And then there were eight. We started with 32 saints and 3/4 of them have been sent packing. Welcome, friends, to the Elate Eight.
Who remains? Well, after Amelia Bloomer made it past Fanny Crosby yesterday 59% to 41%, she will join Stephen, Augustine of Canterbury, Franz Jägerstätter, Mechtild of Magdeburg, Raymond Nonnatus, Martin Luther, and Florence Nightingale. One of these remaining eight will be awarded the coveted 2017 Golden Halo!
Things kick off with two heavyweights of the faith as Stephen takes on Augustine of Canterbury. Yes, it’s the Church’s Protomartyr vs. the Apostle to the English. To make it to this point Stephen defeated Alban and Henry Budd while Augustine took down Augustine of Hippo and Scholastica. Don't forget to click the Bracket tab and scroll down to be reminded of what was written about these two in the earlier rounds.
The Elate Eight is also known as the round of Saintly Kitsch. After basic biographies, quirks and quotes, what else could there be? Now, there are always some folks who take offense to this approach — we call them Kitsch Kranks. Please remember that this round is not meant to belittle or demean our saintly heroes but to have some fun and gaze in wide wonder at the breadth of devotional practice. So kindly relax and enjoy the spirit of the Madness as we push ever onward toward our goal.
Finally, if you want to know more about, and see some examples of, saintly kitsch, tune in to this week’s episode of Monday Madness in which Tim and Scott reveal the Great Shema of Lent Madness (along with cameos by George T. Dog and 150 seventh grade boys from BC High in Boston).
Stephen
When you are the first of a great line, the opportunities for recognition and tribute are manifold. This is certainly true for Stephen, the holder of two important firsts – first of the Christian martyrs and first of the Christian deacons. For the last two thousand years, the faithful have sought to honor Stephen’s memory.
You could start that the beginning of his story, and worship at the place of his martyrd
om – St. Stephen’s Basilica and monastery in Jerusalem (Saint-Étienne in French). Or, just start wherever you are – chances are good that the there is a St. Stephen’s Church in or near wherever you live.
But perhaps even the place where you live is named in honor of Stephen – is a town "kitsch?" Perhaps, once you consider all the kitsch associated with life together in a town. You could attend St. Stephen’s College (in St. Stephen’s, New Brunswick), or just generally think St. Stephen is a great place (and protomartyr).
Of course, you will need a little special something to go with your new shirt – perhaps a purse depicting the funeral of Saint Stephen? You could always use it to carry around pebbles and small stones that you find – just in case. Or maybe you just want to keep some candy around to munch on later. 
As long as you are accessorizing, pick yourself up a small broach. You could choose a simple Saint Stephen medallion. But if you are looking for something fancier, you can’t go wrong with the badges and insignia of either of the two royal / military orders of Saint Stephen – it make it easier to get your hands on one if you are either a Duke of Tuscany or Hungarian royalty. Just don’t make a wrong turn, or you will end up with one of these fancy pins dedicated to St. Steve (Buscemi).
When you get home at the end of a long day of serving others, relax by playing with this Stephen doll. You can re-enact his preaching, or bury him under some stones in a sandbox. While unwinding, throw on some music – perhaps the Grateful Dead song, “St. Stephen” which the band has said was inspired by the first century martyr (following his death, Jerry Garcia’s funeral was even held in one of those many “St. Stephen” churches).
As you say your evening prayers for the forgiveness of those who have wronged you, light a candle. Then cuddle up to your Saint Stephen Beanie Bear and sleep soundly, trusting as Stephen did in God’s watchful care.
-- David Hanson
Augustine of Canterbury
Augustine of Canterbury: the first Archbishop of Canterbury; Benedictine monk; prior; priest; bishop; Apostle to the English; founder of the English Church; Archbishop of the English Nation.
How important is St. Augustine of Canterbury to Christianity? Based on the amount and types of items available for viewing, purchasing, wearing and reading, it is simple to witness and judge the depth of his importance, the expanse of his influence, and the widespread use of his name and image.
He is depicted in many mediums and in so many ways
There are many books…and statues...and icons...
and illustrations…and manuscripts. He's even on YouTube!
Granted, none of this really qualifies as true saintly kitsch. Fortunately, Augustine fans, all is not in vain. We'll start 
slowly with postage stamps. Not exactly kitsch, but pretty great!
Thirsty? Drink your favorite hot beverage out of this Augustine icon mug.
Or, if wearing your Augustine pride is more your speed, 
why not don this t-shirt that also includes two other Archbishops of Canterbury thrown in for no extra charge?
Or this cartoonish Augustine the kids will love? 
You can also show your Augustine affinity by wearing buttons. Lots and lots of 
buttons. On all your lapels. For an entire week. Or on your hat. 
Finally, you can visit the untold number of churches, abbeys, cathedrals, missions and prayer stations named for Augustine of Canterbury worldwide. Like St. Augustine's Abbey in Canterbury itself.
There are just so many choices among the myriad ways to remember Augustine of Canterbury -- reading, wearing, viewing, posting, mailing, sipping or visiting.
-- Neva Rae Fox
[poll id="197"]
208 comments on “Stephen vs. Augustine of Canterbury”
There is something important that I think everyone needs to consider in discerning their vote today. Augustine is the ONLY one in this round to have a whole month named after him. AUGUSTine. Seriously. There is no month named Stephentine is there? I rest my case!
Alas, like many of our months, August comes from the Latin. Augustus Cesear comes to mind......
Being a fan of Celtic Christianity, Stephen gets my vote........
Oh well, Cheryl, if you're going to limit me to actual facts rather than alternative facts . . . . .
Y'all are a hoot!
In fact, August was indeed named after Caesar Augustus. And July after his Uncle...
