Welcome to the highly anticipated matchup between the Wednesday Warrior Women! Today Joan of Arc, the young soldier/saint, faces Catherine Booth, preacher and driving force behind the formation of the Salvation Army. See...warriors.
Yesterday, in a hotly contested matchup -- the closest battle so far this year -- Melangell held Hermione at bay 52% to 48% to advance to the next round. This marks the first time a Saintly Sixteen battle has been finalized as Melangell will square off against Camillus de Lellis.
Please also note that at about 8:30 pm EST, the Lent Madness Voter Security Unit noticed 389 bogus votes for Hermione. These votes were removed, and the suspect addresses were blocked. This is a reminder. Do not cheat. Vote once. Get your neighbors to vote. But don’t vote several times, lest you be cast into the outer darkness of Lent Madness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Rest assured that those who perpetrate voter fraud in Lent Madness will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the Law of Moses.
Joan of Arc
Jeanne la Pucelle was born in 1412 in France, in the midst of the Hundred Years’ War between England and its allies and France. When she was about thirteen years old, Joan began to have visions of saints that were so beautiful she said she wept after experiencing them. Over the years, these heavenly messengers shared with her the mission to help Charles of Valois (the king-inwaiting) claim the French throne. As a covenant of this mission from God, Joan took a vow of chastity. Her father promptly arranged a marriage for her, while Joan asserted she should remain unmarried.
As the visions continued, Joan argued with the heavenly messengers, saying she was only a poor girl who could neither ride nor fight. Saint Michael replied, “It is God who commands it.” Joan went again to meet the French leaders. During this trip, Joan began to dress in clothing traditionally worn by male soldiers. Whether this was a choice by Joan or a protective measure as her party traveled through hostile territory remains unknown, but her clothing choice would later be among the charges of heresy and witchcraft.
Joan’s message to Charles infused the war with a religious fervor, with France fighting on the side of God. Charles’s advisors investigated Joan’s faith and reported that she was a good Christian with virtues of humility, honesty, and simplicity. Court theologians suggested Charles put Joan to the test and see if she could, indeed, lead the French army to a divinely inspired victory at Orleans. In March 1429, Joan wore white armor, rode a white horse, and led French troops into battle in Orleans. France was victorious.
The French gained several victories under Joan’s leadership, but she was captured in 1430. The English put her on trial, claiming she was a heretic and witch. King Charles, seeking to save his power, distanced himself from Joan. After the trial, Joan was burned to death at the stake on May 30, 1431.
Her fame and inspiring leadership, however, continued to grow, and twenty years later, the same Charles who did nothing to save her life ordered a new trial to clear her name. On May 16, 1920, Saint Joan of Arc was canonized.
Collect for Joan of Arc
Holy God, whose power is made perfect in weakness: we honor you for the calling of Jeanne d’Arc, who, though young, rose up in valor to bear your standard for her country, and endured with grace and fortitude both victory and defeat; and we pray that we, like Jeanne, may bear witness to the truth that is in us to friends and enemies alike, and encouraged by the companionship of your saints, give ourselves bravely to the struggle for justice in our time; through Christ our Savior, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Catherine Booth
The middle of the nineteenth century did not provide, by any stretch of the imagination, a fertile environment for the work of women in preaching and church leadership. Yet despite this hostile environment, Catherine Booth blazed a trail for others to follow in her role as the “Mother of the Salvation Army.”
Born in 1829 to Methodist parents in Derbyshire, England, Catherine presented from a young age a deep aptitude for leadership in the church. By age twelve, she was said to have read the Bible through—eight times. In the midst of a controversy in English Methodism in 1850, she refused to condemn a group of Methodist Reformers and was expelled with others from the larger body of English Methodists. Among this group of reformists was William Booth, who would become her husband.
The Booths became active in the work of a church in West Yorkshire. During this period, she wrote a pamphlet Female Ministry: Women’s Right to Preach the Gospel. She argued three primary points: first, that women are not inferior to men; second, that no scriptural authority exists to deny women public ministry; and that the action of the Holy Spirit had blessed and sanctified this ministry, in line with what we read in the Bible. She was eloquent, compelling, and ferocious in her defense of the right of women to preach the gospel. Her arguments won many converts—including her husband, who initially opposed her efforts.
