Today in Lent Madness it's Wulfstan vs. Katharina von Bora. Anglican bishop of the Middle Ages facing off against an important figure of the Protestant Reformation.
Yesterday, Lazarus was sent back to the grave in a drubbing at the hand of Esther 77% to 23%. Unlike Lazarus, Esther will live to fight another day as she will face the winner of Anna the Prophet vs. Michael the Archangel.
And just in case you missed yesterday's stellar edition of Monday Madness, which seems an impossibility as it's undoubtedly the highlight of your week, you can watch it here. In this week's episode, Tim and Scott answer Viewer Mail. Have a burning question about Lent Madness? Leave it on our Facebook or Twitter page and it just may get answered on the air.
Wulfstan
Wulfstan, bishop of Worcester in the eleventh century, was the last surviving bishop to have been consecrated before the Norman conquest of England.
He was born around 1008 in Warwickshire. Likely named after his uncle, Wulfstan II, archbishop of York, he studied at monasteries and eventually became a clerk at Worcester. He earned an honorable reputation for his dedication and chastity, and his superiors encouraged him to become a priest. Wulfstan was ordained in 1038 and joined a monastery of Benedictines at Worcester. When Pope Nicholas forced Ealdred, archbishop of York, to relinquish his secondary role as bishop of Worcester, Ealdred appointed Wulfstan in his place.
After the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, Wulfstan was one of only a handful of English-born bishops to retain their diocese because William the Conqueror deemed him especially skillful. For the next three decades, Wulfstan became known for his pastoral care, especially of the poor, and as a champion for the vanquished Saxons who labored under the harsh decrees of the Normans. Wulfstan acted as an ambassador to bridge the old and new regimes. An outspoken opponent of the slave trade, he helped end the practice in his region.
Wulfstan oversaw significant rebuilding projects, including Worcester Cathedral, Hereford Cathedral, and Tewkesbury Abbey as well as founding the Great Malvern Priory. After the Conquest, he claimed an unprecedented authority for the church over the Oswaldslow, a large tract of land he held for the diocese as free of interference by the local sheriff. Presumably, he felt the church could better guard the interests of the Saxon peasants. Wulfstan also helped compile the Domesday Book, a land survey of much of England and parts of Wales.
Wulfstan died on January 20, 1095, after a long illness, the last surviving pre-Conquest bishop. Wulfstan was canonized in 1203 by Pope Innocent III. His feast day is January 19; he is the patron of vegetarians and dieters.
Collect for Wulfstan
Almighty God, your only-begotten Son led captivity captive and gave gifts to your people: Multiply among us faithful pastors, who, like your holy bishop Wulfstan, will give courage to those who are oppressed and held in bondage; and bring us all, we pray, into the true freedom of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Katharina von Bora
“There’s a reason we remember her as Katharina von Bora and not Mrs. Martin Luther,” according to church historian James A. Nestingen. That’s because von Bora was the original girl boss and a key collaborator of Luther’s, shaping the Reformation not only by defining marriage for Protestant clergy but also by challenging the Reformer in theological discussions.
Born into a Saxon family in Germany that had nobility but little money, von Bora entered a Benedictine cloister school as a young child. Her family later arranged her transfer to a Cistercian convent, where—just two years before Martin Luther reportedly nailed his 95 Theses to the Castle Church door on Oct. 31, 1517—she professed vows to become a nun. Somehow the ideas expressed in those theses, which sparked the Protestant Reformation, found their way beyond the cloister walls. And on Good Friday in 1523, twelve nuns left religious life, smuggled out of the convent in herring barrels. Among them was Katharina von Bora.
The women eventually made their way to Wittenberg, where Luther helped them find homes or husbands—all except for von Bora. Finally in control of her own life, Katharina told Luther’s friend Nikolaus von Amsdorf she would marry only him or Luther.
Luther and von Bora were married—a somewhat scandalous action for a former monk and nun—on June 13, 1525. With von Bora’s determination and hard work, she transformed the town’s abandoned monastery not just into a home but “a boarding house the size of a Holiday Inn,” according to biographer Ruth A. Tucker. She brewed beer and cooked meals for the students and friends Luther hosted in their home. She managed the Luther household and its finances, investing in other properties—and she raised six children.
