We embarked upon this Lent Madness journey over five weeks ago on “Ash Thursday.” With your help we have narrowed the field of 32 saints down to just two: Julian of Norwich and Dietrich Bonhoeffer (who edged Sojourner Truth yesterday 52% to 48%). Who will win the coveted Golden Halo of Lent Madness 2016? Only 24 hours and your voting participation will reveal this holy mystery.
Regardless of the ultimate outcome, we’ve met some truly remarkable saintly folks along the way. Perhaps you learned about some saints you’d never heard of or maybe you renewed acquaintances with saints who have long offered inspiration. Of course the entire notion of placing saints in a bracket is absurd — each “contestant” has already earned a crown of righteousness in addition to a “golden halo.” But at the heart of Lent Madness is the abiding conviction that encountering those who have come before us in the faith enriches and enlivens our own walk with the risen Christ.
In the process of this whimsical Lenten devotion we’ve all made some new online friends, encountered a community of believers who take their faith but not themselves too seriously, learned a few things, were inspired by saintly witnesses, and had a lot fun along the way.
Of course we literally couldn’t have done this without our stellar Celebrity Bloggers to whom we offer sincere gratitude: Amber Belldene, Laurie Brock, Megan Castellan, Anna Fitch Courie, David Creech, Neva Rae Fox, David Hansen, Beth Lewis, Hugo Olaiz, Derek Olsen, and David Sibley. Thanks to Bracket Czar Adam Thomas for his unsung behind-the-scenes work in keeping the bracket updated daily — in his inimitable style. And to our Resident Foodie, Maria Nolletti Ross, whose recipes in the Saintly Scorecard and online helped keep the inevitable weekend Lent Madness Withdrawal at bay. You all rock! And we’re all grateful for your good writing, good humor, and adhering to most, if not all, of the SEC-imposed deadlines.
We're also grateful to the Forward Movement staff who have supported this endeavor: Richelle Thompson, Rachel Jones, Heidi Weaver-Smith, Alyssa Finke, and Michael Phillips, as well as everyone who answered the phone in the Lentorium and all the other things to make Lent Madness successful: Tania Z. Jones, Carole Miller, Nancy Hopkins-Greene, Melody Shobe, Hugo Olaiz, Theo Lambert, Miriam McKenney, Jay Sidebotham, Loren Dixon, Samantha Franklin, Jane Paraskevopoulos, Barbara Hine, Vicki Everett, Amy Golden, Kathy Jose, Aleia Robinson, Peggy Sanchez, Debbie Springer, and the office mascot, George T. Dog.
2015 Golden Halo winner, Francis of Assisi, prepares to welcome the 2016 winner
Finally, thanks to all of you who participated by voting, commenting, drinking coffee out of Lent Madness mugs, filling out brackets, talking about saints at coffee hour, submitting "mug shots," liking us on Facebook or following us on Twitter, and allowing us to play a small role in your Lenten journey. We’ve loved having each one of you along for the “madness” and on behalf of the Supreme Executive Committee we wish you a blessed Holy Week and a joyous Easter.
But enough gratitude. We have a Golden Halo to award! As with all the matchups, the polls will be open for 24 hours and the winner will be announced right here at 8:00 am Eastern Time on Maundy Thursday. At this point, everything about these two worthy saints has been said (though if you need some refreshers, click on the Bracket tab and scroll down). We have simply asked our two remaining celebrity bloggers, Amber Belldene (Julian of Norwich) and Beth Lewis (Dietrich Bonhoeffer) to provide us with one image and one quote.
The rest is up to you, the Lent Madness voting public. So go do your thing! And thanks for playing along this year — we’re delighted you joined us for the journey.
Julian of Norwich
"It appears to me that there is a deed that the Holy Trinity shall do on the last day…and how it shall be done is unknown to all creatures under Christ…This is the great deed ordained by our Lord God from eternity, treasured up and hidden in his blessed breast…and by this deed he shall make all things well.”
― Julian of Norwich
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
"There is no way to peace along the way of safety. For peace must be dared, it is itself the great venture and can never be safe. Peace is the opposite of security. To demand guarantees is to want to protect oneself. Peace means giving oneself completely to God's commandment, wanting no security, but in faith and obedience laying the destiny of the nations in the hand of Almighty God, not trying to direct it for selfish purposes.”