She soon became a key partner in the ministry of The Christian Mission with her husband in London’s East End. William preached to the poor; Catherine spoke to the wealthy and gained their support for their ministry. She organized the Mission’s Food for the Million shops, where the poor could buy inexpensive meals throughout the year and oversaw Christmas distributions of meals to the needy.
In 1878, The Christian Mission became The Salvation Army. William Booth became known as the “General” and Catherine Booth as the “Mother of the Salvation Army.” She played a key role in the organization, from helping refine its beliefs to the design of the uniforms. Catherine Booth was a pioneer and a trailblazer for the public preaching and teaching ministry of women, a fact that seems all the more remarkable at the height of the Victorian age.
Collect for Catherine Booth
Almighty and everlasting God, we thank you for your servant Catherine, whom you called to preach the Gospel. Raise up in this and every land evangelists and heralds of your kingdom, that your Church may proclaim the unsearchable riches of our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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200 comments on “Joan of Arc vs. Catherine Booth”
Honestly, this one wasn't even a question for me. Joan of Arc all the way. Especially considering the Salvation Army's troubling attitudes towards our LGBTQ+ family members.
It's always been Joan of Arc. She wasn't "just" captured and put on trial by the English but also by the Burgundians and the Roman Catholic Church. Did you notice that she was not canonized until nearly 500 years after her execution? That was done explicitly by the church to deny her the sainthood she so richly deserved.
Absolutely!!
I am voting for Joan of Arc, who in our present context reminds me of someone like Greta Thunberg telling world leaders and telling all of us that we need to wake up to the climate crisis. Joan defied her status as a woman and as a peasant to do something that it seemed like could not be done. She is for me the rejected stone that becomes the cornerstone. The last become first. The men in power were corrupt, weak, divided, out for their own gain and glory (that's my reading of this history). And France was in flames from the English invaders. How could it be possible that an illiterate peasant girl would be the one to defeat -- at least initially -- the invaders? But she listened to God and she did. Sometimes it's the unlikeliest person who speaks truth to power and gets The Power to finally listen. Jesus tells the disciples constantly in the disciples that with God all things are possible. For me, Joan's story bears witness to this truth.
Thanks for posting the video! I put it on my FB page in celebration of Joan (and to see if I can lead a few more friends to vote for her!)
Greta! Yes—great comparison.
Gaen, your commentary on Joan of Arc is so beautiful, so compelling and so moving. I was going to vote for Joan anyway - yet another strong and courageous woman used and then abandoned (Charles was a coward) - even though I was pretty sure Catherine Booth would take the lead. Your thoughtful piece and the linking of Joan and Greta made me feel even better about my decision. Thank you so much!
There is a play about Joan of Arc's mother, who was played by Glenn Close. The play is about having a daughter who is "strange but gifted." The "Arc" family were peasants but not ignorant. Joan's mother takes on the pope and argues before him that her daughter is not a heretic. I would very much like to see this play.
https://www.ncronline.org/news/media/new-play-considers-joan-arc-her-mothers-viewpoint
Joan of Arc is more famous with dramatic visions, and tragic end when she could no longer see or feel a vision and went into battle anyway. That is how I feel about some projects. I may fail but God will prevail. However I voted for Catherine whose rational perseverance is more relevant to my life.
All honor to St. Joan, but she already has her saintly halo. Catherine's arguments in favor of women's right to preach, as well as her founding the Salvation Army, won my vote. She deserves a shot at the Golden Halo.
CN in MN: Easy decision for me, regardless of Catherine’s spirited fervor-Salvation Army’s long standing checkered history with the LGBTQI+ community led me to vote for Joan!
I had that thought, too, but the Salvation Army of the 19th century was very different from the one now. Her focus was helping the poor and letting women lead that fight. That was good then and it’s good now. Too bad it morphed into something less noble.
I had to vote for Joan for two reasons: 1. Because fire; and 2. the Salvation Army maintains a strong anti-LGBTQA+ stance, and as a strong L, I can't support that.
THANK YOU for reminding folks about the anti LGBTQ stance of the Salvation Army. If any one is in the fence- that may be a deciding factor.
And the Catholic Church, of which Joan of Arc was a part, does not?
Thank you for saying this, The Catholic Church also doesn't endorse women leaders. Would this eliminate any Catholic saints?
