The day after International Women’s Day, we have two international women squaring off in the Lent Dome. Clare of Assisi (Italy!) takes on Vida Dutton Scudder (America!).
To make it thus far, Clare trounced Denis while Vida sailed past F.D. Maurice. Who will make face Constance in the Elate Eight? Only your vote and the next 24 hours will decide.
Yesterday Columba mastered Meister Eckhart 60% to 40 to advance to the next round.
And in the midst of the Saintly Sixteen, the SEC just wanted to offer a quick shout-out to all of our hard-working Celebrity Bloggers. As we get deeper into Lent, the turnaround times for the write-ups gets tighter. This is all being done in real time, folks! So if you spot a harried-looking CB, someone who may also be leading a congregation through Lent, give them a word of encouragement as you ask for their autograph. And then let them get back to their most important and holy task-at-hand.
Clare
So Clare was that person.
That person so sweet, so devoted, so honest, so deeply and genuinely kind to everyone even the haters can’t hate on her. Her only quirk was her deep goodness and authentic devotion.
Even before she was born, she was that person. While awaiting Clare’s birth, her mother went to a local church daily to pray for safe delivery as the date approached. One day, she heard a response to her prayer: “O Lady, do not be afraid, for you will joyfully bring forth a clear light which will illumine the world.”
Of course, that clear light was born shortly afterwards and named Clare, which means “clear one,” in case you were wondering.
Writings about her life share that even as a child, she was holy and dedicated. One biographer notes she was praised by her neighbors and townspeople for her goodness and compassion and her devotion to daily prayer, even as an infant. As a child, she would take food from her plate to share with the hungry in her town.
Her only recorded act of disobedience was her refusal to marry the man her family selected for her. But since she made her vows, as she later wrote, “to take the Lord Jesus Christ, a spouse of a more noble lineage, who would keep her forever unspotted and unsullied,” even that act of disobedience gets a pass.
Clare spent all of her adult life in the contemplative religious order that would eventually be called the Order of St. Clare. Clare founded her order on deep contemplation of Christ and the purest ideal of Franciscan poverty. None of the women could own anything, and their daily lives reflected a faithful and serious commitment to poverty. For Clare, even her sleeping conditions were bare bones. In the Legend of St. Clare, we read about her sleeping conditions: “for a pillow, she took a block or a great stone; she lay always on the bare ground, or for to take the better her rest she lay otherwhile upon the cuttings of vines, unto the time that Saint Francis had commanded her, because that it was over foul, that she should use to lie on a sack full of straw.”
The vast majority of her writings are from letters to two women who were entering religious life. In her letter supporting Agnes and her decision to join the monastic life that embraces utter poverty, Clare writes:
O blessed poverty,
who bestows eternal riches on those who love and embrace her!
O holy poverty,
to those who possess and desire you God promises the kingdom of heaven
and offers, indeed, eternal glory and blessed life!
O God-centered poverty,
whom the Lord Jesus Christ Who ruled and now rules heaven and earth,
Who spoke and things were made, condescended to embrace before all else!
Clare doesn’t mention the rocks for pillows, but otherwise, her enthusiasm and dedication to Christ is evident.
Clare is even that person for those of us who find respite binge watching House of Cards on Netflix. Yes, she’s the patron saint of television. But instead of House of Cards, Clare watched the Sacrament of the Mass projected by none other than the Holy Spirit on the wall of her room when she became too ill to attend.
Yes, she was that person who loved and served the Lord with her whole self and soul. She guides the sisters of her order: “Love him totally who gave himself totally for your love.”
We truly need more of those people like Clare.
Vida Dutton Scudder
The more you learn about Vida Dutton Scudder, the more it is clear that her quiet influence and deep commitments touched many aspects of society throughout the last century and into the current one.
Vida was an educator, Episcopalian, editor/writer, principal advocate in social and women’s issues, social worker, welfare activist, anti-war/pro-peace proponent, and one of the most prominent lesbian writers of her time. She maintained that charity by and of itself is a failure; rather, an economic solution was the only avenue to effectively address social problems.
Her prolific writings were truly the window into her deeply Christian soul and provided an outpouring for her beliefs. Honored annually on October 10, Vida’s quotes mirror her life’s work, social beliefs and stances:
“War to win peace is at best a dangerously illogical method.”
