668 comments on “Nominationtide has arrived!”

1. Discerning which saint to nominate for Lent Madness 2020 was fun and difficult since the Episcopal Church alone has a wealth from which to choose. I’ve settled, though, on Dorothy Sayers. While I love the other Inklings, it seems to me that we let her be overshadowed by them. Yet she is an equal certainly to Lewis in theological thought and excellent prose. She opened my eyes even wider that women could even write theology.
   In “Are Women Human?”, Sayers writes, “Perhaps it is no wonder that the women were first at the Cradle and last at the Cross. They had never known a man like this Man - there never has been such another. A prophet and teacher who never nagged at them, never flattered or coaxed or patronised; who never made arch jokes about them, never treated them either as ‘The women, God help us!’ or ‘The ladies, God bless them!’...” A reminder that could and should be applied today in the many iterations of the Christian way. Not to mention in the world in everyday relationships and interactions.

   Her sense of humor and self is marvelous.

   Also, I would hope for some great kitsch. Although I did see a crocheted Lydia doll on the Vanderbilt lectionary’s art page, so maybe I should have nominated her.

2. Terese of the Andes
   Unremarkable parents
   20th century
   Cloistered carmelite
   Died of typhus in her 20s
   Inspired writings

3. I would like to nominate Pierre Teilhard de Chardin for 2020 Lent Madness. He was a well-educated Jesuit priest who trained as a paleontologist and geologist and took part in the discovery of Peking Man. He wrote two comprehensive works, "The Phenomenon of Man" and "The Divine Milieu", both of which brought down the wrath of the Pope & his superiors. This quote resonates with me: "You are not a human being in search of a spiritual experience. You are a spiritual being immersed in a human experience."

4. I nominate Saint Hervé who was born blind. With his disciple Guiharan, Hervé lived near Plouvien as a hermit and bard. He had the power to cure animals and was accompanied by a domesticated wolf. His wolf devoured the ox or donkey Hervé used in plowing. Hervé then preached a sermon that was so eloquent that the wolf begged to be allowed to serve in the ox's stead. Hervé's wolf pulled the plow from that day on. (How cool is that!)
   He was joined by disciples and refused any ordination or earthly honour, accepting only to be ordained as an exorcist. He died in 556 AD and was buried at Lanhouarneau.
   He is the patron saint of bards (musicians) and the blind.

5. Gregory of Nazianzus, for his role in formulating the doctrine of the Incarnation. Reading his writings cleared some important cobwebs out of my head.

6. I nominate St. Aelred of Rievaulx. He was a exceptional Abbot, who's magnum opus, Spiritual Friendship, still inspires many to a deeper intimacy as Christian brothers and sisters. Also, because his writings suggest he was attracted to men, he is the patron saint of Integrity USA, the Episcopal Church's LGBTQ ministry.

7. I would like to nominate St. Dymphna, patron saint of the nervous, mentally ill, and those who suffer from neurological disorders, as well as psychologists, psychiatrists, and neurologists. She was born in Ireland in the 7th century to a pagan king, Damon, and a Christian mother, as the story goes. She consecrated herself to God at the age of 14 and vowed a life of chastity. However, her mother died shortly afterwards, and in the midst of his grief her father's mental state began to deteriorate and he began to lust after his daughter. She fled with her confessor, Father Gerebernus, two servants and the king's fool, and they eventually settled in the town of Geel in modern-day Belgium. She sest up a hospice center for the poor and sick of the region, but her father found her, and when she refused to return with him he became mad and cut off her head. A church was built for her in 1349 in Geel and attracted many, many visitors and pilgrims seeking treatment for mental illnesses. So many, in fact, that even after the church increased space for the visitors, the sanctuary was overflowing, so townspeople began to welcome them into their homes, thus initiating a tradition of radical hospitality that apparently still continues in some fashion to this day. I think a saint who inspired such a revolutionary practice of gentle and de-stigmatized care for some of the most vulnerable in our communities is worth a spot on the bracket!

8. I nominate The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. While he was not an Episcopalian or Anglican, he was a martyr and prophet in our time and is honored in the Episcopal Church as a Holy Man. Hymn 46 in Lift Every Voice and Sing II, Blessed Martin, Pastor, Prophet, acknowledges Dr. King's work, wisdom, courage, and sacrifice for reconciliation and justice on behalf of all people. The more I read and hear about and by him, the more I admire him.

9. please consider St Kateri Tekakwitha, Native American who suffered many trials due to disease and her Christian/Catholic faith in the Northeast section of America with escape and support in Canada; she was faithful and true to her faith and beliefs, and has been credited with healing miracles and fits the criteria for nomination

10. I nominate Sarah Josepha Buell Hale, one of our own Episcopal saints. She has been a favorite of mine for many years, and when I read her story again this year on April 30, I decided to nominate her for the Golden Halo. Born in 1788 in New Hampshire, she lived a remarkable life during a tumultuous time in the development of our nation. In her 91 years she became a leader in both women’s and national spheres, consistently laboring for women’s education, becoming the first woman to author an American novel. She published “Godey’s Lady’s Book”, promoting concern for women’s health and property rights. She helped found Vassar College. Her influence spanned numerous issues, from the abolition of slavery, matters of child-rearing, literature and dress. She dedicated much energy to causes that could unite North and South, through her work to preserve Bunker Hill and George Washington’s home Mount Vernon as national
    Monuments. She became most famous for the nationalization of the Thanksgiving holiday during the presidency of Abraham Lincoln. But perhaps most significant to all children - young and old - was her book of verses for the Sunday School market, including the now famous “Mary Had a Little Lamb”. Sarah Buell Hale, by virtue of her concern for the unity of the nation and her desire to honor the work and influence of women in society would make an outstanding winner of the Golden Halo.