Along the way, she so impressed her husband that he referred to her as “Doctora Lutherin” and, unusually for the time, made her his sole heir when he passed away in 1546. But the law required a guardian for widows and children, making Luther’s will unenforceable and leaving von Bora pleading for money from benefactors. Six years later, von Bora died after an accident involving her horses and wagon in Torgau while fleeing a plague in Wittenberg. Still determined as ever, her last words reportedly were, “I will stick to Christ as a burr to cloth.”
Collect for Katharina von Bora
Great Lover of Souls, you call us to companionship with you and with each other: Grant that we, like your servant Katharina von Bora, would have the deep courage, fearless love, and lively energy to embrace the vocations to which you call us and to stand as strong support for those with whom we live, work, and bear your love into the world. We pray this in the name of him who first loved us, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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280 comments on “Wulfstan vs. Katharina von Bora”
Katerina gets my vote. Because.....she stuck to Christ and used all of her considerable gifts
Katharine von Bora -- multitasker, gutsy, faithful Christian who knew her own mind. VERY impressive. I'm a big fan of St. Margaret of Scotland for the same reasons.
I love the alliteration of Wulfstan of Worcester,
but I'm sticking w/Katharina, not known by her husband's name.
In my opinion Wulfstan was more deserving in this matchup. I am sorry to say that I have concluded that the voting must be skewed by the number of women voting versus men. I will drop out of Lent Madness. It was a great concept however.
Bill, I have to say you can't play Lent Madness if you take it so seriously! I had to get over this hurdle several times myself. Of course we can't seriously say that one saint is "better" or more deserving than another. All are important to God, as are all of us. God bless you!
But it would have been a better concept if the men did all the winning, eh?
and why the assumption that women will only vote for women? today my vote is for Wulfstan, as I see him to be the "saintlier" choice. it's not all "uteruses before duderuses!"
I was just thinking that my next dog will be Wulfstan
Entirely appropriate, as the etymology (according to the Internet which may or may not be reliable) is wolf (wolf) and stone (stan).
Agreed - Wulfstan for me!
I voted for Wulfstan today because I deemed him the better choice. The other day, Esther, but only by a hair. It is never my intention to vote by gender, but by merit, as I see it.
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So sorry you seem to feel that way... I am a woman and have voted for men who were up against a woman 50% of the time, so far... This is a "game", and while it provides wonderful learning opportunities, we all decide whom we will vote for for our own reasons. Some are careful, prayerful and serious; others might be considered frivolous. Your call, though.
Bill, that’s pretty hurtful: “I’m not going to play because too many women have joined the game.” I truly am sad that you feel that way. I think you are now experiencing what women have experienced for millennia. It sucks to feel like your voice is being overwhelmed by others. But, honestly, Bill, we’re all listening. Some of us just have different opinions. I struggle with my introverts and mystics often getting trounced by the activists in the final tally. Breathe, laugh a lot, and play on. It works in life as well.
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Bill, doyou want your rubber ducky too? Pick it up on the way out.
Ay-yi, that's a little harsh.
LOL
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"Breathe, laugh a lot and play on" is my new mantra for the day.
How 'bout we nominate Bill's wife (if there's one) next year as a saint. She'd HAVE to be!
Being the vehicle for the saintliness of another is a humble but fruitful calling. I’m sure my late wife’s halo is the brighter for 45 years of putting up with me, and our friends would all agree.
I'm with you, Pam. Like!
Bill, please stick with the process. Was it Robert Fulgham who wrote the book "All I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten"? Any parent presented with their Kindergarteners art project knows that Lent Madness often provokes the same mystery and delight. It is The Process not The Product that matters.
I read through the comments, too. Enlightening and entertaining. Thanks, St. Celia, jeaninejj and Emily. Like!
Ya know, Bill, Wulfstan voter here, and I have to say that I have been tempted to pack up my toys and go home too, because I think these contests often reflect the tension between voters who identify more with A. Western Christianity's Roman heritage OR B. the perspectives and practices of the Reformation theologians and the Protestant church. I think this is in part the case in today's match-up, not that once again too many girls are playing and spoiling the game. Why does faith have to be a boy's game? "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:28
Should we female players be mad about the halo having gone to George Herbert, St. Francis, Charles Wesley, C.S. Lewis and Dietrich Bonhoeffer (versus only 3 Holy Women to date)? I wouldn't waste my time.