“The suppression of war is not the equivalent of peace.”
“Luxury, like a minimum wage, is a relationship; it changes as we change.”
“Reality, like beauty, is in relationship and there only.”
“It is through creating, not possessing, that life is revealed.”
“An element of abstention, of restraint, must enter into all finer joys.”
“The worst danger of the mystic is as always a quest of spiritual privilege leading to aloofness from the common lot.”
“If prayer is the deep secret creative force that Jesus tells us it is, we should be very busy with it.”
“Economic necessity is the determining base of permanent social change”
“Social intercession may be the mightiest force in the world.”
Living her beliefs was a strong part of Vida’s lifelong dedication and education. She was an early member of the Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross (SCHC), comprised of lay and ordained Episcopal and Anglican women who are dedicated to a life of prayer for social justice, unity, peace and reconciliation.
Some interesting notes and tidbits about Vida and those around her:
- She was a founder of Denison House where pioneering pilot Amelia Earhart served as a social worker for two years beginning in 1926. Amelia was reported to have helped Dennison House by flying over Boston, air-dropping pamphlets that heralded the organization’s events.
- Both Vida and her mother were confirmed as Episcopalians by Phillips Brooks, Rector of Boston’s Trinity Church, Bishop of Massachusetts, and writer of the beloved Christmas hymn, “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”
- At the onset of World War I, Vida supported the war effort, but changed course, joined the Fellowship of Reconciliation in 1923, and by 1930 she was an avowed pacifist.
Vida Dutton Scudder lived from 1861 to 1954, bridging historic times that cried out for, and desperately needed, her social conscience, personal drive, and intense spirituality.
Clare vs. Vida Dutton Scudder
- Vida Dutton Scudder (51%, 3,214 Votes)
- Clare (49%, 3,055 Votes)
Total Voters: 6,269
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I voted for Clare because she was a really nice person
I have to go with Clare – partron saint of TV.
I voted for Clare❤️
This was tough, and a coin toss for me.
To be honest I would say Ms. Brock got my vote over Ms. Fox.
Again, Props to the SEC!
Sarah, when I was reading the bios I thought of you, but I was sure you would be voting Vida. Silly me. Clare is hard to resist, yeah?
I did vote for vida on another device. Its an advantage, I don’t always do that though.
Laugh out Loud.
I voted for Clare, it is hard to have everyone like you and she seems to have done that.
“It is through creating, not possessing, that life is revealed.” Clearly these two had something in common.
I also voted for Clare. My reason was that she is a patron saint of embroiderers and I love to sew and do embroidery. We must have had something in common.
And she helped a lot of people!
tough choice between 2 admirable women
I voted for Clare because she cut her hair and refused to marry the boy they picked for her.
I agree oliver
Yes! Christian Socialism! Anyone who would write a book called Socialism and Spiritual Progress is the woman I am going to vote for. Vida Dutton Scudder is the finest fruit of Victorianism. I cannot walk away from the wit and irony of “If prayer is the deep secret creative force that Jesus tells us it is, we should be very busy with it.” I’ll pray for both Clare and Vida today, but my vote is for Vida.
Agree
Yes, that quote hit me hard this morning (in a good way)!
Agree. Thanks
Really! this is too much! who is this Oliver certainly not an Episcopalian! Cheers TNC
Don’t be rude he is just 8
Alas, not everyone appreciates wit and irony.
What does that mean
His (Chaplain Tom’s) was an innocent, petite raillery.
Chaplain Tom was trying to be funny not mean. He was writing with a chuckle, but that can be hard to hear when it is only in writing.
I am excited to see that you are so involved in and interested in Lent Madness. Keep up the good work and you may be on the Supreme Executive Committee picking the saints and counting the votes!
I think it means that old people in the Episcopal Church loathe to accept children’s thoughts as being equal to their own. As a Director of Children and Youth Ministry, this breaks my heart regularly. Keep going Sarah and Oliver. The true irony is that your hope and wisdom will outlast their attempts at humor at the expense of others.
more’s the pity
Ah, irony! I love it! It is so…ironic! Please do remember to suffer the little children – it will take a few years for their sense of irony to develop fully! I, for one, am delighted to hear the voices of young folk who care enough to play (and pray!) along with us grown-ups…
Amen.
Hey! Watch this “grown-up” stuff.
