The moment we’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived: Lent Madness 2016 kicks off RIGHT NOW! For those who thought “Ash Thursday” would, like a desert oasis, never arrive, your penitential dreams have come true.
In any case, we’re delighted to welcome you to this year’s Saintly Smackdown with a First Round battle between Helena and Monnica. Or as we like to call it, the Matronly Meltdown®, as we open with two famous mothers doing battle (of course motherhood isn’t either one’s full claim to fame, so read on).
If you’re new to Lent Madness, welcome! You may want to check out our recent Voting 101 post which includes a step-by-step how to vote video. You can also read through the Lent Madness Glossary which highlights all sorts of phrases and terms you’ll encounter along this unique Lenten journey.
Be sure to sign up for e-mail updates on our home page so you never miss a vote, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and encourage your friends to jump into the fray. While you are on our Facebook page today, please “Check In” to Lent Madness so all your friends will know you have gone to Lent Madness.
We can assure you this will be a wild, joyful, educational, ocassionally gut-wrenching ride. Let the Madness begin!
Helena
During her long life, Helena gathered the most-sought-after relics in Christian history, including splinters of what is known as the True Cross.
Helena was born around 246 CE, somewhere in Asia Minor—most likely the city of Drepanum. She grew up as a stable maid, but her fortunes changed radically when she met the emperor, fell in love with him, was whisked away to Rome, and gave birth to Constantine in 272 CE.
Some describe Helena as the royal wife, some as the royal concubine, some as the royal consort. What is clear is that after Constantine was born, the emperor sent Helena away. Helena and Constantine were exiled from court in 289 CE.
This was not the end of Helena. Constantine became the Roman emperor by winning the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 313 CE, after being told in a vision that if he and his troops marked their shields with the Greek letters Chi and Rho—the first two letters of Christ, the battle would belong to them. Depending on the source, Constantine and his mother converted promptly after this victory was secured.
Upon being recognized as the emperor of Rome, Constantine sent Helena on an official mission: travel to Palestine to bring back relics of Jesus and the Apostles and to do whatever good she felt necessary in the name of Christ. To accomplish this, he put the entire imperial treasury at her disposal.
Helena (who was at the very least every day of seventy-five-years-old) set out with gusto and built the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem as well as the Church of the Ascension on the Mount of Olives. She tore down the Roman temple that had been constructed on the site of Jesus’ crucifixion and gave orders for the construction of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. She unearthed fragments of wood that she believed to be the True Cross as well as the nails that were used on Jesus’ hands and feet and carried them with her back to Rome.
In all, she built over eighty churches in the Holy Land, including Saint Catherine’s Monastery at the foot of Mount Sinai. Helena also preserved for generations the history of the Holy Land and the early faith of the Church. And she did it all in the second act of her life.
Collect for Helena
Almighty God, you caused Helena of Constantinople to seek the cross of Christ with energy and devotion; Grant that through her example we may be inspired to seek your face and bear your cross for the sake of your love, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Monnica
Monnica, a model of the praying mother and wife, was the mother of Augustine—the father of Western Christian thought. Married to a pagan bureaucrat named Patricius, who would later convert to Christianity under her influence, Monnica was mother to several children; Augustine was the eldest. After her husband’s death, Monnica made fierce and tireless efforts to secure Augustine’s conversion, even going so far as to push the local bishop to track Augustine down and argue with him.
By the time he was twenty-nine, Augustine decided to journey to Rome to teach rhetoric. Monnica, while opposed to the plan, persisted in going with him. By fits and tricks, Augustine managed to embark for Rome, leaving his bereft mother behind. Yet Monnica could not be deterred, and she sailed for Rome, only to find him in Milan. In 386, she witnessed the event for which she longed: Augustine’s full acceptance of catholic Christianity, followed a year later by his baptism. Monnica had persisted, prayed, and worked nearly two decades to see Augustine’s conversion.
Monnica died in the port of Ostia, and when asked if she wished for her remains to be carried home, she replied, “Nothing is far from God; neither am I afraid God will not find me.” Her conviction that nothing is far from God has earned her devotion to this day. Monnica is the patron saint of married women and mothers and those battling alcohol addiction.
Collect for Monnica
O Lord, through spiritual discipline you strengthened your servant Monnica to persevere in offering her love and prayers and tears for the conversion of her husband and of Augustine their son: Deepen our devotion, we pray, and use us in accordance with your will to bring others, even our own kindred, to acknowledge Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Helena vs. Monnica
- Helena (62%, 5,540 Votes)
- Monnica (38%, 3,413 Votes)
Total Voters: 8,953
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Helena: Fresco of Helena of Constantinople; Piero della Francesca [Public domain],
via Wikimedia Commons
Monnica: By Ramon FVelasquez (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
I voted for Helena because her son stopped the gladiators from fighting.
I agree. She probably ended feeding Christians to the lions too.
Having been to the Holy Lands a couple months ago I had to vote for Helena for so much of what we saw was due to everything that she did! Thank you Lord for your servant Helena!
I agree. The magnificent churches built under her influence are reasons enough. But, this was a tough first decision.
I have been in the Hcoly land too; & agree I voted for Helena for what she did & being 75 plus at the time.
I have to say Helena is a hard act to follow. I am amazed by her accomplishments!
I was in Jerusalem last November and was amazed to see all she had built. A no-brainer this round for me.
So glad you’re back Oliver! I look forward to your reasons for voting and comments again this year.
Good to see you, Oliver. Aren’t you 9 now? I still voted for Monnica
Welcome back Oliver
Nice to hear from you again. I thought you were nine now?
Helena will be victorious!!
There’s a special place for those people who don’t vote for Helena!
Good for you, Oliver. I also voted for Helena.
It is good to see you here again this year Oliver. I am looking forward to your comments.
Good to see you back, Oliver. Helena for me too.
Welcome back, Oliver!
first person: This is madness!
second person: THIS IS LEEEEEENT!
L E N T ????
To whom? And for how long?
I was intrigued by the matching of two so similar people. Both did their deeds at an age that inspires me not to slow down. I have a feeling that whoever wins, the other is saying, “How wonderful! I’m happy for you, dear.”
Monnica is the lesser known, so I thought she deserves the nod.
I think Monnica exemplifies what Lent is about Recovery. She is certainly a great Saint to pray to during these times .
Helena did great things and definitely had the monetary backing of her son to accomplish her deeds.
I think Monnica definitely deserves the Golden Halo.
I too am waving the Monnica flag. I love her perseverance and never give up attitude.
Yeah, I’m voter no 25th. Go Saint Helena!
Let the Lent Madness begin!
This was a tough, tough, tough choice. I basically had to flip a coin.
I v9oted for Helena because she was so active in her “mature” years! Monnica was too much of a helicopter parent.
Doing anything to secure your children’s salvation is not helicopter parenting–its parenting. Read St Augustine’s Confessions, or The City of God to get a glimpse of the brilliance of this man. None of this would exist without his conversion.