Oh, come on, Bill, don't be fragile. I've voted for men over women twice already, including today (Paul didn't count, as he was up against Peter). St. John the Evangelist is the patron saint of my parish, so I'm kind of ultimately rooting for him. It's just that there are a lot of awesome women saints this time--I mean, one of them fended off a whole gang of Roman soldiers while decapitated, with her head tucked under her arm! How do you top that?
Well Bill, I'm a woman, liberated woman at that. I vote independent of the sex of the person/saint of the day. I agree it has been a bit depressing this year seeing one great
soul after another lose on matters totally unrelated to saintliness. It is also hard to understand how people vote for what is clearly fantastical descriptions of a modern day superhero over clear and historically accurate information available on a candidate. But, the vote is only a piece of this process. It is also this great group of folks who are committing their Lenten season to this pilgrimage. We are all on the road to the Resurrection.
Reading about Wulfstan was a revelation and an inspiration. I didn't know any of this! He totally deserved canonization.
I had to vote for Katerina, though. An amazing woman! Usually her husband gets all the credit. Plus I don't think the Roman Catholic Church is going to be canonizing her anytime soon!
It's up to us to canonize her! 😛
Having led Taize worship in the beautiful crypt of Worcester Cathedral which goes back to Wulfstan's time, I can do no other than vote for him. His championing of the poor, his opposition to slavery, his skillful guidance of the church in very challenging times are all qualities needed today. I am also swayed by the lovely carving of him in Worcester Cathedral accompanied by a goose.
You had me at “herring barrels.”
As much as I like Katharina von Bora, I am voting for Wulfstan. I am interested in these figures who "suture" historical periods together. An argument could be made that Katharina herself is one, but she seems like one of the "winners" of history, whereas Wulfstan quietly holds together two enormous tectonic plates of history from the position of the loser. Twice our biographer writes "surviving bishop," which struck me as odd, because he is in fact long dead. But I think "surviving" here refers to his status as "11th century" and a native Englishman affiliated with the Saxons. So he belongs to the geological plate which is going under the more dynamic "top" plate, the Normans. And his work is to keep records and to build and to provide pastoral care. He sounds like a faithful bishop. I am impressed that he worked against slavery. Wulfstan sounds like a good model for an episcopal church and a church of the book.
Fascinating. I hadn't really thought in terms of people who 'suture' historical periods together and the analogy of different eras as colliding tectonic plates. It's a very interesting perspective and I will remember it. Thank you St. Celia.
What she said!
Illuminating ideas; thanks for posting this. But then, your posts are always a source of pleasure.
wow, thank you <3
Sally, and others who wrote similar thoughts - beautifully Sid. Thank you!
A subduction zone produces two things: volcanoes and massive earthquakes. Which do were have here? Lol
English is unusual in having separate words for “saint” and “holy.” Likewise for “heaven” and “sky.”
Very sorry for your loss. I am sure, however, that you were a wonderful companion.
My Lutheran husband and his mom would never, nor could ever utter the c-word in the Nicene Creed. I’ve tried to tell him, but...
Hmmm, you're ruining my metaphor with facts. Actually, isn't there a third option: a tsunami? Actually, I already mixed sewing with geology. I would say: earthquakes. And Wulfstan kept building and keeping organized society together. "For you knitted me together in my mother's womb." The earth travailled and Wulfstan held it together. Institutions can work.
Thanks for all these metaphors. I needed entertainment as well as inspiration this morning following serious dental surgery yesterday, and all of you have provided it! Imagining social, military, and religious upheavals in the light of plate tectonics is brilliant! I remember having a sweatshirt with "Stop Plate Tectonics" written large across it. The most humorous response it ever got (from another clergy) was ..."And resist gravity!"
I love it. 🙂
Wulfstan, because he was anti-slavery and tried to protect those who were oppressed by the government.
Katarina: because I know quite a bit about being an anonymous collaborator in the work of the church.
Whenever I can't decide after reading the bios, I read the comments. Today I wishy-washed through them as well, but I'm going to vote for Wulfstan. Thank you all for the help.