I agree with Donna! And a Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you again this year!
Nice job, Sarah!
if more of us thought like Oliver the world would be a better place. The joy of the obvious is sometimes the best joy of all.
Agreed!
I now get what you were saying, my mom described it. At too laugh at it.
Now Lets see Who wins
Clare all the way. If you ever went to Assisi and went to vespers at the church of St. Clare you would know what heaven must sound like. And it’s been happening for hundreds of years. The holiness Clare started permeates the walls.
Clare is definitely my choice after being in Assisi and as member of St. Clare chapter of DOK
Right on–Clare of Assisi ! What a hard choice.
I must take that trip someday….
Oh my. Clare was the saint I liked best when I was a Protestant child in Catholic school. But Vida! What integration of faith, action, and intelligence. Dare I say ‘Feel the Vida!’?
Right on
How about Viva la Vida?
I do so not understand, nor want to emulate, the poverty seekers that abound in saintly records. Tiresome is the cry to poverty and sleeping on the ground ( with Schweitzers ants and mosquitoes) Vida Vida Vida.
well said Donna. Rich people who choose poverty don’t seem to get how rhat is different from having it thrust upon you.
Hmmm, but Jesus did tell the rich lawyer to sell all he had and give it to the poor. Poverty by choice is the lifestyle Jesus chose as well, no? Rare is the person who actually responds (and I’m speaking to myself here!).
I’m not sure we can say that Jesus choose a life of poverty. His life was what it was — the son of a craftsperson in a tiny occupied country.
Yes, but he left all that behind to be an itinerant rabbi. His food and shelter was provided by his supporters- “some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 and Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources.” (I love that Jesus’ financial backing was given by these women!)
“Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”
And if you consider Jesus to be the incarnate Son of God…well, that was a choice too. He “did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” (Philippians 2:6-7)
Donna and Lucinda, you hit the nail on the head!
Hard to ignore perfectly phrased epigrams….and a model for all Episcopalians, women and men alike. While we may need to be more like Clare, the times call for more Vidas. Vote for Vida!
Amen to that! Ivted for Vida.
Mine too her bravery and foresight of tirelessly working in a life of prayer for social justice, unity, peace and reconciliation in the late 1800’s thru the early 1900’s blows my mind. I think her work did a great deal to improve the lives of women and the needy and so much more. GO VIDA!!!!!!!!!
I can’t agree with purposely damaging one’s body & health by over-romanticizing asceticism/poor sleeping conditions. So, though I loved Clare in Brother Sun Sister Moon 😉 my vote is for my sister Vida! Also inspired by her life of service, intellectual honesty in changing her mind re WWI, and her words on prayer and economic injustice! Go Vida! ❤️
“Reality, like beauty, is in relationship and there only.”
“The worst danger of the mystic is as always a quest of spiritual privilege leading to aloofness from the common lot.”
I agree with Angela Bocage. I can’t help but wonder what Vida would have made of Clare. Of course, I am probably profoundly misunderstanding Clare.
And, all props for being an out lesbian in a committed relationship in the early decades of the last century. That could not have been easy.
See Eileen’s excellent comment below: “Such a difficult choice. Vida was also a noted historian who wrote one of the definitive texts on the history of Francis and the Franciscans. She carried the vocation of Clare forward and demonstrated how it could be lived in the twentieth century. A vote for Vida is a vote for Clare living and active in the modern world.”
I am repelled by extreme asceticism and, and I don’t think that sleeping with a rock for a pillow does much to further the kingdom of God. Jesus was criticized for his habit of attending parties, after all. I’m sure Clare was a very good person, but I voted for Vida.
I don’t believe Clare or Francis or any of their kindred spirits set aside wealth and comfort in the hopes of posing or pretending their lot was the same as people never knew wealth. I don’t think they were seeking pain, either. They wanted what was for them enough, and nothing more than that. OK, she might have used a stone pillow–but she still used a pillow. Clare’s generosity and kindness light my heart. I admire her commitment to living mindfully though not always comfortably. The absence of music is silence, not noise.
I was a candidate for Franciscan Servants of God’s Grace some years ago but did not go on to become a professed sister. Nevertheless, I saw enough of the life of the order’s founder and experienced enough to understand how difficult it is to follow the Franciscan way. People who know me probably don’t consider me particularly materialistic, but truly embracing Franciscan poverty — truly understanding the difference between needs and wants and seeking only what one needs, in God — is incredibly difficult! I voted for Clare because, next to St. Francis himself, she best exemplified the Franciscan charism.
