With the final battle of Elate Eight week, we will head into the weekend with the full slate of the Faithful Four. After yesterday's victory by Franz Jägerstätter over Mecthild of Magdeburg 67% to 33%, three of the four tickets have been punched. Franz will join Stephen and Florence Nightingale while we await the outcome of today's battle between Raymond Nonnatus and Amelia Bloomer.
To make it this far, Raymond defeated John of Nepomuk and Moses the Black while Amelia made it past Philipp Melanchthon and Fanny Crosby.
Are you ready for the final three days of the 2017 Saintly Smackdown? Here's how it will go: On Monday Stephen will face Franz. On Tuesday today's winner will face Florence Nightingale. On Spy Wednesday, we'll send one of the two remaining saints to (additional) eternal glory by awarding the coveted Golden Halo. There's a lot more Madness to come but that's how next week will go.
In the meantime, vote! And spend the weekend preparing for next week's final flourish.
Raymond Nonnatus
To no one’s surprise, Raymond Nonnatus is a kitsch-heavy saint.
There are, of course, the assortment of kitschy items dedicated to Raymond himself. There’s a catchy album of music, if you would care to calmly meditate upon getting your mouth drilled with a red-hot poker. Unfortunately, from the samples provided, it sounds like a head-on collision between Kenny G and that NPR show that comes on at 2:00 am and only plays music about space.
There is also this helpful magnet of a St. Raymond icon, that you could stick to your office filing cabinet, to remind you to cut down on malicious office gossip. To further this endeavor, you might also want to sprinkle around some St. Raymond oil. The seller helpfully indicates that the oil does not smell like the name -- so if you were concerned that it would have Eau de Really Dead Guy, worry not! (No word on what it DOES smell like though. If one of the Lent Madness Commentariat would like to purchase it and report back, please do!)
On a more serious side, the Library of Seville, in Spain, has a 17th century manuscript detailing the feats and miracles of St. Raymond that is available for free download. If your Spanish is good, you can grab it for free, and read all about the testimony of the cardinals about the holy saint!
We cannot forget that St. Raymond also has his very own TV show. ‘Call the Midwife’ is also a font of lovely tie-in kitsch, from DVDs and cardigans to felt mice and color-coordinated yarn. If you have always wanted to be a do-gooder in the slums of pre-welfare state Britain, you can! Or at least look like it. 
However, perhaps you have more pressing concerns in the present. Perhaps you are turning to St. Raymond in an effort to stop slander against yourself or a loved one, and what you require is a lock. But not just any lock -- no! What you need is a special padlock to empower your particular prayer of intercession in this unique case. In such a situation, may I interest you in one of the many antique padlocks the internet helpfully has on offer? Such as this magnificent example, which was made in 1904 with the state seal of Missouri on it to honor the World’s Fair! With this, I imagine you could stop the ENTIRE STATE OF MISSOURI from talking about you.
“But Megan!” you protest, “The person who is slandering me is known unto me! He is a retired professional baseball player and I must specifically target my prayers accordingly! What then can I do?”
Fear not, brave friend. There is also hope for you. For in the depths of their wisdom, Major League Baseball released a series of commemorative padlocks with the images of pro ball players upon them! Yes! And so you may stop the trash talking of Andy Horner, outfielder for the St. Louis Cardinals with a specific padlock, through the wonders of modern late-stage capitalism.
Amelia Bloomer
Amelia Bloomer -- reformer, suffragette, temperance leader, and Christian. She’s a woman of substance who did not let the limitations placed on her by others define her.
So, as you’re challenging expectations and limitations and marching for justice, don’t forget your Amelia Bloomer tote bag, complete with images of not one but TWO pair of bloomers drying on the line. Comfortable clothing and environmentally friendly, all in one!
After a long day of marching for the dignity of every human being, relax by having your beverage of choice poured from your very own Amelia Bloomer flask. Of course, because Amelia found alcohol completely immoral, so much so that she wouldn’t dine in a home that had spirits within, you’d only put appropriate beverages in the flask.
Amelia’s story is quite amazing, so if you need to brush up on her adventures, you can read all about it at Lent Madness or this nifty children’s book.
Let’s not forget that for all Amelia did for women’s rights, she is most commonly remembered not for her intelligent and witty writings in the first newspaper published by and for women, nor for the dedicated work she did to gain women the right to vote and run for public office, nor for the way she challenged the church hierarchy to face their gender bias, but for a pair of pants, bloomers, as they came to be called.
We are fortunate that women and men still benefit from her faithful work, and we are fortunate we still benefit from her savvy fashion sense. Don’t you want your very own modern interpretation of Amelia Bloomer’s bloomers? 
