The moment we've all been waiting for has finally arrived: Lent Madness 2016 kicks off RIGHT NOW! For those who thought "Ash Thursday" would, like a desert oasis, never arrive, your penitential dreams have come true.
In any case, we’re delighted to welcome you to this year’s Saintly Smackdown with a First Round battle between Helena and Monnica. Or as we like to call it, the Matronly Meltdown®, as we open with two famous mothers doing battle (of course motherhood isn't either one's full claim to fame, so read on).
If you’re new to Lent Madness, welcome! You may want to check out our recent Voting 101 post which includes a step-by-step how to vote video. You can also read through the Lent Madness Glossary which highlights all sorts of phrases and terms you'll encounter along this unique Lenten journey.
Be sure to sign up for e-mail updates on our home page so you never miss a vote, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and encourage your friends to jump into the fray. While you are on our Facebook page today, please “Check In” to Lent Madness so all your friends will know you have gone to Lent Madness.
We can assure you this will be a wild, joyful, educational, ocassionally gut-wrenching ride. Let the Madness begin!
Helena
During her long life, Helena gathered the most-sought-after relics in Christian history, including splinters of what is known as the True Cross.
Helena was born around 246 CE, somewhere in Asia Minor—most likely the city of Drepanum. She grew up as a stable maid, but her fortunes changed radically when she met the emperor, fell in love with him, was whisked away to Rome, and gave birth to Constantine in 272 CE.
Some describe Helena as the royal wife, some as the royal concubine, some as the royal consort. What is clear is that after Constantine was born, the emperor sent Helena away. Helena and Constantine were exiled from court in 289 CE.
This was not the end of Helena. Constantine became the Roman emperor by winning the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 313 CE, after being told in a vision that if he and his troops marked their shields with the Greek letters Chi and Rho—the first two letters of Christ, the battle would belong to them. Depending on the source, Constantine and his mother converted promptly after this victory was secured.
Upon being recognized as the emperor of Rome, Constantine sent Helena on an official mission: travel to Palestine to bring back relics of Jesus and the Apostles and to do whatever good she felt necessary in the name of Christ. To accomplish this, he put the entire imperial treasury at her disposal.
Helena (who was at the very least every day of seventy-five-years-old) set out with gusto and built the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem as well as the Church of the Ascension on the Mount of Olives. She tore down the Roman temple that had been constructed on the site of Jesus’ crucifixion and gave orders for the construction of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. She unearthed fragments of wood that she believed to be the True Cross as well as the nails that were used on Jesus’ hands and feet and carried them with her back to Rome.
In all, she built over eighty churches in the Holy Land, including Saint Catherine’s Monastery at the foot of Mount Sinai. Helena also preserved for generations the history of the Holy Land and the early faith of the Church. And she did it all in the second act of her life.
Collect for Helena
Almighty God, you caused Helena of Constantinople to seek the cross of Christ with energy and devotion; Grant that through her example we may be inspired to seek your face and bear your cross for the sake of your love, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Monnica
Monnica, a model of the praying mother and wife, was the mother of Augustine—the father of Western Christian thought. Married to a pagan bureaucrat named Patricius, who would later convert to Christianity under her influence, Monnica was mother to several children; Augustine was the eldest. After her husband’s death, Monnica made fierce and tireless efforts to secure Augustine’s conversion, even going so far as to push the local bishop to track Augustine down and argue with him.
By the time he was twenty-nine, Augustine decided to journey to Rome to teach rhetoric. Monnica, while opposed to the plan, persisted in going with him. By fits and tricks, Augustine managed to embark for Rome, leaving his bereft mother behind. Yet Monnica could not be deterred, and she sailed for Rome, only to find him in Milan. In 386, she witnessed the event for which she longed: Augustine’s full acceptance of catholic Christianity, followed a year later by his baptism. Monnica had persisted, prayed, and worked nearly two decades to see Augustine’s conversion.
Monnica died in the port of Ostia, and when asked if she wished for her remains to be carried home, she replied, “Nothing is far from God; neither am I afraid God will not find me.” Her conviction that nothing is far from God has earned her devotion to this day. Monnica is the patron saint of married women and mothers and those battling alcohol addiction.
Collect for Monnica
O Lord, through spiritual discipline you strengthened your servant Monnica to persevere in offering her love and prayers and tears for the conversion of her husband and of Augustine their son: Deepen our devotion, we pray, and use us in accordance with your will to bring others, even our own kindred, to acknowledge Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
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303 comments on “Helena vs. Monnica”
I voted for Helena because in my book she should be the patron saint of running errands.
It's tough, but I have to choose the mother who persists in helping her son see the way to God over a woman who fulfills everyone's dream of widespread travel in their older years, spreading works and reaping accolades. The relics that Helena brought back are like the loaves and fishes that multiplied to feed the spiritual world. To me an an Episcopalian, they are interesting but not the vital link to God that I seek. Does anyone know why Monnica is the patron saint of those battling alcohol addiction?