Such a difficult choice. Vida was also a noted historian who wrote one of the definitive texts on the history of Francis and the Franciscans. She carried the vocation of Clare forward and demonstrated how it could be lived in the twentieth century. A vote for Vida is a vote for Clare living and active in the modern world.
“A vote for Vida is a vote for Clare living and active in the modern world.”
Nicely put. So really, there are no losers here.
Thank you Eileen. You have helped me to decide a difficult match-up. Vida as Clare in the modern world–great idea!
Wow! What a close race! When I voted (8:42 EST) the two holy women were tied at 50 percent each.
Just want to add my thanks to the Celebrity Bloggers, who make this journey (along with SEC, of course) fun and informative. Hmm, Clare=light, Vida=life, tough choice today! I settled on Vida.
This was difficult. I was all ready to breeze through and click on Clare, but then I read
“She maintained that charity by and of itself is a failure; rather, an economic solution was the only avenue to effectively address social problems”
and now I want to go buy all of Vida’s books. Vida it is.
That caught me, too, because I do believe economics are a major portion of the problem in today’s world, and were certainly so during her era as well.
Feeling the Vida today!
Today my vote was for action vs. contemplation. Clare sounds like a really nice person but I had to vote for Vida today.
Vida, a member of the Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross.
Not fair! This was a very difficult decision! I voted for Clare because she was the pioneer.
Dead tie between the two women when I voted for Scudder; I wonder who’ll break it. Someone who is sweet to the point of being saccharine does not appeal to me; but a “social worker, welfare activist, pro-peace proponent, and prominent lesbian writer,” who even has a word of caution to mystics, has me in her camp.
While my first thought was to vote for Clare, I do like nice people, and Vida looks a trifle stern in her glasses, but I find myself voting for her, first because she’s an Episcopalian, and I am proud to be an Episcopalian. Second for her thoughtful comments on war and peace, and third for her courage in fighting for others.
Voted for Vida. Loved the write-up, loved that she emerged from a place of supporting war to realizing that is a losing proposition. The quotes were marvelous: “It is through creating, not possessing, that life is revealed.” How different the world would be if we ascribed to that mentality! Go sister!!!!
I voted for Vida because we need more outspoken women like her in times like these. I thought I would vote for Clare, but the modern urgency of Vida and these times make me choose Vida for her faithfulness and active work. May we pray for more examples in this day and age of both these faithful women in our times.
Tough one but I’m for action…and Vida’s day was my mom’s bday…that was the deciding tidbit
I voted for Vida because of her activism and her ties with SCHC. I’ve enjoyed many great retreats at their center, Adelynrood. But I have always loved Clare, especially the story of her cat, related here: https://www.trinitystores.com/store/art-image/st-clare-assisi-c-1194-1253. Two amazing saints!
Vida for the Golden Halo! The more I learn about this activist saint, the more inspired I am. Thanks to Lent Madness for helping us remember this visionary!
Oh my! Two outstanding and saintly women, each in their own time. Hard choice. I finally voted for Clare out of loyalty to tradition, but could have easily voted for Clare. To me the most important thing is to hold them both up as exemplars for our time. May we learn from them – except take a pass and sleep in our beds..
In my struggle to oppose violence in all its forms and give up narrow security, I vote for Vida who lived and worked for this vision.
I am very torn in today’s decision. Both got my vote in the earlier contest. However, I think Vida would have been on the front lines today. Her words and actions speak to our war-torn and divisive world more than ever. Vida has my vote!
I have very mixed feelings about the tradition of women hurting their bodies as a path to holiness. Vida gets my vote today. As the daughter of a lesbian mom, I love finding queer history role models in the church.
Yes, Jendi! I agree – the mission of the church has no doubt been enriched by many LGBT persons – some quiet and some not so quiet. I was happy to see one such saint represented today, and while I appreciate the life and legacy of St. Clare, Vida gets my vote!
Thinking about the saint and Saints and church programs and goals and initiative nd all that — what about the stated goal to end poverty? Where would Clare and the rest put themselves on that issue?
Clare chose poverty. I’m sure she would have helped those who had poverty forced upon them.