-- Laurie Brock
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176 comments on “Raymond Nonnatus vs. Amelia Bloomer”
In honor of all the daffodils in bloom in front of my house, I vote for Ms. Bloomer - a woman ahead of her times.
I agree with Pete above when he stated that legal prohibition is immoral. The only thing it accomplished was to turn ordinary citizens into criminals while aiding and abetting the real criminals in organized crime to flourish and become wealthy. It'll be a losing vote, but I'm going with Raymond.
And during Prohibition, poisoning people in the name of calling it an "incentive" not to drink was encouraged. Go, Raymond!
It seems that I have been bombarded with so many negative words recently that I need a patron saint against gossip, etc. I vote Nonnatus.
Alas, I remember having to IRON my gym class bloomers. Haven't been fond of bloomers or ironing since. Another vote for Raymond!
I actually like ironing, esp small linens when my Altar Guild laundry months roll around, but have no recollection of ever having to iron the gym bloomers. Perhaps my mother did it... she even ironed t-shirts. Our gym suits (short skirted dress w/bloomers beneath) were of a fabric I remember as Indianhead, a firmly-woven cotton. Were these only worn at Catholic girls' schools? 😉
And I voted for Raymond, and the midwives of London and around the world.
I went to a public school and had to wear bloomers in Gym class Sounds like the same kind of material you had to wear.
Like Amelia for caring about justice in government for women and better, safer fashion, but she seems to have a beam in her heart and eye when it comes to temperance. Raymond's willingness to sell himself to free others and his focus on serving God makes my vote his.
Looking through Amelia’s material here and elsewhere I get it that she was a feminist forerunner., which for sure she’s a winner on, but my idea of saintliness usually has some overt connection to God and Jesus which the writeups so far don’t particularly focus on. So... it’s Nonatus by default.
Fighting for justice and equality for half the population seems to me to be very much connected to "God and Jesus." If you can't vote and participate fully in the life of your society, you cannot have justice. "Let justice roll down like waters," says the Good Book. If you're in that half of the population, you get that.
I just realized that MC Hammer is indebted to Amelia Bloomer and that "U Can't Touch This" is an early temperance slogan. In this hopeful Lenten game of choosing among "just good dead people," I cast my vote for Amelia Bloomer. I also give thanks for having a vote and remind myself that after Easter comes Pentecost, a long green season in which to practice going out and helping to strengthen our desperately weak democracy. (Thanks to Megan and Laurie for their "womanly" efforts at the Kitsch round today. Well done.)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otCpCn0l4Wo?rel=0&controls=0&showinfo=0&w=560&h=315%5D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otCpCn0l4Wo?rel=0&controls=0&showinfo=0&w=560&h=315%5D
Nothing says "Lent" like men in harem pants (I mean bloomers). Enjoy the Easter-egg pants and ceili-inflected choreography. It's Hammer time. (I mean Lent.)
"Nothing says 'Lent' like men in harem pants"---!!!! Hilarious!!
Wow! You are awesome and made my day with "Hammer Time"!
"Can't touch this!"
ROTFL
-=^..^=-
After a bit of thought I decided on Raymond, partly because of Call the Midwife (which I love!) but also the notes about "legal prohibition " not only being immoral (possibly) but also it does not work!
The Hammer pants won us over!
I can't vote for Amelia, as she was an extremist. Refusing to go into houses that even had alcohol in them is a sign of extremism.
You are tuned to the Lent Madness channel not the Lent History channel. If you don't like what's playing on the Lent Madness channel please feel free to not watch.
Preach!
I'm enjoying the kitsch this week, but I have to tell you (as someone who does historic reenacting of Amelia's time period) that what you're calling bloomers are really drawers - meant to be worn under clothing and never seen. They only come to a bit below the knee. Amelia's bloomers were made of the same material as the rest of her dress - probably wool - and came down to her ankles. I haven't figured out the knack of posting pictures here, but google her and you'll see what I mean. That said, I love the rest of what you found!
Thank you. I also was concerned that there seemed to be some confusion here between underwear and street clothes--no doubt related to the later usage of "bloomers" to mean a certain type of underpants, as the original "bloomers" did not survive long as ordinary wear. Accurate information--something librarians and library users care about!
Raymond Nonnatus, for many reasons, not the least of which is his becoming a slave to save others from slavery. Also, "Call the Midwife'. Did any of you see the first episode of the new season last Sunday?
LOL! The commentary today was great and almost made me snort into my coffee! This line: "Unfortunately, from the samples provided, it sounds like a head-on collision between Kenny G and that NPR show that comes on at 2:00 am and only plays music about space."
LOL. i know. Such a turn of a phrase!
Yes! That one was truly genius.
Thanks! 🙂
Hey, I _like_ "Music From the Hearts of Space"! It used to come on at a time when people my age were awake. I'll have to look for it online. Thanks!