Here's an answer from one source: "Augustine gives only one incident from her youth, obviously relayed to him by Monica herself, of how she was in danger of becoming a wine bibber, but was corrected when her secret sips in the wine cellar were discovered and a maid, in a moment of anger, called her a “drunkard.” This stinging rebuke prompted her to change her behavior and develop perseverence. Perhaps this is why recovering alcoholics are among the many groups who intercede to Saint Monica." (https://catholicalcoholic.com/2013/05/31/saint-monica-another-patron-saint-for-alcoholics/)
Thank you, Susan!
Thank you, Susan Wall!
She is said to have been a child alcoholic because her maid/nanny used brandy (I think) to quiet her. Read that in a book long ago when I was a member of a St. Monica's Guild.
Helena because she set such a great example for how to handle the second act of your life. Although, dealing with my kids ("You're getting another dog? Why don't you just get a cat?" ) made me relate to Monnica.
Good Heavens!! I have a hard time with just one. I will certainly pray fro you Carol
Nancy
The Order of St Helena, an Episcopal monastic order for lay and ordained women, is looking for a St Helena win today!
And looks like you got it.... 😉
Tough call, but I voted for Monnica. Compare their resources. Helena started late in life but had abundant help, a whole empire. Monnica had to do it on her own--specifically without her son's assistance.
Monnica, hands down. Did not have the advantage of position or prestige. Kept faith with one of the most basic struggles of Christians everywhere -- to see our children come to faith. What an encouraging witness!
Love the "Dude, don't drop the goldfish" idea. A reminder of levity is often needed as the choices narrow. Last year I stopped voting in the end rounds because some voices were getting so shrill. May the goldfish reign!
Helena, for the impact of her life, whether it was positive or negative. What would Jerusalem be for us if there was Venus's temple on the site of the crucifixion, if we had no Church of the Nativity, or ? I wonder what the current political situation in Jerusalem and the West Bank would be if we Christians were not so heavily invested in certain pieces of real estate that Helena established for us. She did what she thought was correct, no 2nd guessing, but just imagine, "what if?"
Those are good questions you ask, Amy Jane!
Had to go with Helena on this one. The conversion of the Roman Empire was absolutely critical to the spread of Christianity. Also, a fine of example of a life well lived in your later years. A great example to all of us to not fear aging as the end of our careers and adventures.
Boy, we started Lent with a tough choice! Both are equally worthy but I chose Helena for a frivolous yet worthy reason: it would be awesome to see her get to the kitsch round--little wood splinters maybe?
Both ladies show that great men get their greatness genes from their mothers :).
As a mother of two sons who have not called on their Christian upbringing in adulthood, I find Monnica's example compelling. She reminds me that I need to be persistent in encouraging their faith journey.
How many of us can relate to Monnica for this reason.....
This one was tricky; I'm not fond of either. In the end, I went with Helena, because Monnica's total disrespect for her loved ones' religious views, and constant attempts to convert them, angers me more. If any of my non-Christian friends showed such a total disregard for my religious views--and thus, such a total disrespect for me as a person--then I would cut them out of my life wherever possible. I've also had various 'Christians' of different denominations from myself try to convert me to their own denomination, occasionally with indications that I will be Damned if I don't.
There can be no Love without Respect, and trying to force one's religious beliefs down another's throat is disrespectful--and thus, unloving.
I am blessed to have a social circle which encompasses a variety of non/religious view points, & by all approaching each other's beliefs with mutual respect for each other, I have learned a great deal about God, and had my theology tested, & my Faith strengthened, as a result. I can learn from them; they can learn from me. With none of us is trying to convert anybody, we are all free to grow as people.
I'm having this problem too. Helena, who uses the backing of a powerful empire to gentrify the effects of another powerful empire vs. Monnica, badger extraordinaire.
I think I may abstain today.
I agree with you, K, but in the end I abstained on this round.
A very hard choice. I'm going with Helena because of the close relationship she obviously had with her son - he trusted her with the treasury of the Empire, for goodness' sake! She didn't nag or chase him, but her example of holiness had to have been powerful and meaningful to him. And she accomplished her best work after the age of 75. A hero to me, getting nearer that milestone.
Helena! What a second career!. And I've been to Israel and saw how many sites she was responsible for enshrining.
I am embarrassed to admit that I knew so little (or remembered so little) about Helena. Her story was compelling and though I love Monica for many reasons, I had to go with Helena today. I love that the Lent Madness has begun!
Glad to see that Helena is ahead not just because of her immense achievements but because Monnica's are heartbreakingly undermined by her victim blaming betrayal of battered women, which Augustine approvingly recounts in Confessions.