Monnica’s prayers for her son were admirable. However when I read about how she chased after Augustine to Rome and Milan, when he was 29 years old, I thought perhaps she should have been named the patron saint of helicopter parents. Good call, Donna!
That was EXACTLY why I didn’t vote for her – granted she’s probably wholly responsible for Augustine’s conversion, and all Christians everywhere owe her gratitude for that, but that poor woman had no boundaries whatsoever. Plus she didn’t build a bunch of great churches.
Still, I love Monnica as a metaphor for the God as Heavenly Parent “that will not let us go” in a more positive sense. And the beautiful relationship Monnica and Augustine come to eventually in his Confessions could bring tears to your eyes.
I blame Monnica for many of our Christian issues today. She was so much of a helicopter parent that she insisted Augustine send his beloved “concubine” of ten years and son away so he would make a rich marriage that would secure him a socially advantageous position. Augustine loved his mother, but it was a “fraught” relationship. I vote for Helena.
My thoughts exactly!
I agree Margie. Thanks
Totally agree!!
Yep, doing youth work I see what the helicopter parents do and it’s not helpful for their children’s maturation. Plus Helena had the energy to build churches as a senior citizen. Go Helena
What is a helicopter parent?
As I understand it, a helicopter parent is one who tries to run his child’s life well beyond the age when it is appropriate, and to shield his child from the logical consequences of his actions. Over time, this delays or prevents the child from developing maturity, organizational skills and good judgment. We generally learn from our mistakes. Helicopter parents prevent that learning, and in the process send the message that they don’t believe their children are capable of becoming responsible, mature adults. The net effect is that the children remain immature, dependent and lack self-confidence.
Oh dear!
I agree.
I actually felt sorry for Augustine. She had no life but his.
I admired him for going to Milan and not Rome, trying to get a little space from MaMa.
What woman in those times had a life beyond the man they married (or consorted with) and the sons they bore and nurtured? (Not so different in my long lifetime, either.) Most of these comments are from the perspective of 20th/21st century hindsight and don’t take account what may have been motivating either mother or son. Helicopter parent, indeed! As for me, I joined this free-for-all a day late … but I wouldn’t’ve voted for either one. Don’t care much for their famous sons, either!
Although I appreciate Helena I had to vote for Monnica. She mirrors my personal struggle to see my prodigal come to Christ. I have even asked my Bishop to pray for us and find all the prayer warriors he can to do so as well! The prayer of my heart is that all my sons become men of faith in Christ. Prodigals just really rip at your heart though.
I agree 100% . Tough choice, but I also have five prodigals in my family, so I identify with you, Nancy!
Good Heavens!! I have a hard time with just one. I will certainly pray fro you Carol
Nancy
I also voted for Monica for similar reasons. She loved Patricia and Augustine, and she didn’t give up. Such faith!
I voted for Monnica because she is patron saint of alcoholics which I did not know. Many alcoholics and addicts have been converted and live better lives because of someone who cares
She exemplifies the persistent tenacity we mothers have to see that our families come to know the love of Christ fully–and the confidence that God will answer prayers for our family members.
Having been a prodigal whose family never stopped praying for her, and now a “meddling” mother myself, my vote goes to Monnica.
I agree with Nancy. I voted for Monnica. I thought I would vote for Helena because her struggles seemed long.
But I voted for Monnica because, to me, her struggles seems harder
I also pray for my son to come to Christ. I voted for her too
Aarrggh…. Right out of the gate, a really hard decision! Oh Supreme Council, you are going to make this a heartbreak season.
I too went to Helena, because the course of Christianity might have been radically different without her.
Go Helena!
Hello everybody. Welcome to Lent! I wore purple all day yesterday. I am looking forward to “journeying to Canterbury” once more with you this year. I would like to suggest, before the action gets heated (this vote being pretty much a snooze for me), that this year we have a “safe word” for when people’s passions get aroused (someone doesn’t vote for the Irish saint, say). The safe word I propose is inspired by Thekla’s goldfish last year, who did an entire pilgrimage every time it circled its bowl. I recommend “Dude (or dudess), don’t spill the goldfish.” That would provide a gentle reminder to all that we are on our way (together) to heaven and not brawling our way down to the other place. This is for our souls’ enlargement. May we all have a peaceful and enlightening journey together. Have a safe and rewarding Lent.
Your message is important. Let Lenten Madness be a fun way to learn about past saints and just a little silly at times; not letting ourselves get too serious in battle! Peace Be With Us All.
Amen, sister!
I think this is an unnecessary admonition. This site is one of the most polite forums on the web. I trust we still enjoy free speech.
Free speech, certainly. Rude speech (such as what I happen to be hearing about the recent voting on my beloved NPR), no; please, no.
Tough choices today. Let the game begin
Constantine issued the Edict of Milan to stop the persecution of Christians. Augustine said that if it feels good, it’s a sin. Both mom’s seem like good women, but I voted for Constantine’s — go Helena!
My vote for Monica is inspired by my desire for the conversion of my husband.
thank you, kathi. As a wife and mother I can also identify with Monnica.
Monnica all the way! She prayed for her family and realized that God can find you everywhere. Helena helped spawn the worship of relics.
I voted for Monnica because I consider her the patron saint of nagging mothers, and as nagging mother myself, my vote was an act of solidarity with women everywhere who drive their children nuts with this whole Christianity thing.
Thank you for putting that into words. That was what I was thinking, but in a much more muddled way.
So EXCITED about LENT I still it fish X 2 a week. And keep my forehead with ashes last night at the grocery store the only person who did not tell me I had dirt on my forehead was a Jewish friend !
Helena has that certain later-in-life appeal to me: a lovely illustration of coming into your own at an advanced age–maybe hope for me yet…also I just adore that hat she is wearing. It reminds me of the shaped metal on cathedral turrets and such…I want one just like that. I bet it even has some verdigris on it. I have trouble with the tenor of the attachment between mother and son in Monnica and Augustine. A little creepy–or a lot holy?
I agree with the late-in-life appeal. Helena’s life reminds us that it is never too late. In a youth-obsessed culture, it is good to remember that God’s plan for us does not end when we get wrinkles.
Way to go, SEC (and celebrity bloggers) for giving us a great matchup from the start! Loved both these women, and as a mother, related to both – although not so dramatically. I ultimately voted for Helena as I, too, am in the second act, hoping to make the most of it. If this start reflects the rest of the season, I am all in!
Very tough vote to start the Madness! I admire both women immensely but I voted for Helena because she was an old lady ( i.e. “the second act of her life”) when she started her work in the Holy Land. Good stuff!!!
Lent Madness!! Vote for Helena because she preserved the artifacts and sites she could, even if some are questionable. This way we have some grounding for what we read in scripture. Admire Monica, but sheesh! The writer makes her seem like the worst “helicopter parent” ever!