― Dietrich Bonhoeffer
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288 comments on “For the Golden Halo: Julian of Norwich vs. Dietrich Bonhoeffer”
Aaaaaaaaaaagh.
My head is exploding with joy and indecision.
Thank you, Lent Madness.
No really -- thank you Lent Madness, SEC, CB's, Tech Deacon(s), fellow voters and commenters, all of you/us.
and Bracket Czar. That's the title that escaped.
This year, at the age of 78, I have been unable to attend church at all. I had foot surgery on Jan. 11, and the deepest incisions got infected, creating wounds that have not yet closed. Last week I developed phlebitis in the veins above the ankle. With all the pain, and more solitude than even I want, Lent Madness has been a spiritual life-saver (increasing my life-savor!) this year. I have missed the community of my "home church" but you all have helped to fill the void. For all your work, I thank the staff; for your companionship, your insights, and your humor, I thank the commentators; and I look forward to seeing you online again next year. I thank God for the witness of our two Golden Halo saints. I shall send Dietrich's quote to many of my extended family, but I shall vote for Lady Julian who is teaching me patience and serenity, and reminding me that I can still do some of the work God has called me to with those who call, visit, or email. God bless us every one!
Julian & Eckhart, her supporter & fellow mystic, were my initial choices for the Golden Halo. Dietrich was next. The outstanding bloggers swayed my final votes. Thanks to all. I enjoyed the factual information and the insight and sense of humor in many comments.
Again, two of my favorite holy people. Which to choose? Blessed Julian for her wisdom, or Holy Dietrich for his courage? With great respect to Oliver I must however choose Dietrich, praying for a daily drop of his fortitude.
I don't know why, but I am in tears over this...I know it is all in good fun, but to have these two at the last is just too much. Maybe because we are at the end, and I hate to see Lent Madness over. Or maybe its just feeling the weight of the days ahead. Golden Halo today, the cross and an empty tomb ahead...
Bonhoeffer, a saint for our time. Julian, a saint for ALL time. All shall be well in the end! So thrilled I discovered Lent Madness. Best Lenten devotional ever! Peace to all and a blessed Easter season.
The quote from Julian has helped me get through many difficult times. May it continue to do so.
Thanks to Tim, Scott, et. al. for providing the framework for this marvelous Lenten discipline. And as an aside, I have really enjoyed reading Scott's devotions in Forward Day by Day this March. Will be waiting for LM 2017.
No matter who he is up against, I will always vote for Dietrich Bonhoffer. I admire a man who, despite the fact that he was in danger, continued to follow the way of the cross. I'm not nearly as brave as he was, but I like to think that in a similar situation I might become strong.
I am just a simple person. I am just a simple Christian. Herr Bonhoeffer faced almost certain and possibly an excruciating death at the hands of the Nazis to save souls. Does this act of returning to Germany not emulate the life of our Lord, Jesus Christ?
I was all set to vote for Dietrich Bonhoeffer this m0rning. Reading through the comments, I saw Julian of Norwich's phrase All Shall Be Well. I needed to be reminded of that, especially after yesterday when I received some not so good news. Many years ago, a friend gave me a smooth white stone with a purple spiral & the words "All shall be well" painted on the stone. I hold this stone in my hand when I need a reminder that God is always with me. So today I voted for Julian & all shall be well.
I'm almost fresh out of comments this morning. All I can say is that a vote for one is not a vote against the other. Well played, everyone! I will return to my house and ponder these things in my heart. May God in his mercy bring us to the joy of Resurrection.
I'll miss all your comments, John Lewis!
Thank you for another great Lent Madness!
This was my second year of following lent madness. It was quite enjoyable and informative. I can't believe it is almost over. I will have LMW for an entire year! Oliver- I really enjoyed your comments and look forward to reading them next year when you are 9!
Have a most blessed Holy Week and and joyous Easter!
From a RC friend!
I do believe the bombings in Brussels tipped the scale in favour of Dietrich but it would have been a tough choice even without that. The world needs both kinds.
My thanks to all who work on providing this remarkable lenten exercise. My parish – I don't know how many actually participate – showed a lot of interest in the progress through the weeks. And on behalf of our "team" I thank the SEC for our Runner Up to Oliver in the Mug photo contest. We all agreed we couldn't have lost to a better choice. Congratulations again, Oliver. I look forward to seeing your insights next year.
