had me "rooting" for Damien. However, rather than consult the Comments first, and inevitably become hopelessly divided against myself when I use this tactic (and, hence, unable to stand for the rest of the day [cf. Lincoln, Abe]), I went on to read about Frances Perkins, whose name was familiar to me, though not the story of her life. As yet another citizen who's ready to throw a hissy fit because our elected Representatives (they should institute the Lent Madness Bracket Method for electing these people -- we might not end up with a crew playing Russian Roulette with all Americans' because of political shenanigans.
So, my decision to vote for Frances -- today, especially -- was based on her ability to walk the fine line as a civil servant and servant of our Creator and fellow citizens while retaining her common sense, these days an uncommon commodity. Her monthly retreats at All Saints Convent in Catonsville, MD demonstrate her desire to be grounded not in the illusion of her power and influence, but in the changes for better these enabled her to implement at a time when real power was the prerogative of white men.
As for the Lobster, it must contain nourishment that reaches the parts other crustaceans cannot reach, at least in women in Maine with political service in mind. Senator Margaret Chase Smith was a role model for many of us who still remember her. Maine brought us Senators Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe, as well. (Apologies to Heineken for borrowing from their beer ad; they'll probably not sue as beer and lobster are a heavenly repast. Who is it that sang "Gimme some seafood, Mama?!)
Add to that the fact that my stepson and grandchildren have planted deep roots in Maine (inserting shameless plug here for The Shelter Institute) I voted for Frances.
Thanks to Tim and Scott for their stealth evangelism and what they'll share at this weekend's conference. As a DOK, I consider wearing my cross or just leaving a church bulletin on my dash a form of evangelism. Anything that prompts a question or a comment. You've provided us with an arsenal in Lent Madness.
Blessings, all.
In Stowe, Vt, there is a small wooden Catholic church which is quite unique. The outside walls surrounding the church are covered with various murals depicting the work of Father Damien and his involvement with leprosy. The originals murals looked as if they were burned into the surface of the wood, but in recent years, the figures were restored and varnished to protect them from deterioration. I recall that Maria Von Trapp of "Sound of Music" fame supported the work of Father Damien and the colony. My vote is for Damien, altho I prefer lobster to pineapple.
As a United Methodist Deaconess, I give props to my sister, Frances! We lay women have to stick together!
Today's choice is a toughy! These are two saints I admire for their selfless devotion to the Lord as well as to their fellow man. Both Damien and Frances put their money (and efforts) where their mouth is. As a woman who has always worked and been in the trenches, I vote for Frances. May the Lord be with you, Big Lobster, and thank you!
Was Seminarian at Frances' parish during her final years though didn't have the privilege of connecting... stories about her were amazing...
Although we (Alaskan and Hawaiian time zones) are just waking up to this round, Alaskans share this connection with Damien. We "end of the roaders" understand his interest in going to the ends of the earth/dominion...even if we have to build that "bridge to nowhere". Count this 49th stater with those of our 50th. Oh, could you please send pineapple please...scurvy is setting in and we can trade...ice?
All credit to Frances Perkins for her compassion and hard work. Nevertheless, I had to vote for St. Damien. He knew the risks of his work on Molokai, and he fulfilled his mission to the end. To my vote I add thanksgiving for the drugs that treat Hansen's Disease today, and a warning: stay away from armadillos, which are carriers of Mycobacterium leprae.
This staunch New Englander, a longtime fan of Damian, has to go for one who laid down his life – all of it, including deplorable conditions and a ghastly death – for his friends, those rejected (and feared) by all others.
Ditto, I give thanks to God that "Om" formed the SEC and illuminated these models of witness (i'm reading "Proof of Heaven" and concur that "Om" is a fantastic pronoun for God that works on many levels). I will have to look at the brackets and pray on this one!
Frances has my admiration and respect but Father Damien got in there and helped those society wanted to throw away and forget. My vote is with St. Damien of Molokai.
As an alumna of Mount Holyoke College I am proud to cast my vote for Frances Perkins, Class of 1902!
Me too! I knew some great Frances Perkins scholars at Mt Holyoke while I was a student there. Gotta vote Frances!
go big lobster!
I had to cast my vote for Frances. I did a huge project on her in my U.S. Women's History class, and presented at a conference about her. She is buried in my home state as well. Cool lady!