Tough decision! Do I vote for the senior citizen who had gusto or the mom who wouldn’t give up? The mom won.
Monnica all the way for me. Both of these women changed Christianity forever, and while I can do without people touting about splinters of the ‘true cross,’ I’m not so sure I could as easily give up on Monnica’s son’s contributions, nor the model of conversion through persistence, particularly when it comes to one’s children, that she exemplifies.
I, too voted for Monica, being a medium meddling mama with prodigal children and a lot of alcoholism in my family. I also do not care much for relics and worshiping objects, however holy.
It’s a tough call, but as an Associate of Holy Cross, I had to go for St. Helena. I think she was the more transformative figure for Christianity given the influence on her son at a time that allowed Christianity to come out from the shadows as well cementing more fully the public awareness of the historical foundations and tactile reality of our faith and its key moments. I also like how her journey to the Holy Land foreshadows Egeria’s, which gives us our Holy Week liturgies.
But weren’t her hands extremely calloused what with all tht church building she did?
“how her journey to the Holy Land foreshadows Egeria’s, …” Good point. I like that about St. Helena too.
St. Monnica, for her unflagging belief in the power of God… and a mother’s nagging.
For everyone in the “second half” of their lives, Helena is an inspiration. We never know what God has planned for us.
My vote goes to Helena, not least because the book Helena by Evelyn Waugh inspired a wonderful meditation by Rowan Williams about the limits of subtlety and intrigue. ‘Space has been made in this world, the real world of politics and struggle, for God to make himself at home, and to welcome all of us and use whatever we bring him.’ http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/commentators/rowan-williams-on-the-meanings-of-christmas-when-subtle-strategists-miss-the-obvious-then-the-137208.html
Thank you for the references to the book and the meditation. The meditation may be about Christmas, but it speaks volumes for Lent. I am also looking forward to reading the book.
Wow! Evelyn Waugh! Haven’t heard that name since grad school!! Thanks for the reminder!
What I have to bring to God and humanity now is a somewhat frail, though younger-looking, 78-year-old body. Currently recovering from foot surgery with complications, I couldn’t get to the computer until today (Saturday, Feb. 13) but am now enjoying all your comments as usual in Lent Madness. I would have voted for Helena.
Monnica. I’ve actually preached about her, and, having once been a wayward son myself, feel a connection to her.
If Helena accomplished all that starting at age 75, she’s my hero!
Not really wild about either of these women, so I will respectfully abstain today and wait for more intriguing matchups.
With a shadow of my ashes still faintly present I am here to cast my vote for Helena. Helena’s accomplishments are far greater than Monica’s obsession with her oldest son. What of Monica’s other children? Instead of leaving all else behind to follow her son, Helena followed her son’s desires.
What a good question. I’d like to assume that she felt secure that other children were good Christians. But her focus on her oldest son does raise questions of her parenting style.
We Augustinian Religious owe much to Monnica – she certainly has my vote!
I voted for Helena because in my book she should be the patron saint of running errands.
It’s tough, but I have to choose the mother who persists in helping her son see the way to God over a woman who fulfills everyone’s dream of widespread travel in their older years, spreading works and reaping accolades. The relics that Helena brought back are like the loaves and fishes that multiplied to feed the spiritual world. To me an an Episcopalian, they are interesting but not the vital link to God that I seek. Does anyone know why Monnica is the patron saint of those battling alcohol addiction?
Here’s an answer from one source: “Augustine gives only one incident from her youth, obviously relayed to him by Monica herself, of how she was in danger of becoming a wine bibber, but was corrected when her secret sips in the wine cellar were discovered and a maid, in a moment of anger, called her a “drunkard.” This stinging rebuke prompted her to change her behavior and develop perseverence. Perhaps this is why recovering alcoholics are among the many groups who intercede to Saint Monica.” (https://catholicalcoholic.com/2013/05/31/saint-monica-another-patron-saint-for-alcoholics/)
Thank you, Susan!
Exactly why I voted for her!
Me too Carol! That and her conviction that nothing is far from God.
Thank you, Susan Wall!
She is said to have been a child alcoholic because her maid/nanny used brandy (I think) to quiet her. Read that in a book long ago when I was a member of a St. Monica’s Guild.
Helena because she set such a great example for how to handle the second act of your life. Although, dealing with my kids (“You’re getting another dog? Why don’t you just get a cat?” ) made me relate to Monnica.
The Order of St Helena, an Episcopal monastic order for lay and ordained women, is looking for a St Helena win today!
And looks like you got it…. 😉
Tough call, but I voted for Monnica. Compare their resources. Helena started late in life but had abundant help, a whole empire. Monnica had to do it on her own–specifically without her son’s assistance.
Monnica, hands down. Did not have the advantage of position or prestige. Kept faith with one of the most basic struggles of Christians everywhere — to see our children come to faith. What an encouraging witness!
Love the “Dude, don’t drop the goldfish” idea. A reminder of levity is often needed as the choices narrow. Last year I stopped voting in the end rounds because some voices were getting so shrill. May the goldfish reign!
Helena, for the impact of her life, whether it was positive or negative. What would Jerusalem be for us if there was Venus’s temple on the site of the crucifixion, if we had no Church of the Nativity, or ? I wonder what the current political situation in Jerusalem and the West Bank would be if we Christians were not so heavily invested in certain pieces of real estate that Helena established for us. She did what she thought was correct, no 2nd guessing, but just imagine, “what if?”
Those are good questions you ask, Amy Jane!
Had to go with Helena on this one. The conversion of the Roman Empire was absolutely critical to the spread of Christianity. Also, a fine of example of a life well lived in your later years. A great example to all of us to not fear aging as the end of our careers and adventures.
Boy, we started Lent with a tough choice! Both are equally worthy but I chose Helena for a frivolous yet worthy reason: it would be awesome to see her get to the kitsch round–little wood splinters maybe?
Both ladies show that great men get their greatness genes from their mothers :).
As a mother of two sons who have not called on their Christian upbringing in adulthood, I find Monnica’s example compelling. She reminds me that I need to be persistent in encouraging their faith journey.
How many of us can relate to Monnica for this reason…..
This one was tricky; I’m not fond of either. In the end, I went with Helena, because Monnica’s total disrespect for her loved ones’ religious views, and constant attempts to convert them, angers me more. If any of my non-Christian friends showed such a total disregard for my religious views–and thus, such a total disrespect for me as a person–then I would cut them out of my life wherever possible. I’ve also had various ‘Christians’ of different denominations from myself try to convert me to their own denomination, occasionally with indications that I will be Damned if I don’t.
There can be no Love without Respect, and trying to force one’s religious beliefs down another’s throat is disrespectful–and thus, unloving.
I am blessed to have a social circle which encompasses a variety of non/religious view points, & by all approaching each other’s beliefs with mutual respect for each other, I have learned a great deal about God, and had my theology tested, & my Faith strengthened, as a result. I can learn from them; they can learn from me. With none of us is trying to convert anybody, we are all free to grow as people.
