Today in the Saintly Smackdown, we encounter a 19th century Canadian missionary and a 3rd century Roman martyr, as Henry Budd faces Cecilia. Will the entire nation of Canada rise up to vote for one of their own? Or will Cecilia, patron saint of musicians, strike a chord? Only the next 24 hours and your vote, will tell!
In yesterday’s matchup, Moses the Black defeated John Wycliffe 65% to 35% to advance to the Saintly Sixteen where he’ll face the winner of Raymond Nonnatus vs. John of Nepomuck.
Oh, and in case you missed yesterday’s stirring edition of Monday Madness, watch it here. Tim and Scott give shout-outs to parishes and schools who are all in for Lent Madness 2017 (send us your photos!), discuss the importance of the comment section, and invite viewer mail. Yes, YOUR QUESTION for the SEC could be answered in an upcoming episode. Submit them via Facebook or Twitter.
Henry Budd
Sakachuwescam (Going-Up-The-Hill) was born to Cree parents in what is now Manitoba, Canada. He was baptized in 1822 by an Anglican missionary, who gave him the name Henry Budd (Budd is thought to be the surname of Henry’s father). Budd, his wife Betsy, and their children, as well as extended family moved to the Red River area where he taught at St. John’s parish school and served as a lay minister in the church. Budd proved a capable and enthusiastic teacher and a dedicated Christian serving the Cree community.
His success at St. John’s eventually led Budd to move with his family to W’passkwayaw (The Pas). He built a house church and held regular worship services. In June 1842, John Smithurst (another Anglican missionary) was overjoyed to see the result of Budd’s dedicated ministry: baptisms of 39 adults, 27 infants, and 22 schoolchildren. Pretty impressive numbers!
Budd was tutored and mentored by other clergy in the area, including Bishop David Anderson. Budd was ordained to the diaconate on December 22, 1850—the first person of First Nations ancestry to be ordained in the Anglican tradition in North America. Ordained a priest three years later, Budd served in Saskatchewan until 1867 and then resumed his previous ministry in The Pas. That same year, the local ministry board recommended reclassifying The Pas from a missionary station to one requiring a priest, preferably a First Nations pastor. Four previous English missionaries had failed to establish any thriving mission, complaining of “lack of evangelistic opportunities.” For all his success and exemplary ministry, Budd was paid half of what white missionaries in the same position made.
Budd was an eloquent preacher in Cree and English. His missions exhibited the highest standards of good management, self-sustainability, and outreach to the community. He translated the Bible and The Book of Common Prayer into Cree. He remained at The Pas until his death in 1875. His legacy includes the Henry Budd College for Ministry in Canada, which seeks to form Indigenous people for Christian ministry in the Anglican Church in Canada and to further the Christian expression of faith within the traditions of First Nations’ cultures and languages.
Collect for Henry Budd
Creator of the light, we thank you for your priest Henry Budd, who carried the great treasure of Scripture to his people the Cree nation, earning their trust and love. Grant that his example may call us to reverence, orderliness and love, that we may give you glory in word and action; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Cecilia
Cecilia harkens from the second century in Rome. Like many of the ancient saints, she is found somewhere in the mix of truth, legend, myth, and fiction. Whichever pieces of the story are “real,” they combine for a compelling picture of faith, belief, and devoutness to God’s calling.
Born to a wealthy Roman family, Cecilia was betrothed to a man named Valerian. Her family wanted her marraige to strengthen the bonds between the two families. Cecilia did not listen, instead insisting that she heard a chorus of angels calling her to a life of chastity and virginity. In the days before her wedding, Cecilia prayed, fasted, and sang, imploring God to protect her virginity. God sent an angel to protect Cecilia on her wedding bed. She told her husband that if he tried to consummate their marriage, the angel would smite him. Valerian could not see the angel, so Cecilia instructed him to walk to the third milestone on the Roman road, Via Appia, where his eyes would be opened. True to Cecilia’s word, an angel appeared to Valerian and his brother, and in short order, both converted to Christianity and were baptized. The brothers dedicated their lives to burying martyrs of the church who were persecuted by the local Roman officials.