I loved learning Catherine's story, but while she was a trailblazer and due great honor, she was not entirely alone in her fight for women's rights and care for the poor. Joan had none but God on her side, and still she was unwavering in her faith. She truly inspires me and gets my vote.
Jeanne d'Arc!! Had to perform her in a monologue from Bernard Shaw's "St. Joan" in high school. And the Salvation Army turns away the LGBTQ+ people in need. This was not a tough choice for me today.
Oh, noooooooo..... I voted for Catherine not realizing the Salvation Army turn away LGBTQ people. Although, the Catholic Church...... hard choice then...
Really, I don't understand why people are taking a stand on the Salvation Army when the RC Church has its own history of denying LGBTQ+ people's rights, and of preventing women from becoming priests, to boot. As well, we're not voting for the larger orgs, we're voting for individuals from the past. I voted for Catherine.
It may not be Catherine’s fault that the Salvation Army treats LGBTQ people so badly, but that’s a hurdle I can’t get over.
OTOH I was going to vote for Joan anyway, because of this telling of her story that forever changed how I thought of her:
http://tigerbeatdown.com/2011/01/09/running-toward-the-gunshots-a-few-words-about-joan-of-ar/
Fascinating! Thanks for the link.
Incredibly moving essay - brought tears to my eyes. Great work showing the rightful endurance of Joan’s life into the present dsy. Thank you for the link. I have shared it with several friends already.
P.S. I seem to be very “commenty” today. Sorry. But I do love Lent Madness!!!
How could one not vote for Joan of Arc. A saint who gave the "last full measure", warrior woman who may have even had some inspiration for the creation of Xena. And tbeir are certainly echoes of her in Catberine Lucile Moore's warrior woman Jirel of Joiry whose stories were set in a medieval type world.
Sorry, but the Salvation Army(while it does good) calls to mind Wobbly balladeer Joe Hill and his "stRvation
How could one not vote for Joan of Arc, a saint who gave "the last full measure" of sacrifice? A warrior woman who may well have provided some inspiration for the creation of Xena. Certainly echoes of her with Catherine Lucile Moore's Jirel of Joiry, set in a medieval type world.
As for the Salvation Army while it does some good, cannot help but be reminded of Wobbly balladeer Joe Hill's phrase "starvation army" in his famous song The Preacher and the Slave. ( Maybe he should be here one of these years, a martyr fighting for the weak and oppressed).
And I also second RoseAnn Evans' opinion.
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Very well articulated.
I could not vote for Joan of Arc because she used her faith to bolster a violent militaristic nationalist movement on behalf of a male political leader with ambitions beyond his capacity.
She is endlessly fascinating, but also used her faith for things that I think are fundamentally opposed to the gospel.
Had to vote for Catherine for a couple of reasons. First, Catherine was my confirmation name. Second, she paved the way for women to be treated equally as proclaimers of the gospel. Plus, my attitude about war 'in the name of God' has changed over the years. Not so sure about that anymore.
Joan of Arc for me today. I appreciate what Catherine did, but I love medieval history and Joan has always inspired me. Here's a link to a video about her that I love: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQydMhY9OpI
Even if she loses the vote, can we have an honorable mention mug or some other swag made for her? Please?
So, yesterday the SEC at the last minute removes 389 votes for Hermione which it claims are bogus, and Melangell wins by 332 votes. Is this the way all elections are handled these days? I'm just saying.
Female Vet here.... I have to go for St Joan. I'M sure Catherine Booth will win, but Joan was a warrior, like me.
I voted for Catherine Booth because of her pivotal role in women's rights and calling to preach and have leadership in the church, as well as her dedication to helping the poor. Although I have loved Joan d'Arc for a long time, I have a hard time with the idea that God is on one side or another of most wars. It's usually a pretty mixed bag. I was not aware of the troubling attitudes towards the LGBTQ community, which distresses me, but should not affect the saintliness and contribution of the woman who was there at the beginning and this sadly was at that time not an issue.
Had Joan lived today I would have seen her in my clinic and probably started her on an antipsychotic. But then we wouldn’t have had her leading anyone into battle. Oh, those were the days.
À la Lily Tomlin: "Why is it that if you talk to God you're said to be praying, but if God talks to you you're said to be schizophrenic?"