I’m having this problem too. Helena, who uses the backing of a powerful empire to gentrify the effects of another powerful empire vs. Monnica, badger extraordinaire.
I think I may abstain today.
I agree with you, K, but in the end I abstained on this round.
A very hard choice. I’m going with Helena because of the close relationship she obviously had with her son – he trusted her with the treasury of the Empire, for goodness’ sake! She didn’t nag or chase him, but her example of holiness had to have been powerful and meaningful to him. And she accomplished her best work after the age of 75. A hero to me, getting nearer that milestone.
Helena! What a second career!. And I’ve been to Israel and saw how many sites she was responsible for enshrining.
I am embarrassed to admit that I knew so little (or remembered so little) about Helena. Her story was compelling and though I love Monica for many reasons, I had to go with Helena today. I love that the Lent Madness has begun!
Glad to see that Helena is ahead not just because of her immense achievements but because Monnica’s are heartbreakingly undermined by her victim blaming betrayal of battered women, which Augustine approvingly recounts in Confessions.
This was an easy choice for me. Although I have not brought my son to Christianity I have persevered in taking care of him for 29 years because he has autism. I felt a bond with Monnica who spent decades with such an important mission in life: What is the best thing that I can do for my son? I have this thought every day of my life because my son will need my guidance and protection for as long as I am alive. I need a patron saint for mothers in my life and now I have one. I leave it to God and St. Monnica to continue my mission after I am gone.
Lovely
Beautifully put, Eileen.
When my Catholic husband and I had young children, we found no time in our lives for church. My Presbyterian mother kept up a gentle pressure, and on one of her visits she tried out churches for us. She found one she liked. We didn’t go for a few years, but finally we did and have been members of that Episcopal church ever since. Without my Monnica-like mom, I would never have found Lent Madness. Need I say more?
I voted for St. Monica as well. This was a very tough decision because both woman did amazing things .
I felt a stronger affiliation with St. Monica relating to her wishes for her husband and son. She exemplifies perseverance of prayer and a
strong faith in Jesus Christ .
Faith, Hope and Love!
Becky, I like your mom! Gentle pressure and suggestions work best. I decided to vote for Helena, though, because I like the thought of a productive “second act in life”.
Hi Pam, hope Convention went well(not sure you made it to wonderful, wonderful Camp McDowell). I join you in your vote for Helena. What a trooper to head out at age 74 to places unknown, and then start the very churches we still know today.
St. Helena! At 78 I’m hoping that Helena’s energy and faith will rub off on me…….even a little bit. Also, one of my college roomies entered the Sisters of St. Helena after graduation. Here’s to both women!
I voted for Monnica because she spoke to my heart. Her fervent efforts for her son and husband mirror my own. Her dedication and strength are inspirational to all wives and mothers who are working to bring their families to Christ.
Go Helena!!! She built churches and collected relics. Good for her.
I like them both, but voted for Monnica because right now a mother who never ever gives up on her children is the example I need right now. Somebody mentioned Monnica’ s seeming lack of concern for her other kids; I chalk that up to the fact that Augustine’s the one supplying the information about his mother. Of course he’s going to make it all about him.
Wonderful way to learn about saints of the church
Ahhh, Lent Madness is back and all’s right with the world. Helena all the way here…I am curious how it is that Monnica got to be the patron saint of “those battling alcohol addiction”. But then, I am never quite sure how the Saint’s get their assignments…I just am glad of it. Have a Holy Lent.
Because her husband Patricius seems to have been an addict himself and eventually was transformed through her prayers along with Augustine. Patricius was verbally abusive though not physically so, which fueled her worst feature–victim blaming battered wives–and the worst passage of Confessions, in which Augustine praises her for betraying her sisters in this way. Hence my vote for Helena!
This is truly a tough one! Finally voted for Monnica though – I loved her perseverance! I also have children who are nonbelievers and anguish over them. It’s a tough road.
I feel very bad about choosing between mothers on the basis of their sons, but . . . I think when Constantine made Christianity the official religion of Rome, that was probably the WORST thing that ever happened for the church. Our first and ultimate allegiance should be to God, not to any emperor or president. We should draw our power from the Holy Spirit, not from political establishment. I’m glad not to have to live with persecution myself; but when joining the church meant facing that possibility, the choice was significant. On the other hand — Augustine. What tremendous blessing her brought to the church, including doing so after being a “prodigal” for so many years. My vote went for Monnica.
That should be: blessing HE brought to the church. Oops.
I’m with you Kathy on the “official religion” designation which created a hierarchical, bureaucratic church rather than building the Kingdom of God. Maybe we wouldn’t be a divided and distributed church if we didn’t end up fighting about hierarchy. Sure there are lots of nice churches in the Holy Land built with the Empire’s funds and slaves. If those were not there would we have a world without conflict in the Middle East?
I’m voting for Monica as the lesser of two conflicts. Augustine’s writings and teaching have also presented some distorted theology, like original sin rather than original blessing.
Helena. Nice hat.
I voted for Helena because I was a lay associate of the Order of St. Helena for many years. Plus St. Augustine annoys me, with the concept of original sin. Monica probably wasn’t responsible for that, but still …
I – generally find ‘nudges’ annoying, but Monnica rocks!
Hey, Ann! I am currently a lay associate of the Order of St. Helena! Go team!
Ah, the importance and blessing of a good mother!
No contest! Monnica was the personification of the devoted mother determined that her husband and son would convert. She probably died with calluses on her knees from praying so hard and with fierce determination. My mother’s alma mater, St. Augustine’s in Raleigh NC, is her sons’s namesake and she, sorta like Monnica, had a few calluses on her knees as she always prayed for me…Yeah, I needed all those prayers and am eternally thankful. Excellent bloggers today !
As a collector, I had to vote for Helena. She’s like a Byzantine-era Indiana Jones.
My vote goes to Monnica – perhaps the original Helicopter Mom (although since there were no helicopters at that time, maybe a hummingbird mother). Let’s hear it for the moms who don’t give up on their children!
Sometimes in this time and place of violence and uncertainty, I think about how I might meet my end far away from home or loved ones or in a cold unfamiliar place. How wonderful that Monnica can say with purity of conviction while stranded in Ostia “Nothing is far from God, neither am I afraid God will not find me.” Also to know that my earthly parents (and my heavenly one) be they incarnate or not, persist unceasingly in their concern for my soul’s salvation. Monnica!
Monnica was my choice. Like her,I pray for my husband and children. I admire her persistence.
Our Altar Guild is named for St Monica, as a co-director, how could I not vote for our patroness.
Welcome back, Oliver! I always look forward to your comments.
I love the “Dude, don’t drop the goldfish!” suggestion.