While Valerian and his brother tended the dead, Cecilia preached and encouraged more than 400 souls to dedicate their lives to Christ. Her fervor attracted the wrath of the local prefect, and Valerian and his brother were executed, with the presiding prefect ordering Cecilia to be killed as well. They attempted to drown her. Then, they tried to burn the building down around her. An executioner was summoned by the prefect to behead her, and though he struck her three times, Cecilia remained in possession of her head. Three days later, she succumbed to her wounds and was buried by Pope Urban.
About 1,300 years later, in 1569, the church exhumed her body and found it to be incorrupt—without decay, the first saint to be found in such condition. The feast of Saint Cecilia is celebrated on November 22. Cecilia is the patron saint of music, in commemoration and honor of the heavenly chorus she is said to have heard each time she prayed to know and do God’s will in her life.
Collect for Cecilia
Saint Cecilia, heroic martyr who stayed faithful to Jesus your divine bridegroom, give us faith to rise above our persecutors and to see in them the image of our Lord. We know that you were a musician, and we are told that you heard angels sing. Inspire musicians to gladden the hearts of people by filling the air with God’s gift of music and reminding them of the Divine Musician Who created all beauty. Amen.
UPDATE This morning at about 11:45 EST, we became aware of voting patterns that are against the rules of Lent Madness. We discovered some 546 votes for Cecilia cast from a computer in Austin, TX, apparently at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School (according to IP address databases). These votes have been removed, and the address in question has been banned. Please remember: vote once only! If you can encourage your friends to vote, that is wonderful. But do not attempt to cheat the system by using a single computer to vote multiple times. Big Lent is watching.
UPDATE AGAIN: A student has admitted gaming the system, apology has been accepted, and we’ve restored voting to the school in question. Please don’t try to cheat. It’s Lent, for Pete’s sake!
Henry Budd vs. Cecilia
- Henry Budd (50%, 4,559 Votes)
- Cecilia (44%, 4,002 Votes)
Total Voters: 8,561
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I’d never heard of Henry Budd before this, but was charmed and energized by his story. So, Henry for me!
I agree Ann. I struggled with this as Cecilia is so well known, but Henry’s story was pretty compelling.
I am so drawn to Cecilia, but it was Henry Budd for me as well. Touch choice.
tough, not touch. Darn that autocorrect.
I’m in for Budd. Last year I learned that I enjoyed reading about the mystics (and our CBs make them sooo entertaining) I have a hard time voting for them.❤
I agree that Henry has great merit. He shares a name, albeit middle, with my husband, was a great worker for the faith and will undoubtedly get the vote of said husband. However, as a vocalist, I must uphold the importance of music in our lives. Cecelia it is!
Your husband’s middle name is Up-the?
I’m rolling on the floor – laughing!!! Thank you, Ethel!
It’s a tough choice for me today. But since I love music and sing (or try to sing) in our choir, it’s Cecelia for me!
Living in Canada, and knowing how hard Henry struggled, to not only survive living in the Canadian North, but to be such a warrior for the glory of God , really energised me. Bravo! Henry!
His impact upon the indigenous people appears extraordinary. I don’t doubt Cecelia was important in her own right, but I feel Henry’s life was hard and he was dedicated to his people and God despite what he had to overcome.
In solidarity with all the women–even today–who get paid less than a man while doing the same job, I voted for Henry Budd who also got paid less because he was a First Nation teacher and minister.
I don’t understand–you’re in solidarity with all women, so you voted for a man over a woman?
No, that was a typo that I did not see before I posted the comment. Obviously, Cecilia is a “she” not a “he”. She is like a Timex watch. She took a lickin” and kept on tickin” – at least for three days. Tough woman!
Translating the Bible and the Prayer Book into Cree! And a successful evangelist and pastor as well as a scholar. Henry Budd is a very impressive Christian. And let’s be sure to have a First Nations person in the Saintly 16.