Once again, I find myself voting contrary to the bracket I had created at the outset. I credit the CB's and the inspiring comments posted. Are there others out here encountering a similar experience of Lent Madness madness? (p.s. Today's vote went to Frances, for I had not known before that faith inspired her. I had previously heard her story through the lens of union politics.)
Our congregational vote last Sunday resulted in a little bit of a landslide for Damien, but heck, the more I think about it the more I think about it the harder it is to just go along with that. Truly two different, and equally valid and necessary approaches to ministering to "the least of these". However I think it'll probably come down to voting for the Episcopalian for me, today.
I just had to go with Damien.
When will you get around the Eulalia and Wilgefortis, the two women who were crucified?
Your posts are so much more informative than Wikipedia. Good job getting us all a lot of information. However, today I noticed my first lack of information in Damien's post: Who is Marianne? After wasting far too much time reading (and now posting) all of the comments to see what other people found, my question is answered. But it would have been nice to have it answered while reading the original information about Damien.
While being a priest for Lepers is very brave and a great sacrifice, being a Christian woman in a presidential administration in DC in the 30s and 40s has got to be one of the hardest tasks ever! Both of these saints are wonderful witnesses to God's love but Frances speaks more to me personally because I'm praying all the time for people in DC to get it together.
I thought I would vote for Damien as I had learned about him when I lived in Hawaii many years ago. But the story of Frances reminds me that we are not all called to be martyrs - or even to the ordained. But we are all and each called to live a godly life. Even if we don't die for our faith we are to live up to and into faith. Frances was an example. Lent Madness is fun, entertaining and enriching. The Madness I see each day in the paper and on the news and in our communities is often none of those. How we each respond matters. Frances went to DC to serve God, FDR, and millions of ordinary workingmen . . . I voted for this example.
Forced to make a choice between two true saints of God, I finally went with Frances Perkins primarily because I didn't know her history. Much as I love Father Damien for his sacrifice, I find that Frances moves me deeply on a number of levels as a woman, a worker and a lay sister of a religious order (the Order of Saint Luke). Thanks to Lent Madness, I have a new spiritual "she-ro" to emulate as we struggle today to care for our nation's most vulnerable and those whose labor provides our economy. Thank you!
Carol and Cynthia both express what I'm feeling. I'm with them in voting for Frances.
The bracket summaries--edifying and inspiring, as are the comments. Thanks.
I chose the pineapple over the lobster. Much sweeter to the taste- Having lived and served a congregation on Moloka'i, I saw where Fr. Damien lived and ministered. The peninsula is very isolated. Imagine choosing to live in isolation among people of a very different culture and taking on their pain, their disease and even their death. Damien's example of self-sacrifice is, for me, a good example of christlikeness.
This looked like a strange match on first glance and one which Damien would win even without the help of Big Pineapple. Come on... a saint vs a politician? Closer scrutiny of Frances was quite revealing. What a strong and persistent force for good, but perhaps that depends on one's political and social orientation. If you have time, check out
http://www.anglicanexaminer.com/Perkins-1.html.
The woman was amazing. Besides, as a former resident of Maine, I've got to go with Big Lobster.
This is a very hard one. Both of these people are real saints: One was very hands-on with the suffering and outcast, and the other worked in policy that resulted in benefits for millions. I'd like to vote for both. But I chose Frances Perkins because of the mention of the Triangle Shirtwaist fire. My mother was a garment worker, and people like Saint Frances made her life better.
Well, of Course it's Damien of Molokai, even if he didn't go to Mount Holyoke or Columbia, and was not even familiar with presidents (to my knowledge) or factory workers. While we are quick to praise all manner of pious people - even if they are not pious - who will be with the lepers, those stricken with AIDS, those suffering from the most viral contageous diseases? When we walk into suffering, we commit ourselves to God. Who can do this? Who can walk into death with a bold heart? Not so many.
"...but his teachers thought he was unintelligent and delayed his ordination." Hmmmm. Wondering if this quality had anything to do with his assignment to comfort the lepers. Devout, passionate, giving, sacrificing? Undoubtedly. Thoughtful, wise and questioning? Vote goes to the articulate and strong Frances. Plus I thought Manuel Noreiga was the Big Pineapple...
My decision changed with each comment. May have to flip a coin.
Whoever doesn't win this year, please bring back again next time so I can vote for him/her.