Maybe, maybe not. After all if it’s such a good and desirable thing , something that brings you closer to God and Jesus, let’s just all embrace it with a hearty halleluiah. Oops, sorry it’s Lent, can’t say that.
Hallelujah! (Hebrew) might pass muster. Just don’t stumble into Latin. (Straining gnats with tongue firmly in cheek.)
PHEW! That’s good — wouldn’t want to commit such a sacrestrial sin.
For people like Clare and Francis poverty is more a calling and a spiritual gift, not a choice and certainly not desirable for all. I think it’s best summed up in the quote from Clare: “Love him totally who gave himself totally for your love.” The point is that some are called to give up everything and rely solely on God’s mercy and provision. But a part of that is definitely loving others as well.
Both Clare’s mother’s prayers and Clare’s giving up of material goods and enthusiasm and dedication to Christ encourage and inspire me!
Only the Episcopalians would include a lesbian in the Saints bracket. That’s why I love them and joined them. The Episcopalian church really DOES welcome you, whoever you are! +1 for Vida. To keep my dream alive for at least one more round: A lesbian wins the Golden Halo!!
Nice, Dr M! I agree! (Still, I voted for Clare!)
This was my first real struggle. I voted for Clare, more out of tradition, but Vida’s writings and deeds really tempted me to vote for her.
What Lucinda said.
I think Vida is, probably, the spiritual child of Clare. That said, I voted for Clare because we need all the kindness and light we can get. (Including knocking off teasing on these comments because it’s hard to, as one of you said, “hear the chuckle.”) Also I’m a member of a ST. Clare chapter Daughters of the King.
Thank you, Nancy.
Contrary to several opinions above, I can appreciate voluntary poverty. But I voted for Vida. I especially appreciated her quotes shared with us today. Here’s one in the same spirit that I have loved for years from Mons. Oscar Romero: It is only a caricature of love when we want to patch with charity what is owed in justice. (translated by Dr. Irene Hodgson) Romero, by the way, will soon officially be an RC saint; maybe he can appear in a future Lent Madness.
Coincidentally, the other day I opened up the Journal of John Woolman, a famous Quaker and abolitionist from the turn of the century 1700’s to 1800’s. The edition I had began with a very long biographical and analytical preface — written by Vida Dutton Scudder!
Thank you, Kathy in Nicaragua, for sharing the Oscar Romero quote. It’s a keeper.
What a beautiful crystallization of the faith by Oscar Romero. Thank you for sharing.
I agree with Carol and Allison. That quote from Oscar Romero is worth remembering.
Kathy… there is a Woolman Hill Quaker retreat center in Deerfield, MA, not far from my home.
Viva Vida!
A difficult choice. I love Scudder’s commitment to social justice rooted in a a life of prayer. But I also serve at a parish dedicated to Francis and his picture, along with Clare’s, are on either side of our altar. Clare it is for me!
Thanks to Oliver and Sarah for their daily participation in the LENT MADNESS quest to learn more than they knew before this holy madcap adventure! Having said that, it’s VDS all the way because she clarified what PEACE really means as being much more then the exact opposite of WAR. Her devotion to the Church involved efforts to help those in need in many ways other than simplistic, short-lived projects
that didn’t always make changes that had the potential to be life-saving ventures. Good Blogging.
Even though I admire St. Clare’s devotion to poverty, I like Vida’s perspective much better: fighting to end poverty. It seems these were two very devoted women with very opposite beliefs. I’m voting for Vida.
I named my daughter Magdalene Claire, after two strong, faith-filled Jesus followers. My own Claire (we call her by her middle name) is definitely the “clear one” in my life that God continues to shine through. I had to vote for Clare of Assisi…though I REALLY hate that she was pitted against Vida – totally not fair.
I love that person. St. Clare. I admire Vida, but Clare inspires me.
My usual choose would be for Vida Dutton Scudde becasue of her social justice orientation. But Clare tops that in her life long effort to secure for women the choice to life the life God calls them too. In her case this as poverty in a monastic setting. The men, priests, bishops and even the pope thought that the Poor Clares were being too hard on themselves and for years forbad them from living the rule of poverty they felt called to live. This opposition was eventually withdrawn and the Clares lived the rule that they believe themselves called to. For me, always Clare, but especially on the day after International Women’s Day.