This was a tough choice right out of the gate. I love that Helena did so much for the early church and spreading Christianity especially in the second act of her life. I love that Monnica never gave up on Augustine and worked so tirelessly to bring him to Christ. In the end, I have to go with Monnica for her example of perseverance and love.
O Crafty are the Ways of the SEC. I found this choice impossible: “try, try again” vs. “take the ball and run with it.” The fairest resolution would have been by coin toss; but I chose the craven path of voting my demographic, out of fear that there might be a special place in hell for septuagenarians who don’t help each other.
LOL on your reference, Davis.
I like the way you think!
Voting for Saint Monnica is like a member of AA voting for a member of AlAnon.
Kinda…but thank God for all those Al-Anon-ers out there…somebody needs to keep an eye on us AA-ers! Ha!
Monnica is the consummate mother figure- steadfast, long-suffering and a genuine model for motherhood. She deserves some kudos for stepping up to the tasks placed before her. God knows, it ain’t an easy job.
As a mother, and grandmother, I commend Monnica on her dedication to her faith and to her son. However, I voted for Helena because I feel as though she went above and beyond the call of duty, especially being and Elder! Monnica did good things, but nothing that 99% of mother’s wouldn’t do…. Sorry Monnica, Helena wins this round, in my thoughts….
Another Holy Land pilgrim here, I, too had to vote for Helena; though I wonder if her trip to the Holy Land was as much about the new emperor finding his mother something to do far away so he could govern without her looking over his shoulder…
I could only vote for Helena because I am 75 and wonder at her ability to accomplish so much at that age and in that age.
I’m an associate of the Order of St. Helena, so no doubt here who I was to vote for. I also appreciate Helena’s establishment of churches. She seemed dedicated to the faith; Monnica seemed to be mostly dedicated to her son. Not bad, but not my definition of Saintly.
I wanted to vote for Monnica, but was outvoted by two of my children with whom I am reading & praying the Lent Madness journey each day, so Helena it is!
I have to confess that I’ve never really liked Monica–way too pushy for my taste, although God clearly used her devotion for God’s purposes. Helena, it is!
The prayer of Monnica’s cited at the end swayed me to her side, but not a fan of either son. Augustine’s writing can be beautiful but his imprinting the disgust of sensuality on Christianity is tragic, and the alligment of Christianity that occurred with Constantine the state still is having repercussions to this day.
appreciative of Helena and all her hard work, but grateful to Monnica for this:
“Nothing is far from God; neither am I afraid God will not find me.”
that’s what I’m going to think about for today’s Lenten meditation.
Having no particular inclination either way, I voted for Monnica as underdog. It can’t have been easy having a major theologian for a son.
On the other hand, it can’t have been easy for Augustine to have
Monnica for a mother. All that nagging. . . .
He probably had his Bible permanently opened to Proverbs 21:9. :
Better to live on the roof of the house than inside the house with a nagging woman.
Although Helena did wonderful work for the early church, as the mother of a recalcitrant child, I had to cast my vote for Monnica.
Helena for me! She’s really rockin’ the hat. Even though their hats were layered and flat, I saw her pointy hat and thought Devo, the rock band from the 80’s. Something to consider for the “kitsch” round… On the serious side, I admire her ability to raise her son as a single mom. Not easy to do, I’m sure, in the fourth century. And then to build churches at seventy years old? You go, girl!
Tough choice, but Helena it is if only because she did so much in her second act.
I’m not voting for either of them. One brought back artifacts that she self-authenticated, the other broke up her son’s long term relationship with the mother of his child. Neither very admirable, in my estimation.
Monnica was a trailblazer! she converted to Christianity so early. It was a very tough decision but Monnica made it easier for Helena.
I was struck by Helena’s strength of will to build something in honor of Christ and her desire to collect the precious relics. The fact that she was just about the age I am now is very impressive.
I will use Monnica’s dying sentiment as a Lenten meditation. She was, however, too much of a nag for me. I voted for Helena. Her tireless work at the end of her life is so inspiring to me.
Both Helena and Monnica were long-suffering wives and mothers of famous and influential sons. Through them, both Constantine and Augustine have had major positive and negative impacts on the history and development of the Church and the history of the world, and I think in the long run Augustine’s negative impact has been more harmful than Constantine’s. However, it’s not really fair to judge a parent by her child. Monnica was a good and pious woman, but so was Helena and I’m impressed with her energy and can-do attitude to lead a major archaeological expedition. My first vote goes to Helena
Two more present day Helenas for me, my dear departed grandmother and my force-of-nature daughter, and a deep connection to the Sisters in New York, are resounding echoes of women doing what needed to be done in the name faith and love, and not necessarily driven by others in their lives. Helena for me.
I, too, can relate to Monnica, but I still voted for Helena.
I’m grateful to have the first match up be an all-female round. Well done Supreme Executive Committee!
I’m enthusiastically looking forward to a trip to the Holy Land sometime next year, and St. Helena appears to be largely responsible for many of the places I plan to visit. My thank and my vote go to her.
Correction: “thanks”
As I read through the comments by mothers relating to their trials I have to say -what is it with sons ?
I voted for Monica because I like her assertion that “Nothing is far from God; neither am I afraid God will not find me” Helena is admirable on many grounds, of course, but searching for relics, tearing down temples and building in the Holy Land doesn’t have the message of universality that appeals to me.
I cast my vote for Monnica. My birthday is on her feast day. I believe she is the patron saint of Mothers. I always wanted to be a Mom.
Since my grandmother was Helen, I was set to vote for Helena, but changed my mind after reading the bios. Monnica was much more a hands on Christian, converting people with her personal involvement whereas Helena was more distanced from people. Both were worthy and this was a tough decision.
I voted for Monnica because of her role in converting her son Augustine to Christianity. Augustine’s total acceptance of the faith turned his considerable intellect to the service of “the City of God.” Augustine’s writings about his mother are great testament to her spirituality. Throught the grace of God she did the Church a great service.
Helen certainly accomplished a lot, but she had the full power and riches of the Roman empire at her disposal. I might note that her son Constantine was pretty squishy on some aspects of Christianity and was only baptized on his death bed.
Such a tough choice. These are both incredible mothers. God bless ’em both.
I’m Team Monnica! I voted for her because she showed there is Hope in prayer.
Good morning and welcome back, dear Lent Madness Friends. It’s wonderful to be together again. Go St. Helena!
Imagine Christianity without Augustine, o ye admirers of Middle Eastern architecture! I am for Monnica. Possibly because I have two family members named Monica…
First welcome back to 8 year old Oliver. always nice hearing from you.
I went with Helena today, not because she was more important than Monnica but because of resources at her disposal was able to spread the word of our Lord further. Both of these mothers were very important and it was a tough choicem
Like Helena’s action in old age. But hard to know which son did more harm to the church: Constantine for tying the church to the power base rather than the oppressed, or Augustine’s concept of original sin. Whew! Glad the knotty choices of Lent Madness are back!