This was a tough one, but I dressed up as Joan of Arc for Halloween twice when I was a kid, so I went with her. Her story has always fascinated me.
What was CAtherine Booth's maiden name? Also, at a small clergy worship about 20 years ago, we had the story of Niah. I said so many women in the Bible had no names - just tagged onto their husbands. I asked what they thought Noah's wife's name might have been. A 95 year old deacon, (male) replied without a second's hesitation, "Joan!| Took a second to get it!!!
I also wished Catherine's maiden name had been supplied.
Maybe it wasn't the intention of Catherine but the Salvation Army kicking a homeless trans woman out of their shelter and letting her freeze to death makes it a no from me.
Okay so I am Lent Madness conflicted: a fan of Constantine, still regretting not voting for Miguel Pro. For those wanting to deliver themselves from future Lent Madness fan angst, I propose a solution: one can vote for my All Time Favorite, Named my First Daughter After Her, Joan of Arc--and in Lenten penance donate to the Salvation Army. (A shameful plug for Joan! Will the false self never die?) Have your saint, and fund one, too! Think of it for all those saints who you wished you could vote for, even if they were imperfect. (OMG, yet another plug, will I be cast into Lent Madness outer darkness!)
Plugging one's choice here, on social media, among church friends, full-page newspaper ads, etc. = OK.
Casting several hundred votes over 3 hours from the same IP address = Outer Darkness.
Chris, you run no risk of banishment ;^)
Relieved to hear I can still be a part of this, one of my favorite tribes. Thanks John.
Booth was a woman who was ahead of her time. I love Joan, but ...... Now, my other issue. Why are women pitted against women? This is twice already.
The SEC does not explain how the brackets come about, though there are four loose groupings and I'm sure they sometimes pit two with similar names or nicknames against each other in the first round on purpose.
No matter what the first round brackets are, if two candidates keep winning they will eventually be pitted against each other. At some point you have to make a choice.
Probably to prevent voting based on gender only - that always causes great consternation among Lent Madness voters! Let's face it - we and the SEC are damned if we do and damned if we don't - so just read the bios and vote!
I'm distressed that I have to choose between these two women. Loser's bracket with a chance to return? Catherine Booth is not to blame for the modern Salvation Army's poor political stance -- she would lead their new awakening. However, today belongs to young Joan. This Kathryn says Sorry, Sister.
Joan’s story can be read as a cautionary tale for young activists. The powers that be may encourage you to take the lead as long as it suits their purposes, and then throw you to the wolves when you are no longer useful to them.
Eeeeeyup.
The earthly powers, at any rate.
Yes, and then jump back on your bandwagon when you are no longer a threat. Oh, boy, I hear you. Loud and clear.
Catherine Booth, a strong Methodist woman. John sent women to preach from the earliest days.
My vote is in honor of my mother who was a teenage Salvation Army musician on the streets of Welch WV in 1940’s coal country. Strong women testify in many ways!
God chooses either way. I choose Catherine.
Catherine Booth would be the first to take modern Salvationists to task for their rigid attitudes. As a woman, as a feminist, as a believer in equality of the sexes, and as one who knows that God-given gifts were meant to be used, regardless of the way the skin stretched on the gifted, I'm for Catherine Booth all the way!
Don't let Joan get burned again! Growing up in NYC back in the day, we had Million Dollar Movie on TV where the same movie would be played repeatedly for days, and mesmerized, I would watch St. Joan with Jean Seberg over and over again. I was imprinted with her story. I remember pulling the transcript of her trial from dusty library shelves when I was about 12. Read biography after biography. I grew up and went on to other things but on my honeymoon to Paris we made a detour after a week and traveled south to Orleans, then to Chinon where I stood in the ruins of the chateau where Joan met the Dauphin, and finally made our way to Rouen on - yep - May 30. (Yes, I have an amazing husband and truth be told we should have just gone to a beach - but I digress!) The point is, all respect to Ms. Booth, but dear Joan, glorious Joan - inspiring millions through the ages - deserves to get out of the first round at least! She may not make it all the way to the Golden Halo but c'mon - don't let my hopes, my all time favorite saint, go up in flames! Vote Joan!
I believe the fundamental message of sacrificial love in the life and teachings of Jesus is best witnessed to through those who seek to heal the violence and injustice in our world by peaceful means, not violence and war. I thus vote for Catherine Booth.