I need silence. I need to listen more. Plus I do not care for bloomers or prohibition. St. Raymond Nonnatus, pray for me!
Just to show you how far into the future Amelia took us, the garment on the right (first picture) was known as "split drawers." My vote goes for the Anglican nuns.
Every year for Lent I vow to give up gossiping and complaining about my co-workers. I also think a showdown between St. Raymond Nonnatus and Florence Nightingale would be epic. Voting for St. Raymond.
For me, the fruit of Lent Madness is not in who wins, but in the opportunity to learn about 32 disciples of Christ and follow their examples. Whether I was already familiar with them or not, whether they are named saints or not, getting to know these holy people has enriched me and my Lenten journey the past 2 years. And it's fun to play, so thank you SEC for your work. Peace of Christ.
Thanks Sheila. I also enjoy learning about the lives of the, "32" be they saints or commoners. I am always inspired by the breath of God that leads them so passionately to give their all for others. As Jesus did for all. During lent, I read, I smile, I vote and I contemplate how I can aspire. Who could I be with God's breath?
I also look forward to the comments every day. I feel like I have a community of new friends for 6 weeks and then will miss everyone when it is over. Kind of like going home after 6 weeks of summer camp.
Despite a brief temptation when I saw the "Call the Midwife" felt mouse, I voted for Amelia. Why not - after all, my choice for the Golden Halo went down in defeat to Florence Nightingale. Besides, I really liked and admired Amelia Bloomer even before I knew she was considered a saint. 🙂
It appears Amelia Bloomer will win, and I admire her. She had my vote last round. This was a tough choice for me. But have to go all the way with Ray!
Got to go with Nonnatus. Great grandmother was a midwife.
if only because she made it ok for womrn to wear jeans *in a round about way) I would cast my vote for her...BUT she did so much more!
I voted for Amelia, because she had such an ipact on our world today and on the fight for equality for women. But I also have an important question (that may already have been answered): Did we ever find out what happened to Oliver? Wa he unmasked as an adult, or...?
Yes, I want to know, too--I miss him!
Well, I have a daughter named Amelia, so that should have pretty much dictated my vote. However, I do love Call the Midwife. In the end, I went with Amelia, because (other than that pesky No Alcohol thing) she speaks to the rebel in me.
I was going to vote for Amelia anyway. But the fact that there is an Amelia Bloomer (orange juice) flask makes me really happy that I am doing so.
Nonnatus! Lent Madness, forever!!
I've voted for Ms. Bloomer every round for her crusade for women and children in society and in the church. And also, I love the garb! I've voted for the other guy in each round with Sr. Nonnatus because of my squeamishness over his birth (surely killed his mom), his slave-trading (even if for their freedom, trading it was), and his mutilation (though not his fault, it gives me nightmares).
Also, I'm influenced as always by the 'Lent Madness Commentariat.' fn
That term *almost* swayed me toward her candidate, in and of itself. I'm going to use it in social media from this day forward!
fn: Castellan, Megan "Raymond Nonnatus," https://www.lentmadness.org/2017/04/raymond-nonnatus-vs-amelia-bloomer/#more-7567 (April 7, 2017)
Sara, I agree that, by buying slaves their freedom, Raymond did, in that sense, participate in the slave trade. But how else could he have done it?
Raymond's caesarian didn't kill his mom, according to the story. Right after she died, his father asked that this operation be performed to try to save the baby.
Raymond risked his life to ransom those held hostage by the medieval version of ISIS, probably realizing that his own life was a gift since his mom died as he was born. Bloomer will get too many votes for representing the women's suffrage movement, but that movement banned drinking beer, and I can't live without craft beer. And (to exaggerate) she's anti-church: how can we celebrate Eucharist without wine?
I'm for Ray! Islamic extremism, kidnapping for ransom, issues of war & peace and how to respond to barbarism -- these are still with is. Ray chose non-violence, and gave his life (he died a year after being tortured by the Caliph). Go Ray!
Well, you know, John, the Baptists and Methodists (I used to be a Methodist!) do it without wine all the time. But it ain't the same, it ain't the same at all!
Welsh's Grape Juice was invented by a Methodist and tastes better than sherry* but no where near as good as port.
*Yes I know sherry comes out of the linens easier but if clergy & LEMs are careful, there should be no wine on the linens!
Mmmm, port!
Well, we see who wears the pants in this competition!!
Gee, my wife and I drove through Seneca Falls last summer.
The static in the air remains, wow.
A lovely flowing river, stately buildings, and ....
Amelia Bedelia for me. I know who wears the pants.
A victory for Amelia will guarantee that a woman will be in the finals. I voted for Amelia for several reasons, but that was the main one.