11. I nominate Saint Prassade - celebrated in the RC church on 7/21. She was an early Christian who aided and hid Christians on the run from the emperor. And she has an incredible beautiful church in her honor just south of Saint Maria Maggiore in Rome

12. I nominate ST. CECILIA for Lent Madness 2020. Cecilia is the patron of musicians and church music.
    Music plays a central role in prayer and liturgy. Her courage was remarkable, and her feast day is celebrated everywhere on November 22.

13. I nominate St. Lucy. One of the ancient martyrs of Rome, she is one of the eight women mentioned by name in the Roman Canon (Eucharist Prayer). She refused to be married, preferring to devote herself body and soul to Christ. She also divided up her inheritance to give to the poor—an act that attracted the attention of the pagan authorities, leading to her torture and death.

14. St Adomnan, abbot of Iona, biographer of St Columba, and promulgator of the Law of the Innocents, the first legal protection for women and children during times of conflict. He deserves to be better known than he is. Really, what's not to like?

15. Charles Erskine Scott Wood was the U.S. Army officer who was assigned to participate in the defeat of the Nez Perce Indian Tribe and to serve as Translator for Chief Joseph who became his long-time friend. Wood was so distressed at what he had seen that he could not sleep that night and proceeded to write the account of Chief Joseph's embodying the freedoms given voice in our Constitution, etc.

    Chief Joseph himself did not give a speech, and is known to have stated "I will fight no more forever." Everything else which we have that's full of our understanding of civil liberties and U.S. law and so forth was written by Wood in the voice of Chief Joseph. Wood felt the need to share his sense of shame about what the U.S. Army had done when it was carrying out U.S. policy in the Northwest.

    Several years later, the West Point graduate retired from the U.S. Army and settled in Portland, Oregon, becoming a prominent lawyer. He represented both Margaret Sanger and Emma Goldman for many years. Wood was a friend of Mark Twain, Eugene Debs, and Ansel Adams.

    He was active in the American Anti-Imperialist League, calling for immediate independence for the Philippines and all other territories conquered in the Spanish-American War. Wood lovingly painted Native Americans and Pacific Coastal landscapes.

    With passion, he championed civil liberties. Wood wrote for a variety of political and literary journals. He was an enthusiast of the views of Henry George. His contributions to the Portland, Oregon, community were significant and varied over the decades.

    Turning 90 years old, Wood took up the cause of opposing the internment of Japanese-Americans in concentration camps. His daughter had served one term as the first U.S. Congresswoman from Oregon.

    While he's frequently called a "Patron Saint of Oregon," I have not yet discovered what church has him a calendar of saints. Having searched for several days, that's my only concern in nominating him.

16. I am happy to nominate Phillip James Elliot, a modern day martyr (10/8/27-1/8/56). As a young man Elliot decided to become a missionary. Despite his families urging, he decided that international missions should take precedence over helping his home church.

    While leading a mission trip to a primitive people, the Quechua Indians of Ecuador, Elliot and 4 other missionaries were martyred. One of his famous quotes is, " He is no fool, who gives what he can not keep, to gain what he can not lose".

17. Mother Cabrini--I learned about Mother Cabrini on a piece from NPR about doggerel prayers requesting assistance from Saints like the one for St. Anthony when something needs to be found. The one invokes Mother Cabrini when one needs to find a parking space, which I often did at the Shady Grove Metro garage when I had to go downtown mid-day. Our church just did a "Favorite Saint" display board contest at All Saints Day and I picked Mother Cabrini, sort of tongue in cheek, but in researching her I found that she is truly worthy of veneration for all the good work she did with the poor, the sick and orphans in NYC and other places.

18. I would like to nominate Junia, the apostle named only once in scripture. Paul's mention of this person in Romans has led to many queries and much speculation regarding Junia's gender. Scant info exists about him/her, thus I believe Lent Madness could be an excellent platform for further thought and exploration.
    Thank you for the opportunity to add my voice to Nominationtide!