Even though I am Emily Clare, I had to go with Vida. Her quotes on justice and peace are things I would like to say, but she said them better than I could.
La Dolce Vida for me today!
Clare has already gotten so much press. We really need a Vida Dutton Scudder in this day and age. Wonder what she would think about the current presidential hopefuls? I think that this woman was a visionary. She needs to be celebrated!
Pamela KC I aoree with you. As I was reading Vida’s biography I was thinking about the front runners in today’s presidential battle. They need to listen to her and SO SO WE.
I was set to vote for the well known and beloved Clare. But after reading about our forward-thinking Episcopalian saint and all her good works, Vida gets my vote!
Thank you, Celebrity Blogger, Neva Rae Fox, for your eloquent and very interesting writing about Vida Scudder. I voted for the life of an active Christian as opposed to one who preferred the contemplative life. These women lived in such disparate times that it made it difficult for me to decide for whom to vote. I decided to vote for the one whose life was devoted to current global issues.
And the added information about Amelia Earhart, a hero to me since childhood, was the icing on the cake, so to speak. Go Vida!
Had to vote for Clare!
I am enchanted by the beautiful Clare, no doubt because of knowing someone named Vida who was strict, cold, and (pardon me) ugly. Margaret
Voting today feels a lot like voting in yesterday’s primary! I just can’t get excited about either of these women. When I read stories like Clare’s of self-imposed “safe” suffering … “I’m going to sleep on the floor to prove I love Jesus!” … I think “Oh, please! Get up, go out and DO something for those who are not suffering by choice!” … which Vida did do.
Clare did not sleep on the floor to prove she loved Jesus. Her writings, however limited, display a woman who entered a life of deep risk and commitment to pray hourly and daily for those sharing the message of Christ, for the safety of humanity, and for all to experience the love, grace, and mercy of Christ. Funds her order received went to support those in need, and for Clare, however we may consider her sleeping arrangements, having a bed when she realized the cost of a bed may be better spent on help for others, was a choice made out of love and devotion. While I deeply appreciate those who get out and do, I am equally thankful for those who support such action with contemplation and prayer, lest our actions become focused on our own motivations and not on God. Prayer is a form of action.
Yes ma’am! Thanks!
You are so right, Laurie. Vida knew that prayer is a form of action, as the quotes in her bio show:
“If prayer is the deep secret creative force that Jesus tells us it is, we should be very busy with it.”
“Social intercession may be the mightiest force in the world.”
Clare. She’s no doubt loveable, but she is long ago and far away and I don’t think it takes much bravery–only stiff-necked stubbornness–to use a rock for a pillow. Vida seems the braver one in today’s world, so I voted for her.
This was a really hard choice. Having visited Assisi on a few occasions, I’m partial to Clare (Chiara in Italian). But Vida — what a woman. The SEC makes these choices difficult.
Was all set to vote for Vida until Mollie’s comment about Clare taking a stand for a woman’s right to choose her own path in life. Vida would have approved, I’m sure.
Too bad we can’t vote for both!
There is much to inspire us in the lives of both of these saints. Two of Vida’s comments seem to me to contradict each other: “The worst danger of the mystic is as always a quest of spiritual privilege leading to aloofness from the common lot.”
“If prayer is the deep secret creative force that Jesus tells us it is, we should be very busy with it.”
Mystics are always very busy with prayer; that is the reason for cutting back on many other “normal” activities of life, to make room for prayer and service. We seek a close relationship with God not as a point of privilege, but out of love and desire to follow God’s will for our lives. It is not always that easy to follow and obey, and our actions do not always make “sense” to others. I vote for Clare today, because she has been important in my own journey, even though I do not feel called to emulate her sleeping habits or her life of celibacy. I have always felt that my marriage to my husband, Scott, was a gift of God and we have served God as a team. The Poor Clares do not serve only themselves. Neither do any of us who find so much inspiration in Lent Madness.
Thank you, Lucy.
This is tough! Vida is more modern, an Episcopalian woman like me, has great quotes attributed to her, and is all around amazing. But Clare–wow, what a strong woman. I think we do her an injustice here to believe that she chose poverty and slept with a rock for a pillow just for the heck of it. Remember, she rid herself of all her personal wealth (and that money went to the poor, so she wasn’t just sleeping on a rock and not “doing anything”)–just as Jesus told us all to do. Jesus said, too, “Foxes have holes, the birds of the air have their nests, but the Son of man has no place to lay his head.” Like Jesus, Clare depended on the beneficence of others for her living. Perhaps, our dismissiveness of Clare’s poverty stems for our discomfort with our own inability to do such?