Another Associate of the Order of St. Helena here. Following in the footsteps of one of the first church planters, I celebrate with the Sisters the recent opening of their new convent in North Augusta, SC. Check it out here: http://osh.org/
Thanks for the shout out Nancy! We’re rooting for Helena today!
I couldn’t possibly in good conscience vote for anyone connected with the existence of Augustine, though Monnica almost won my sympathy vote as the person who had to suffer him.
As many have already noted, this was a tough choice. I chose Helena for two main reasons: 1. As an elder myself, I admire Helena’s enormous energy, faith and guts, all the more considering the travel conditions of her day, even for an empress; 2. I once celebrated the feast of St. Helena (and “St. Constantine”) in a neighboring Greek Orthodox church, at the invitation of the priest, who accorded this Anglican priest the signal honor for a non-Orthodox man of standing within the iconostasis near the altar for the entire liturgy. Part of the ceremony involved kissing the large icons of Helena and Constantine displayed on the bema. So now I offer St. Helena another kiss.
As someone who just recently retired at the ripe old age of (AHEM!), I know what I would say to anyone who even suggested that I should now go out and play Indiana Jones meets Jimmy Carter, I had to go with helena for this round!
I never thought I could vote against one of my favorite saints. I’ve always loved St. Monnica, but Helena is a real inspiration. I’m 72 years old, and all she did after the age of 75 leaves me breathless. What a gal! Gotta vote for her. May the Lord grant me the strength to be 1/10 as zealous for His glory as Helena was. Thanks for this opportunity to learn about a truly amazing woman of God.
Monnica. I relate to her as we have 3 children and husband doesn’t like church and son #2 is an agnostic. Monnica gives me a real life lesson on the power of prayer. even when I don’t see with my eyes the changes, she encourages me to persevere.
Such a tough first choice. I’m an associate with the Order of St. Helena (since 1983), so Helena was certainly a natural choice for me, & she DID make a lot of what’s available in the Holy Land possible, but my heart had to go to St. Monnica since she was so concerned with the soul of her son & also who seemed to have a drinking problem–as well as a codependency one!
As an Associate of the Order of St Helena, I’ll back her as far as she goes … for the halo!
Monnica shows the true meaning of being Christian. Helena promoted idol worship though not on purpose however. Persistance = Monnica.
My vote is for Monnica.
When am I supposed to write in my bracket who won?? Later on tonight after everyone has responded??
Annette —
You may have clicked the box at the bottom of this reply screen that says “Notify me of comments by e-mail” or “notify me of posts by e-mail.”
Just unclick it and you should be good — maybe today, maybe not until tomorrow.
–Andrea
I voted for Helena because I am 76, and she accomplished so much after 75. Time for me to get cracking!
I voted for Helena because she taught Indie and Lara how to collect relics. She should be the patron saint of tomb raiders.
Gotta vote for a woman who loved to shop and knew how to throw here weight around to get a church (or two built). Go Helena!
Edit: her
I love Monica’s words, “Nothing is far from God…” although, perhaps, she could have demonstrated a little more faith that Augustine wasn’t far from God, either, and spent less time chasing him all over the globe.
Nonetheless, I voted for Helena. It is good to have someone who was an exile at one point in her life, but who kept on keeping on into her old age, building things with enthusiasm and passion.
I can’t believe Helena is still considered a saint. Not meant to offend anyone, but she did some pretty awful stuff to the people of Judea/Palestine just to get her relics. Monnica all the way!!
Helena for the Halo!
“Behind every great man there is a great woman”
I voted for Monnica…because sometimes the best gift a person can give is their offspring. Augustine was a great pillar of the Christian faith and is a doctor of the church. What would the church be like if this great woman had not kept the faith and persisted to have her son be the best he could be?
Helena – obviously! You can’t have the chicken without the egg and Constantine legitimized what would be the greatest “thing” of human history: lentmadne…Christianity! Fierce bish for sure!
Helena has my vote for building all those churches!
Both women made great contributions to Christianity, but when someone voted for Monnica for being the patron saint of nagging mothers, I had to vote for Monnica.
Difficult choice, indeed!
Can someone please tell me how I can stop so many emails? I am new to this and didn’t realize that so many people would be making comments! I liked Monnika. She seemed more motherly.
Helena! She’s our patron. Mary Lois OSH
I voted for Helena because Monnica was a helicopter mother–albeit ahead of her time.
V difficult choice. Both women emulated the great mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Great matchup. Remember to vote only once.
Monica–she badgered her son. I can relate. But I have never seen the name spelled with a double “n.” Anyone else?
Helena, because she’s an exampled for we “seasoned” women that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself!
I was all set to vote for Monnica but Helena’s bio has won it for me. Had no idea (or forgotten) she was responsible for building all those churches.
Monnica assured me that God will find me anywhere.
Monica got my vote. Helena seems to be a gullible tourist. I am not a big believer in holy relics.
This was a really tough choice. Being a person coming into my “mature” years I was so totally impressed by Helena. She’s who I want to be when I grow up. What a go-getter she was. In the end though I had to vote for Monnica. She had to be a saint to be Augustine’s mother and continuing to pray for him through all of his trials and craziness was a sure sign that she was touched (or maybe “touched”?) by G_d. Been there, doing that.
I’m sorry to see people abstaining because they don’t like the choices. Carry that forward to national politics and elections and what do you get?
Monica meant well, but Helena took on tremendous responsibilities in her later years. A good example for us all. It’s never too late to jump in and proclaim the Good News.
Hello all from the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth!! Yeehaw!! I voted for Helena although as many have said, it was a tough choice. First timer and looking forward to participating.
My best friend at camp 65 years ago was named Helena.
I voted for Monica because she had to put up with St. Augustine. Before and after conversion. And St. Ambrose had an insanely high opinion of her. (I wrote a paper about St. Ambrose and his influence over temporal rulers while I was in grad school.)
Today we vote for in the Matronly Meltdown®, so for the deeds of the mothers, not of the sons.
“Helena gathered the most-sought-after relics in Christian history” and supported the construction of buildings (and as noted by someone else destroyed others)
“Monnica …prayed, and worked … to see Augustine’s conversion.”
As many of us know, parenthood is continual prayer and persistence.
My vote is for souls and people, over objects and things, so MONNICA
Helena! My home church is Church of the Ascension in Windermere FL. How could I do anything else but vote for the Saint who established the original Church of the Ascension?!
Vote for Monnica, a Saintly Tiger Mom! Talk about a mother’s fierce devotion. 🙂
First vote and its already tough! I went with Helena.
Had to give Helena the nod today…..she gave birth to a lot of churches for people to worship…
Helena merely built churches. Monnica’s son Augustine built up the Church as a whole with his seminal works. There is no comparison. It’s Monnica by a mile.
I agree!
Hi Greg Sammons! I love celebrating Monnica in May, as the feast of the nagging mother. But for overall effect, I had to go with Helena. Best to you & Peg!