I hereby recommend to our rector (the notorious Fr. Schenck) that we adopt the pelting tradition. Great use for the leftover Christmas candy! We already hold a jellybean reception after the Easter Vigil, and this would fit right in.
I have always believed that Stephen's witness was amazingly powerful. It seems a bit ironic that we're considering the best demonstration of kitsch when we get to this point when these saints like Stephen laid down their lives for the Gospel. Just hard to get my head around, but I love LentMadness nonetheless!
Love the rock candy
Read the recipe here:
http://www.catholicinspired.com/2012/12/st-stephen-rock-candy.html
Go Stephen!
Very shallow of me, but Stephen's kitsch is kitschier.
"Everybody Must Get Stoned"....so impressed to find Stephen being the first to demonstrate!! He would sorely appreciate the rock candy ...those old Catholics knew how to throw a party!
Ah shoot, I'm being a Kitsch Krank! Just read the comments up top. Oscar the Grouch and I have much in common this early morning, apparently. Onward with the Final Eight!
'S okay, Lindsay! Recognizing the problem is the first step towards recovery!
I voted for Stephen, not because he was the first to be martyred but because he was the first known deacon. Many churches and dioceses are working toward the idea of a deacon in every church.
I have to stick with Stephen even if his candle is a little creepy. I always enjoy the saintly kitsch, mostly for the sheer persistence and ingenuity of the celebrity bloggers, not to mention the sleepless nights some of the items they unearth must engender. 🙂
"The wren, the wren, the king of all birds,
St. Stephen's Day was caught in the furze,
Although he was little his honour was great,
Jump up me lads and give him a treat.
Chorus:
Up with the kettle and down with the pan,
And give us a penny to bury the wren.
The wren, the wren, the king of all birds,
St. Stephen's Day was caught in the furze,
Although he was little his honour was great,
Jump up me lads and give him a treat."
Chorus:
"Up with the kettle and down with the pan,
And give us a penny to bury the wren."
See also "Wren Day" in Wikipedia. The annual SS Day wren hunt is NOT a tradition to be revived, but it's a cute song.
Sorry, I must have pasted twice by mistake.
I love the Chieftains rendition!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyA1zKBUhxM
Nice...and on that same marvelous album by the incomparable Chieftains , we have the hilarious "St. Stephen's Day Murders!" Nonetheless, I had to go with Augustine.
Augustine..how may I return to Canterbury if I do not vote for him....Last Christmas was memorable..Thanks Gus.
I rise today through a mighty strength,
God's power to guide me,
God's might to uphold me,
God's eyes to watch over me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to give me speech,
God's hand to guide me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to shelter me,
God's host to secure me.
We lost much of the beauty and wisdom of the Celtic tradition through the mission of Augustine and the decision that the practices of the Church of Rome should trump those of the Celtic Christians. A pilgrimage to the holy isle of Iona opened the beauty of Celtic Christianity to me. There have always been church
politics. I can't vote against the Celts. Stephen for me.
Betty, you are spot on. I love the Celtic traditions and am saddened at the repressing influence of Rome. ..sorry, Augustine, I'm going to have to say "Bye, Felicia!"
Plus....rock candy! Go Stephen, Go!
Oh yeah.
Since I live in the same town as Stephen (Colbert), that lovely item sealed the deal for me. Stephen for the win!
I was baptized and confirmed at St Stephens in Beverly, NJ, so I had to vote for him!
Decisions... decisions! Nail biting time as we begin the Elite Eight! Love the swag offered for St. Stephen's fan: rock candy, Teddy Bear and a devotional candle of St. Stephen (of Colbert).
I go to St. Stephen in Longmont, Colorado, but I was confirmed in St. Augustine's in Oklahoma City! What to do.... the St. Colbert candle won me over.
The saintly Rock Candy did it for me! Doesn't get more kitschy than that!!! Going with the Protomartyr.
St. Stephen Colbert got me!
Stephen clearly won the kitsch round. I really wanted to vote for Augustine, but the Grateful Dead made me vote for Stephen.
Team Deacon, ride or die.
I was very very crabby at both these guys for besting two of my champions. I planned to sulk and not vote at all this morning, but the terrible, terrible kitsch has turned my mood around. Well done, Celebrity Bloggers, the pair of you.
I am still not able to vote!!! Not sure the problem. Anyone else have this happen? I don't think I have broken any rules!!
I'm wondering if it's your browser. If you're using Internet Explorer, try enabling popups. Or sign in using Firefox or Chrome. Or go to the library and use one of their computers, or borrow someone's smartphone if you don't have one of your own. Good luck!
OMG...the Catholic-inspired Rock Candy!!! Bwahahahaha!
After reverently listening to the Grateful Dead in honor of St. Stephen getting stoned, I cast my vote for the first deacon. Nothing like a good dose of kitsch when you're called to bring the Church to the world and the world to the Church!
Rock candy, St. Stephen Colbert candle and then, the Liturgical dance....! ! My sides are splitting! What a way to begin the day! Go Stephen, all the way! Hahaha!!
It was, as always, a very difficult choice, but the Saint Colbert candle is what got my vote.
The Colbert candle made my decision for me...
I voted for St Stephen because my grandDAUGHTER's name is Stevie and because we have a VERY SPECIAL STEPHEN IN OUR CONGREGATION and his name is STEPHEN
What ever happened to Oliver???
Wondering the same thing! Hey, O Holy SEC guys, could you please check in with Oliver and let us know if he's OK? LentMadHeads want to know.
I miss Oliver also!
Same questions n here. Maybe the photo was too much for him.
I think they call it a 'Welfare Check'. Can you take care of that for us, SEC? Thanks!