Given rise of fascism in our nation this has to be a Bonheoffer year for me ... but I can think of no better "running mate" on the final Lent Madness Ticket 2016 than the woman who reminds us that -- no matter what -- all will be well.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer walked the walk! May we all follow the example he set!
I agree with Sonia who posts above me. My take: I love Julian of Norwich. If I want to take a book with me on a trip, I at least make sure I have Julian on my Kindle app, if not my book from the semester long course I spent with her. But in memory of those who were taken from us in the bombings in Brussels and to stand in solidarity with everyone, everywhere who speaks out against evil, I have to go with Dietrich today.
I never used to look forward to Lent until Lent Madness. Add my thanks to the SEC, CB's, behind the scenes folk, and especially to the Commenters. The experience is very much enhanced by reading the comments! I hope we all have the courage to persue DB's kind of peace and the confidence to know that AWBW! Happy Easter! See you next Lent.
I was quite surprised when Sojourner did not prevail over Dieter. I expected her to win the golden halo. Surprise is a good thing.
I have had some discussions where people made assertions, mainly based on the premise that God knows what's going to happen ahead of time. No, we can't really say that. After all, just because I have the ability to turn a card over while playing solitaire and see what that card is, that does not mean I will choose to do so. I think we know God has the ability to see the future, so obviously She will see the future; but can't God choose to do what I choose to do, that is, choose NOT to know what is coming? I think if we insist God knows the future, we are limiting Her. Yes, in the end all things shall be well, but not because of any special action of God; no, with all creation, God has bet the rent that all things shall be well.
"Like"!
Oliver, I agree with you. I see this choice as one between this world and all he created universe. I admire and revere Bonhoeffer for his wisdom and courage. He is a true saint for the 20th century. Yet in the end I have to vote for the Lady who saw that "all will be well."
Dietrich for the win, today and every day. Julian is a saint for another era. We are living in times that call for the courageous witness to stand against demagogues and tyrants and proclaim the Gispel's loving embrace of Jesus, the Christ. To do otherwise is a waste of a good vote.
Or, the "Gospel's"
This Lutheran Chick casts her vote for Bonhoeffer, but Sojo has won a special place in my heart.
Thanks to all the behind-the-scenes folks for making my first taste of LentMadness such a great ride. This has been fun way to learn about the Saints who have trod before us. Looking forward to the Madness in 2017!
And thanks, Oliver, for your wisdom beyond your years. I would sort through the comments just to read your post.
Both Julian and Bonhoeffer are truly worthy of the Golden Halo, and the comments above have given me much food for thought.
I suspect Julian is going to be the bridesmaid for the second time (see 2010) but I would not be sad to see Bonhoeffer win.
My thanks to everyone who made this possible. Lent Madness always reminds me that "I mean to be one too." And, it is possible.
Julian and Dietrich... two oars in the same boat. Today I reach for Dietrich, knowing that I also need to take up Julian if I'm to experienced true forward movement
Yeah, I know... kiss up. ;-).
Thank you, Forward Movement and all writers, for another year of fun, education and spiritual challenge.
I often taught elementary school in a bit of this, a dab of that kind of methodology. Seems I practice my Christianity with a bit of this and a dab of that theology. Thanks SEC for broadening my practice with more knowledge of various saints to add to my practice. I have admired both Bonhoeffer and Julian as witnesses to aspire to, and will continue to do so. Though I chose only one to vote for, I will be very happy with whichever wins the golden halo, as they both already shine brightly as saints of the Church.
A vote for Bonhoeffer at a time in human history when a cacaphony of voices and many deeds that terrorize demand an approach to peace that is unrelenting and sacrificial.
I voted for Bonhoeffer, since he seems like exactly the saint for our times. His strong and principled stand for the Gospel of Christ even at the cost of his life is a witness, challenge and encouragement for all of us both in the US and elsewhere who find ourselves surrounded by angry demagogues (some of them pretending to be Christian or to defend "Christian civilization" as in Bonhoeffer's own time) and their calls to fascism, racism, xenophobia, religious hatred and violence. Blessed Dietrich, pray for us!
Thank you for comment and to all thoughtful (and occasionally amusing) commentors this season.
Well, I voted for Julian, and I'm content with that. However, the more I consider Bonhoeffer, and what this week is about, I see many parallels-- choosing to return to a place of certain death; recognizing that peace is not obtained safely; staying true to principles that resulted in the inevitable, ignominious death. Both Julian and Dietrich chose to sacrifice "the safe life" on behalf of others.