I remember Wulfstan from long ago Brit Lit days. He was a strong compassionate bridge between the oppressed Saxons and their Norman conquorers, helped compile the long treasured Domesday Book, and opposed the slave trade.
Decisions, decisions! I am not familiar with either of these people. After reading about Wulfstan I was thinking he would for sure be my vote because of his long dedication and service to God. Then I read about Katharina! Just being wife to Luther should make her eligible for some kind of prize, and maintaining an intellectual life midst being a “wife” and having 6!!! Children. The beautiful prayer for her sealed my vote.
Another agonizing choice, between two of my favourite people in history. I was pretty sure I was going to vote for Katharina -- and not just because of the name! Anyone who could put up with Martin Luther on a daily basis -- while housing and feeding and caring for so many -- and clearly maintaining all her marbles and humour -- is worthy of high praise. But somehow, Wulfstan is calling. The Normans were brutal, not just in their 10-year conquest of England, but long after; slavery had almost died out in Anglo-Saxon England but the Normans reinvigorated the practice... Wulfstan was someone who quietly but dedicatedly persisted in helping the oppressed, in a time and place where he could have been killed for it. Insofar as he had power and authority he used it tireless on behalf of those who had neither; of how many can we say that?
I won't be sad if Katharina wins, but I am glad that people are getting to at least know a little about Wulfstan.
I simply love the herring barrel caper...
I feel like that should be the title of a historical fiction novel based on Katharina's life!
Also, Powers That Be of Lent Madness -- can we PLEASE get some sort of "like" option for the comments? There are so many I enjoy would like to let the authors know, but I don't necessarily want to have to put a whole comment on their comment!!
LIKE!!!
Yes, I would love to see this. Many of the comments are so interesting and thoughtful, it would be satisfying to be able to show appreciation.
I have felt frustrated by this sometimes, too, but I think the SEC in all its glorious wisdom has withheld this from us that more conversational we might be.
you can't show appreciation by saying so?
You can, but it ends there. I can imagine someone saying, "I vote for St. X because blah blah, etc." Then 30 people hit "like." The comments could be substantially reduced. Not having a "like" button pushes you to say more, it seems to me.
So show appreciation. If you want FB, go to FB. Leave he rest of us alone .
Oh, I see I misunderstood your earlier comment. Sorry!
Can we PLEASE be will ingto expend a little bit of effort?
Two inspiring saints with whom I'd had no familiarity! This was a very hard choice but as much as I admire Katerina for her strength to push beyond the boundaries of her time, I had to vote for Wulfstan for his broad impact opposing slavery, work for the poor and steadying the organized church in turbulent times.
The Protestant Reformation has saints? Wulfstan for me.
This was a hard choice. Both deserved to win. I voted for Katherina because she did so much in a time when women got little respect. And she worked body and soul for Christ. But Wulfstan impressed me so much with his pastoral care. I really wish I had not had to choose berween them.
Another tough choice today (and it's only going to get tougher) Still the "I will stick to Christ as a burr to cloth" quote was a deciding factor. Also, anyone willing to be smuggled anywhere in a herring barrel is a very determined and strong person.
Bishop Wulfstan. Love the name.
I didn't expect to even like Katerina, but... Wow! Such strength of will! I had to vote for her.
Wulfstan is a man for our times today...we need more bridge builders between "old and new regimes."
"Wulfstan acted as an ambassador to bridge the old and new regimes." Our nation and world needs more peace-makers.
Katharina for me, have to vote for Luther’s wife she has probably not got the recognition she deserves. Was a member of the Lutheran church for most of my life.
There's got to be more of a story there for Katharina to have so many people voting for her. Based on the description, I see a woman who hosted guests and raised many children and supported her husband. Obviously these are worthy, important, admirable traits, but do they make her a "saint"? I want to know more about her than what is in the write-up. In the meantime, my vote is for Wulfstan.
The ladies are on a roll, I guess. I have a soft spot for the Celtic saints, so Wulfstan for me!
I voted for Wulfstan as I too am from Warwickshire and know all the locales mentioned.
I voted for +Wulfstan because he sounds like an excellent example of what a Bishop should be. May all our Bishops follow in the faithful and caring example of +Wulfstan.
I wonder if William Wilberforce knew of +Wulfstan's abolition work.
I voted for Katharina, although I do think there's something fishy about the herring-barrel story.