The end (of Lent Madness 2022) is near! It's hard to believe we kicked things off over five weeks ago on “Ash Thursday” with 32 saintly souls. With your help, the field has been whittled down to just two: Teresa of Avila and José Hernández. Who will receive the coveted 2022 Golden Halo? That, friends, is up to you.
In the process of this whimsical Lenten devotion we’ve all made some new online friends, encountered a community of believers who take their faith but not themselves too seriously, learned some things, were inspired by saintly witnesses, and hopefully had some fun along the way.
Of course we literally couldn’t have done this without our amazing Celebrity Bloggers to whom we offer sincere gratitude: Amber Belldene, Laurie Brock, Megan Castellan, Anna Fitch Courie, David Creech, Neva Rae Fox, David Hansen, Miriam McKenney, Emily McFarlan Miller, David Sibley, and Eva Suarez. Thanks to Bracket Czar Adam Thomas for his stellar behind-the-scenes work in keeping the bracket updated daily. You all rock!
Thank you to Richelle Thompson and everyone at Forward Movement for putting up with our shenanigans and producing a terrific Saintly Scorecard this year. Special gratitude goes to Ashley Graham-Wilcox for helping get words and images into the website each day.
Finally, thanks to all of you who participated by voting, commenting, drinking coffee out of Lent Madness mugs, filling in brackets, talking about saints with friends, liking us on Facebook or following us on Twitter, and allowing us to play a small role in your Lenten journey. We’ve loved having each one of you along for the “madness” and on behalf of the Supreme Executive Committee we wish you a blessed Holy Week and a joyous Easter.
Before we invite you to cast this final vote, we should note that Neva Rae Fox has ably shepherded Teresa of Avila through the bracket, while Eva Suarez has done the same for José Hernández. We’ve asked them for a single image and one quote either by or about their saint. We’ve already heard a lot about Teresa and José, so now it's time to make your final choice.
The polls will be open for 24 hours and the winner will be announced at 8:00 am Eastern time on Maundy Thursday. Now go cast your vote — the 2022 Lent Madness Golden Halo hangs in the balance!
Teresa of Avila
Let nothing upset you,
let nothing startle you.
All things pass;
God does not change.
Patience wins all it seeks.
Whoever has God lacks nothing:
God alone is enough.
Teresa of Avila
José Gregorio Hernández
"Dr José Gregorio offers himself to us Christians and to all people of goodwill as an example of a believer, a disciple of Christ, who made the Gospel the criterion of his life…Following the example of Dr José Gregorio, may you be able to recognize each other as equals, as brothers and sisters, as children of the same country. May you show your willingness to serve, and have sufficient humility to let yourselves be served, to help and let yourselves be helped, to forgive and let yourselves be forgiven."
Pope Francis, Statement to Mark the Beatification of Jose Gregorio Hernandez
With an election too close to call, the Supreme Executive Committee will certify the vote and announce the winner later today. Stay tuned!
118 comments on “For the Golden Halo: Teresa of Avila vs. José Hernández”
vote for jose
jose shall win
El Santo medico for the win!!
I know, and am very fond of, both Neva and Eva. But blood being thicker than communion wine I do have a favorite as the authorities rule out illicit voting, watermarked ballots, Ukrainian laptops, Italian satellites, and Hugo Chavez (who probably would have been pulling for Jose Hernandez).
Take a moment to consider the fascinating back-stories you never would have known absent this terrific program. Talk it up next year!
I have enjoyed readong about each contestants both Teresa and Jose were my top choices. In the end, may the best halo be crowned.
Well, I thought the deadline had been reached. I suppose you don't like the results so you keep going?
I was originally planning to vote for Teresa of Avila till the end, but was taken by the profound beauty and power of José Hernandez' story. I found it especially meaningful that he was Venezuelan at this time when the Venezuelan people are suffering under the burden of unjust sanctions.