19. I wish to nominate Sri Kaleshwar for the 2020 Lent Madness. He died in 2012 and his mahasamadhi is March 13, which is celebrated every year at his Shiva Sai Mandir Ashram. Below I describe why I think he should be on the list.
    What is the definition of a Christian?
    One person told me that it is someone who loves everyone and does good deeds. Another says that you must claim Jesus as his Lord and Savior, and also that a person must be baptized into the Christian faith. However, I heard from a priest, that baptism is not necessary; it is what is in the heart.
    Jesus said, “Whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.” Matthew 12:50.
    Jesus also said, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32.
    And St. John testified: “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name (even to them that are established in the omnipresent Christ Consciousness).” John 1:12
    So then, what does it mean to be a Saint? Especially for Lent Madness’ purposes?
    Since the Christ essence/energy is in everything, that the Big Bang came from this Christ/Creation energy, then how is it that we can even separate out a Christian from anyone else?
    Sri Kaleshwar (kaleshwar.org), who not only built a Jesus Temple, he lived in it, prayed to Jesus, called Jesus the “Big Boss”, and did good works by starting schools and medical clinics, as well as funding scholarships for students.
    Kaleshwar just happened to be Indian of the Hindu culture, but never called himself a Hindu, Muslim or Christian. He was a man of the Mother, of God, and believed that Jesus’ love was paramount in our existence. He exuded love and challenged his followers to release attachments to the things that draw us away from God, those things in this illusion of life that take our focus away from the divine. He believed that our attention to our soul and our journey towards the Mother was the most important duty for all of us. He was also a great healer, healing those who came to him with physical and spiritual ailments. He wrote books on the path to higher consciousness and enlightenment, and there are many videos online of interviews.

    I believe Kaleshwar to be a greater Christian that most people I know, and so I hope you will consider Sri Kaleshwar for Lent Madness 2020.

20. Like several others, I would like to nominate Rev. Fred Rogers. He did untold good with his television ministry to children, helping them to deal with their deepest fears, such as the death of their loved ones and the divorce of their parents. When he and Joanne took the train from Pittsburgh to Washington for him to receive the Medal of Freedom, they were met by a crowd of adults who wanted to tell him how much he had meant to them. He is now recognized as saintly by the Presbyterian Church. But he has long been acclaimed as a holy person, which is the way saints were chosen by the early church. Unlike some of the recent candidates, who are mythical figures at best, this is a man whose life and work are verified and who is a worthy inspiration for us all.

21. I nominate St. Dunstan, once Archbishop of Canterbury. He is no longer among us and is commemorated in the Episcopal Church's very own Lesser Feasts and Fasts (2006). On the serious side his contributions to the monastic life in England and his one time reign as the favorite English Saint make him worthy of consideration. But, if he is nominated and lasts enough rounds, I look forward to seeing what a Celebrity Blogger does with the legends (devil and horseshoe, grabbing the devil's nose with tongs, etc.) and the kitsch available considering that there are churches, schools and other modern institutions named after him.

22. I join with others in nominating Mister Fred Rogers

23. I nominate Thomas Merton for many reasons. He was humble, wise, inclusive, and a profound philosopher. He embraced the teachings of other religions and, for me, showed that God is far greater than any religion can comprehend. His deep spirituality and grasp of meditation reveal his religious and intellectual generosity.

24. Thomas Cranmer. He is recognized on March 21 each year. In addition to being a leader in the Protestant movement and his contribution to our prayer book, he is an example of thoughtfulness, sin, redemption, and martyrdom. His death stands out for me. When convicted of heresy, he attempted to save his life by recanting. In time, he recanted his recantations. He acknowledged that serving God was more important than his own life and he regretted his earlier recantations. He was burned immediately afterward and symbolically placed his hand that offended God in the fire to be the first part of him burned. I believe Cranmer, like most martyrs, but in a different way, is an example of living our faith. We may find ourselves denying faith and God for some reason or another. But in the end, what matters most is that we find our way back to the Church, our faith, and God in Christ.

25. I vote Mother Teresa. I vote her because she was saintly, she was flawed, and she helped many during her time.

26. Saint Michael the Archangel- I chose Saint Michael the Archangel because he is the archangel like my father and grandfather before him as they were both police officers. Michael is the name of my said grandfather and he is the one I count on to bring me to church every Sunday.

27. I nominate Saint Thomas Aquinas. I nominate Saint Thomas Aquinas because of his persistence to become apart of the catholic community. He escaped his own family to find Christ. He also was a great writer for catholic community.

28. Saint Rose of Lima-
    I picked St. Rose of Lima because of her story and how she was strongly devoted to God.

29. I would like to nominate Pauli Murray for the golden halo. She lived from 1910 to 1985. An African-American, she championed Civil Rights, and Women's Rights. She was respected by FDR, Eleanor Roosevelt, and JFK, Thurgood Marshall and Ruth Bader Ginsberg. She was also the first female African-American Episcopal Priest,.a published author and the National Trust For Historic Preservation is working to preserve the house she was raised in. She is so significant that others have probably nominated her. I don't want to assume that that is the case,

30. I nominate Hildegard of Bingen. Hildegard came into my life 2 months ago via a Bacci chocolate. The quote in that chocolate "Your light never leaves me and burns in my soul", I was intrigued by the woman who wrote this, and after reading about her, I could not be more amazed.
    Hildegard the abbess, the Christian mystic, the pharmacist/healer, the composer, the poet, the theologian, the lover of nature and all it's gifts from God. In our current times of difficulty, for women, for the earth and for all who reside upon it, her words are still powerful after nearly 1000 years.