Marty – I vote for Helena! I’ve been to the Holy Land 6 times and am so appreciative of what she was able to accomplish.
My vote goes to Monica. Not only did she have a brilliant son, born in North Africa, but I get to enjoy one of the best farmers markets today in a city named after her.
Didn’t know anything re either of these wonderful women until this a.m. Loved them both – the septuagenarian (I am one) got my vote : she sounds like a fabulous ol’ broad!
My mother, Helen., was also a very energetic and a very difficult woman! In their honor and in honor of so many wonderful places in Palestine….
I voted against the church builder (Helena) and for the woman who knows that God meets us where we are (Monnica). Reading about Helena reminded me, in particular, of the heavy, cave-like, candle-filled churches at many holy sites in Israel that seem to promote darkness instead of light.
I love them both, but where would we be without Augustine?
Monica, whom I had never known of before this post, gets my vote!
Had to go with Monnica because of the final quote “nothing is far from God; neither am I afraid God will not find me.” Amazing understanding of God just being with us always.
It’s not looking good for my bracket! We need Helenas and Monnicas: tireless visionaries with a can-do spirit as well as tired moms focused on bringing one child to God. I voted for Monnica, but I’m glad we have both.
Personally, I tend to vote for the one who has the potential for the best showing during the Round of Kitsch. (Don’t judge me – it’s at least as valid as voting for the “Celtic” card.)
Bonnie
I am 80 and still going. Helena has it because she had so much get-up-and-go with age no barrier.
I am 80 and still going. Helena has it because she had so much get-up-and-go with age no barrier.
While not quite “every day of 75”-close enough to be in awe of Helena’s accomplishments.
This was a tough decision for me as well. My first thought went to Helena because of all the churches she built, and at age 75. However, it was the comments in the Collect that swayed me. “Use us in accordance with your will to bring others to acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior” Monnica it is.
Accomplishment-wise, Helena has it hands down. If I could travel back and meet one of these women, I would choose Helena in a heartbeat. But it seems most folks here are focusing on the mothering angle. Monica nagged, manipulated and prayed her son into eventual submission, and a grateful church thanks her for that. But again choose Helena. Her son was no slouch either. And he apparenlty revered her, loved her, respected her and trusted her … with the entire treasury! And look what she accomplished with his support. Whereas, Augustine’s relationship with his mother (at least insofar as we are lead to believe with the info provided) was … shall we say … not quite as ideal … and no doubt contributed to his overall attitude toward women, which attitude is always explained away or excused as belonging in its context in time. Well, either a lot changed in a 100 years, or Constantine just didn’t care (which is another point in his favor).
Helena is impressive for sure, but Monnica spoke to the mother in me always striving for the best for her children. It’s fun to be voting again! Happy Lent!
I was conficted about artifacts so I went with the nagging mom who felt close to God wherever she was.
I agree totally
I voted for Helena after much consideration but mainly because I have heard of her.
Also she saw to it that her son Constantine became the first holy roman emperor.
Interesting factoid..she had splinters from Jesus’ cross.
Anybody who supports Addiction Recovery gets my vote. Thanks, Monnica
It’s hard to resist a 75 year old who takes on an oral history/folklore/archeology project! But then, I always root for the do-ers. Not to disparage prayer, but we need so much action.
Tough choice, as St. Helena is a particular favorite of mine. But I’ll have to go with St. Monnica on account of her great faithfulness in praying for her family. “Nothing is far from God; neither am I afraid God will not find me.” I like that.
Monica justified all of us bagging mothers. If SHE could convince an obstinate son to mend his ways, there is hope for all of us!
Nagging, not bagging!
Two very strong women! What a great start to Lent Madness!
I voted for Monnica because she didn’t build a bunch of churches nor did she tear down valuable historical sites. Her patronage of people living with addiction tipped the scales, so to speak.
So glad to have Lent Madness to look forward to again this year. I had to vote for Monnica because I feel the pain of prodigals in my family, too. I would like to follow Monnica in her persistence and prayer for my children, though maybe not to hover so closely, as that would drive them away from me. Sadly, I have never been to the Holy Land, so that did not persuade me as much. Oliver, glad you are back with us.
I vote for Helena in this first round of Lent Madness. Being a Helen, myself, loving horses, adoring travelling, a searcher of the True Cross, and a lover of Christ, I must go with Helena all the way. The gorgeous marble statue of St. Helena holding the giant true cross, over on the right, near the high altar in St. Peter’s is incredible. Helena is deserving of the Golden Halo! h+
Hey there, fellow Buckeye. I’m originally from Hamilton, just down the road from you. I, too, voted for Helena
Torn, very torn…but because I lived for 16 years within 10 miles of Vails Gate, NY, and spent many an hour in the Chapel of the Motherhouse of OSH, my first vote goes to Helena…and gives me hope for my own “second act”!
How I admire Monica for persevering in prayer and faith! Helen was given $ and a directive from her son. Monica had a husband who waited until his deathbed to convert and a son who felt the need to experience it all before settling on a belief system. I’ve been to those churches in Jerusalem and seen the statue in St. Peter’s and appreciate it all. However, Monica’s my kind of saint – a genuine people person.
tough start to Lenten Madness. But I am on the last 3rd of my life and Helena gives me hope the next years (final years) don’t have to be a repeat of the past years. Christ is waiting for me to discover “relics” to bring home.
My desire to vote for Monnica may be a bit somber but I still do like Helena. It is just that I can relate to Monnica more than I can Helena. Lentmadness is fun and educational. No one should stoop to anything raunchy.
Well folks. We’re off to a good start. What did we give up for Lent? – our sanity – with Lent Madness!
In all honesty, it was hard not to vote against Monnica just on my leftover hatred of Confessions from high school alone. I did end up voting for Helena… but on her own merits, I hope.
Ir’s interesting to me how a modern term and interpretation of parenting is sent back into the past a a pejorative, helicopter-parenting. It seems as a result of that connection many chose not to vote for Monnica. God never leaves us alone, and is constantly poking at us in order to get our attention. I don’t regard God as a helicopter-parent. Augustine was a bad person by his own admission. Maybe like God, Monnica just never gave up.
Please notify me each day of the vote and the two on the ballot.
Thank You
St. Helena’s sarcophagus has been placed in the Vatican Museum. It is an impressive structure. http://mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/x-Schede/MPCs/MPCs_Sala08_01.html
As an energetic senior citizen, I voted for the energetic senior citizen.
I really wanted to vote for Helena for her energy age and devotion to cross of Jesus but had to vote for Monnica for her efforts to share her God with those she loved most.
While I have great admiration for both of these women I voted for Monnica because she never gave up on her son just as God never gives up on us! She loved her son unconditionally and this is what we are all called to do as parents and as people of God.