This was an easy choice for me. Although I have not brought my son to Christianity I have persevered in taking care of him for 29 years because he has autism. I felt a bond with Monnica who spent decades with such an important mission in life: What is the best thing that I can do for my son? I have this thought every day of my life because my son will need my guidance and protection for as long as I am alive. I need a patron saint for mothers in my life and now I have one. I leave it to God and St. Monnica to continue my mission after I am gone.
Lovely
Beautifully put, Eileen.
When my Catholic husband and I had young children, we found no time in our lives for church. My Presbyterian mother kept up a gentle pressure, and on one of her visits she tried out churches for us. She found one she liked. We didn't go for a few years, but finally we did and have been members of that Episcopal church ever since. Without my Monnica-like mom, I would never have found Lent Madness. Need I say more?
I voted for St. Monica as well. This was a very tough decision because both woman did amazing things .
I felt a stronger affiliation with St. Monica relating to her wishes for her husband and son. She exemplifies perseverance of prayer and a
strong faith in Jesus Christ .
Faith, Hope and Love!
Becky, I like your mom! Gentle pressure and suggestions work best. I decided to vote for Helena, though, because I like the thought of a productive "second act in life".
Hi Pam, hope Convention went well(not sure you made it to wonderful, wonderful Camp McDowell). I join you in your vote for Helena. What a trooper to head out at age 74 to places unknown, and then start the very churches we still know today.
St. Helena! At 78 I'm hoping that Helena's energy and faith will rub off on me.......even a little bit. Also, one of my college roomies entered the Sisters of St. Helena after graduation. Here's to both women!
I voted for Monnica because she spoke to my heart. Her fervent efforts for her son and husband mirror my own. Her dedication and strength are inspirational to all wives and mothers who are working to bring their families to Christ.
Go Helena!!! She built churches and collected relics. Good for her.
I like them both, but voted for Monnica because right now a mother who never ever gives up on her children is the example I need right now. Somebody mentioned Monnica' s seeming lack of concern for her other kids; I chalk that up to the fact that Augustine's the one supplying the information about his mother. Of course he's going to make it all about him.
Wonderful way to learn about saints of the church
Ahhh, Lent Madness is back and all's right with the world. Helena all the way here...I am curious how it is that Monnica got to be the patron saint of "those battling alcohol addiction". But then, I am never quite sure how the Saint's get their assignments...I just am glad of it. Have a Holy Lent.
Because her husband Patricius seems to have been an addict himself and eventually was transformed through her prayers along with Augustine. Patricius was verbally abusive though not physically so, which fueled her worst feature--victim blaming battered wives--and the worst passage of Confessions, in which Augustine praises her for betraying her sisters in this way. Hence my vote for Helena!
This is truly a tough one! Finally voted for Monnica though - I loved her perseverance! I also have children who are nonbelievers and anguish over them. It's a tough road.
I feel very bad about choosing between mothers on the basis of their sons, but . . . I think when Constantine made Christianity the official religion of Rome, that was probably the WORST thing that ever happened for the church. Our first and ultimate allegiance should be to God, not to any emperor or president. We should draw our power from the Holy Spirit, not from political establishment. I'm glad not to have to live with persecution myself; but when joining the church meant facing that possibility, the choice was significant. On the other hand -- Augustine. What tremendous blessing her brought to the church, including doing so after being a "prodigal" for so many years. My vote went for Monnica.
That should be: blessing HE brought to the church. Oops.
I'm with you Kathy on the "official religion" designation which created a hierarchical, bureaucratic church rather than building the Kingdom of God. Maybe we wouldn't be a divided and distributed church if we didn't end up fighting about hierarchy. Sure there are lots of nice churches in the Holy Land built with the Empire's funds and slaves. If those were not there would we have a world without conflict in the Middle East?
I'm voting for Monica as the lesser of two conflicts. Augustine's writings and teaching have also presented some distorted theology, like original sin rather than original blessing.
Helena. Nice hat.
I voted for Helena because I was a lay associate of the Order of St. Helena for many years. Plus St. Augustine annoys me, with the concept of original sin. Monica probably wasn't responsible for that, but still ...
I - generally find 'nudges' annoying, but Monnica rocks!
Hey, Ann! I am currently a lay associate of the Order of St. Helena! Go team!
Ah, the importance and blessing of a good mother!
No contest! Monnica was the personification of the devoted mother determined that her husband and son would convert. She probably died with calluses on her knees from praying so hard and with fierce determination. My mother's alma mater, St. Augustine's in Raleigh NC, is her sons's namesake and she, sorta like Monnica, had a few calluses on her knees as she always prayed for me...Yeah, I needed all those prayers and am eternally thankful. Excellent bloggers today !