And, as in every contest like this, I chafe at the notion that getting out and “doing something” is better than devotion to prayer. BOTH are important, and without prayer for us all undergirding those of us who do not commit ourselves to constant prayer, I wonder where all the “doers” would be. “Martha, Martha…Mary has chosen the better part.”
Having watching “House of Cards” into the wee hours of the morning, this anything-but-poor American will vote for the patron saint of television. A vote for Clare-ity!
Thank you, Susan.
Well said!
I vote for Clare. She chose poverty and in a world of narcissism ( such as Donald Trump embodies) choosing to give to the poor and needy and to life in simplicity is rare. To worship God with your entire life is something remarkable.While her sleeping habits were austere, her devotion to Christ was evident, and that should be applauded, especially in Lent.
Both women have traits to admire and appreciate, so it was a tough choice. But I go with Clare.
Vida for me! I love her multi-tasking activism. I create a monthly e-newsletter for an arts agency and always include a quote relevant to the arts. “It is through creating, not possessing, that life is revealed” is going on an upcoming issue. Though I respect mystics and do not always vote for an “action” saint over a “thinking/praying” saint, I’m troubled by the self-damaging patterns of behavior in Clare’s story. I mean, St. Francis, no lover of luxury, had to tell her to sleep on nice clean straw instead of grotty nasty vines!
Thought I’d be voting for Clare, than Vida won me over with “The worst danger of the mystic is as always a quest of spiritual privilege leading to aloofness from the common lot.” Voting for action this time around, rather than personal devotion.
This was a tough one, but as a Companion, like Vida, I voted for her. She was instrumental in getting the SCHC started on its current path.
I voted for Clare because she wanted to chose her own life and not just marry the guy her parents wanted her to.
I agree with HeatherC, Vida won me over with her actions and dedication to a life of prayer for social justice.
EEK! I think I might have mistakenly voted twice. Please oh please SEC do not bar me from future voting. I am truly sorry and I humbly repent. (I’m blaming the back arrow)
Be comforted, Heidi. The SEC knows these things happen.
At a time when the Anglican Communion (whatever that is these days) is freaking out over what some call “orthodoxy” (and I call “my doxy”) vs. what some (including me) call “diversity” (and others call” abandonment of the faith once delivered to the saints and you in TEC must repent of your Dreadful Sin and a promise to cease and desist or resist expulsion from our oh so pure and holy AC” be sure to say that all in one breath to get the full effect), how can I not vote for Vida Dutton Scudder, who would have choice words for all concerned. And on top of that, she was a Lesbian! Sometimes the Holy Spirit speaks through people who are so “other” from us that we can scarcely believe it.
Oh I just love love love your comment! Sooooooo True!!!!!! Thanks for the perceptive sum-up linking Vida with the present!!!!! Sue
I have to go with Vida Dutton Scudder. She perfectly illustrates the vast difference between mere social service (laudable as that may be) and social action that leads to social transformation. It is the difference between piety and prophecy.
Another tough one, but Clare won out because although we don’t know if she was as quotable as Vida, her devotion and her refusal to marry were an outstanding witness in her day.
Americans have trouble with the concept of poverty as a calling and spiritual gift (just like last year there was a lot of ridicule/debate about the “gift of tears”). Some of the comments are pretty hard on Clare. I loved her quote: : “Love him totally who gave himself totally for your love.” The point is to focus on God, not self or possessions, and part of loving God means loving others. She didn’t sit around and pray and lie on the ground all day. Just because we don’t understand something and it’s not our calling, we shouldn’t dismiss it as misguided, masochistic, or irrelevant. There may be a lesson there we need to learn.
Marvelous comment!! Thank you.
To me it’s interesting that Clare is being so heavily criticised for her life of chosen poverty – only one year after St. Francis, who made the very same choice, won the Golden Halo!
Good observation, Barbara! As my sainted mother-in-law used to say, “People are funnier than anybody.”
My housemate quotes her mother as saying that all the time. It’s so true.