It may be pure madness, but I gave my vote to Monnica. She’s getting trounced, but I don’t care. There’s always tomorrow and then that long weekend of waiting for Monday.
I voted for Monica because I admire the influence she had on her son St. Augustine. Even though St. Helena did many good things for the faith she could not restrain her son from his madness. The cross itself ,which Constantine raised to prominence, has had a terrible effect on Christian-Jewish relations.
As a member of St. Augustine’s parish in Oakland, California and a member of St. Monnica’ s Guild,of course I voted for Monnica, who like me is a mother of sons.
Although I was leaning towards Helena when I read that Monnica was the patron saint of those battling addiction I had to vote for her because being a person in recovery who knows how many times I prayed to her and didn’t even know it. have now been sober over 27 years so she must of heard me so here’s a vote for her. Thank you Monnica!
What a dilemma! Choosing between two fierce and devoted mothers is not easy, but I went with Helena who accomplished so much after 75, which in her day must have been equivalent to being 110! Also as someone else noted, Monnica would seem to be the precursor of the “helicopter mom” of today…not exactly commendable.
Voted for Monnica. It was an easy choice. We naggers have to stick together.
Reluctant vote for Helena. At least she’ll have some great swag. I was confirmed on what would have been Monnica’s feast, had it not been Sunday. I was fascinated by her story, but looked and looked for some kind of icon showing Monnica’s tears. They pretty much all showed her holding an unraveled scroll. I remember having read the significance of that, but also remember not caring so very much. So I’ve forgotten what that’s about. It’s her other son whose story I liked. Again, I forget why. All this forgetting may be why Helena got my vote. She’s much more monumental.
Hard choice between heavenly Helena and marvelous Monnica. After much hand wringing, Skye and Hope voted for Helena because of her energizer bunny church building efforts. To paraphrase twin twelve-year-olds: “80 churches in the Holy Land? Wow! That’s a lot of churches.”
This is my first time to take part in Lent Madness and I think it will be a lot of fun. I also think that I am going to learn a lot. I voted for Helena in the end but I loved the comment about Monnica travelling to Rome, only to find that her son was, in fact, in Milan! I think that says a lot! 😉
I had real problems voting for Helena. On the one hand, her church building and church heritage efforts are impressive. On the other she aided and abetted the church’s cozying up to the empire, a problem that vexes the church to this day.
Monicca may have been the original helicopter mom, BUT she seemed genuinely interested in both the following and worshipping of Christ, hence my vote for her.
Monnica, all the way. Not age, primitive traveling conditions or her son’s attempts to ditch her could stop this mom from following her son around the known world until he got his act together.
Having journeyed to the quarry far below the rock called Golgotha, where Helena is reputed to have found the remnants of the True Cross, in the Church of the Holy Sepluchre, I have to cast my vote for her. As my guide repeatedly said, “If not here, somewhere.” I finally came to be believe, “Yes, here!” Thank you Helena.
Both remarkable women worked a long time in promoting the love of Christ. Monnica persistently reminded her wayward son that God’s way was the better way. Monnica’s faithful prayers led to Augustine’s conversion and, eventually, to his massive (but, not without controversy) impact on the Christian faith.
I voted for Monnica for her persistent prayer.
Any woman who produces a saint like Augustine gets my vote.
I cannot resist the woman who inspired and promoted building those magnificent churches. Now if we could just fill them.
Maybe we would be better at filling those churches if we, like Monica, were more persistent in our prayer and encouragement of other to follow Christ.
I used to be an antique dealer. I can relate to Helena. When did Monica sprout an extra n?
Hooray! Lent Madness is back! Go Helena!
Monnica, because as a parent of adult children, I pray that faith might find them
First time participating, cast my first vote. Was so amazed at what Helena accomplished.
Monnica, whose name is spelled “Monica” in All Saints: Daily Reflections on Saints, Prophets, and Witnesses for Our Time,” by Robert Ellsberg, got my vote. Why? The collect. I love the collect, and but the story here of Monnica (aka Monica) is remarkably like the one presented by Ellsberg, and I’m sure there are plenty of sources of that same story, but attributions, links, sources for further study would be appreciated. Ellsberg included a quote from Augustine in his Confessions, crediting his mother by saying, “in the flesh she brought me to birth in this world; in her heart she brought me to birth in your eternal life” (369). That’s beautiful.
What? No edit function to go back and fix punctuation and other errors????? Take out the “but” where it currently reads “and but,” and also remove the quotation mark after the word “Time” since I couldn’t use italics when writing. Oops. Probably no biggles as my daughter would say….
Outstanding women! Had to go with St. Monica, her persistent prayer gave us St. Augustine? What an example she is to all parents who long for their children to follow Christ.
Well, if we didn’t have Monica, we wouldn’t have Augustine. As a Roman Catholic, I read a monthly Jesuit publication called The Magnificat. It has the daily Office, the Mass readings and a commentary. On occasion, the commentary will be from Augustine. I have been shocked and delighted to read Augustine’s opinions. He is so contemporary. Monica gave us a major saint. We owe her a big thanks.
Ok, not too fond of either, and not over the top about either of their sons. One ruled an empire, the other threw out his common law wife and son because he ‘got religion’ and then burdened the theological world with double superlapsarian predestination for good measure. Could their mothers have influenced them? But despite her falling for all those pieces of true cross, i went for Helene. Constantine got together the saints and thinkers of his time to talk about this emerging tradition at Nicea, so maybe his mum taught him a little about listening? And Oliver’s right – her son put paid to the gladiators – definitely better parenting there.
I was predisposed against Monica because of the chasing her son all over the continent bit, but had forgotten or never known that Helena had helped to establish churches at so many sites in the Holy Land. Surely her time there constitutes one of the earliest forms of the via crucis, or what we now more commonly call the Stations of the Cross: a good solid Lenten connection. 🙂
In earlier years of Lenten Mdness I have sometimes voted first and other times have read the comments before I voted. I have learned so much from al of you. Particularly I have valued the different perspectives presented. I loved t Monnica’s prayer: Nothing is far from God; neither am I afraid God will not find me”. But since I am now “entering my second act” I appreciated the example of St Helena that much can be accomplished by elders and women. You rock, St Helena.
I voted for Helena because she was so dedicated to spreading the gospel.
I voted for Helena because by the life she lived as Constantine’s mother she had earned such a depth of love and trust from her son that he would not only send her on an autonomous mission with the support of all the resources of his office but also follow her into the dangerous ridiculous journey of following Jesus!
I vote for Monnica because she’s the underdog. As the patron saint of mothers, married women, and those who are addicted, she deserves that and more. Thank you, Monnica for looking over us.
I vote for Monica. She is the mother we all should be. Or maybe I should say she is the Parent we all should be.
I cannot figure out how to vote.
Is my reply my vote?
I guess it is too late for me to vote but I would have voted for Monica since she is the patron saint for those battling alcohol addiction. I have been in AA for 40 years!