Thanks to all CB’s and the SEC for making a great tourney. This is a wonderfully witty and highly educational way for luring us not so subtly into reflecting upon our own vocation and making decisions about how we will live in the coming days. The races drawing tighter, the tension mounts, and Easter is coming with the Golden Halo. Happy days in Lent!
““The worst danger of the mystic is as always a quest of spiritual privilege leading to aloofness.”
I’m taking those words as permission from Vida to vote for Clare, who was, I think, immune to that temptation.
I have to vote for Clare, because she has always inspired me by being that person.
Casting a vote for Team Vida. Hard pick between such good people, but Vida was a much more vocal agent of change. Love the quote, ““If prayer is the deep secret creative force that Jesus tells us it is, we should be very busy with it.”
As I am currently walking in Clare territory I gotta vote for her. She was very kind to many people.
Both were excellent choices, with no one obvious choice for me. The comments made the choice even harder. I’ll go for the one who seems to be the “underdog”. But, from the comments, it seems pretty much like line-ball between the two (again!). On the principle that more modern saints seem to prevail over their elders in this year’s Lenten Madness, I’ll vote for Clare once I can scroll up to the voting device.
Clare’s work lives on today in the sainted order of Sisters she founded. There are hospitals and nursing facilities staffed by the good Sisters and members of my family have been the recipients of their goodness. Blessings to them — Clare all the way!
Concerning the petrified pillow: In the context of medieval asceticism, which was much more common and severe than in later periods, sleeping on a rock was no big deal. On Isola Maggiore in Lake Trasimene (or
Trasimeno), where Francis passed Lent 1311 as a hermit, you can see the rocks that served as his bed and pillow; there’s no reason to think they’re not genuine, since the fact of his stay is well-attested and that’s the sort of thing hermits routinely did in those days. I was interested to read that he discouraged Clare from permanemtly emulating what for him had been a seasonal penance, there being no chocolate to give up back then.
It’s interesting, isn’t it, that no one dismissed Francis for his asceticism; he won the Golden Halo! His buddy, Clare, on the other hand, has caught a lot of flak for the same thing. Could it be, perhaps, the bunny factor?
I am distraught that “poor Clare” is behind! Please vote!
I’m with you! I’ve already voted for her or else I would again.
“For 28 years Clare was continually ill, and often confined to her bed. Even in bed she insisted on doing her share of work. ” (From: https://www.trinitystores.com/store/art-image/st-clare-assisi-c-1194-1253)
I wonder how much more could she have done if she had taken better care of her physical body?
I have to wonder how Vida felt about pacifism in the light of WWII? To remain pacifist in relation to the Holocaust suggests enabling. Reluctantly voted for Clare.
I should really read the comments before voting. This was so hard – I finally picked Vida because of the quote about creativity vs. possession and because she modeled the political advocacy I’ve been involved in my whole working life. But then to read that Clare is the patron saint of embroidery! and that she had kitties! Plus my lovely grand-niece is named Clare. I am having voter’s remorse.
As devoted as she was, and as much good as did, I have trouble with the idea of St. Clare praying as an infant. My vote today goes to Vida.
Um. Clare, I guess. I appreciate the enlightening discussion centered around her & her vow of poverty. It’s making me think.
Clare. “I need to be absolved from my sins, but I do not wish to be absolved from the obligation of following Jesus Christ.” (www.trinitystores.com/store/read-more/saint-clare-assisi-1) For founding the Poor Clares, securing the Rule of Life for her Order and giving the funds from her order to those in need. Also, patron saint of television.
p.s .Thank you Jane L. for the website. Thank you to all the CBs for their write-ups. Go Oliver and Sarah-15 years!
Vida had me with this: “If prayer is the deep secret creative force that Jesus tells us it is, we should be very busy with it.” A challenge for our times.
We even need more Vida’s today, understanding the realities of the world in which we live.
No hiding out for her.
Thanks to the SEC for including a shout-out to the Celebrity Bloggers, who are writing in real time at this stage of the Madness. Thank you all for your unfailingly insightful and often witty profiles of these very human saints who’ve walked among us. You’ve made Lent real for me.
How was Vida Scudder left out of my two graduate degrees in social work? She has my vote, although I’ve always loved and admired Clare. I’m on to my University to put Vida into the curricular. Cheers to social work and prayer!