Close one. The early female Saints seem to have some of the same attributes . Yes I believe there was a St. Cecelia but what she did I take with a large grain of salt.
Voted for my Canadian ancestry.
With you there!
I voted Cecilia because she is the one I know better out of the two!
Going “real” rather than myth this year. It didn’t work for Wycliffe yesterday. I hope Budd does better; he certainly did fight an uphill battle like his Cree name suggested.
Wycliffe a ‘myth’? Hunh?
I think she means going “real” by voting for Wycliffe didn’t work yesterday, since Wycliffe didn’t win.
Carolyn is saying that Moses is a myth, and Cecilia too. I respectfully disagree on both counts.
Carolyn,
That’s what I said. CBers make them so interesting to learn about. But this year I’m going ‘real’❤
The stained glass St. Cecelia window in our church is one of my favorites. I had to give her my vote because she looks at me every Sunday! Having a great time learning about this cloud of witnesses. Thanks SEC et al.
Maybe the SEC would allow for the posting of stain glass window photos. Over time many beautiful windows have been mentioned. We could have a smackdown of stain glass windows!
Perhaps there could be a stained glass feature in the “Saintly kitcsh” round; although, it might put the “modern saints” at a disadvantage.
Not necessarily, since some modern saints have windows too. At least one Episcopal parish in the U.S. has a window dedicated to Saint Fred McFeely Rogers.
[Don’t think we supporters of his cause have given up on getting him an LM bracket berth Scott & Tim.]
Our church has stain glass windows of: Bonhoffer, Mother Theressa , Desmond Tutu, Albert Sweitzer, Martin Luther King Jr., Bishop Talton Retired Bishop Diocese of Los Angeles and his grandchildren, he’s still alive and the kids go to our church, Rosa Parks , to name a few. The last one is blank for more Saints that haven’t been born.
That’s a great idea. I love all the images portrayed. St. Peter’s iinPerth Amboy NJ is a contender.
Love this!
I love stain glass windows. Amongst my favourites is the moon rock window at the national cathedral.
I love it too!
My favorite window too!
I agree….SEC, start scouring the Anglican Communion for stained glass windows of these saints!!! What a fabulous treat that would be.
I did post on the FB page the pics side-by-side of both Stephen and Alban, which are on opposite sides of our nave, making the first vote of Lent a very difficult decision.
Going for one of my namesakes today.
I like that even tho i voted for Budd
Cecilia’s is a beautiful story, but I am so moved by Henry’s conviction and sorry for the pay inequality that I have to vote for him.
Greetings, Dorothee. I agree with your opinion of Cecilia’s story, but I do have one question. What does pay inequality have to do with Henry Budd? I must have missed it in the reading. Feel free to explain! Thanks!
Jack, he was paid one half of what white guys had been paid in the same position, if I’m remembering correctly without scrolling all the way up there. Hope that helps!
Megan, thank you for clearing things up!
The last sentence of the third paragraph: “For all his success and exemplary ministry, Budd was paid half what white missionaries ion the same position made.”
Thanks so much Richelle!
The musician in me voted for Cecilia, but I loved Henry Budd’s story – I don’t think I’ve ever had so many tough choices in the first round! This is a hard bracket this year!
Kriston, I love Lent Madness
Kristin, I agree. I sing in the choir, and so I voted for Cecilia, but Henry Budd’s story was amazing. Too bad he wasn’t up against Cecilia!
Even half of this is true st. Cecilia deserves our vote.
I’m interested in the criteria other people use to make their choices. Personal saintliness? Influence on future generations? Commitment to others’ welfare? Uniqueness of story? Please let us know how you make your decision each day and whether your criteria are consistent day to day.
Really good question! I look at what I most respond to, and when it is close (and all thus far have been close!) I think about who has the better stories…and who might hold up best in the kitsch round. All of these saints have earned their standard issue halos and are deserving of our admiration and respect!
Like Nancy, I just go with the saint who strikes my heart that day. Sure, another day I might make a different choice, but that isn’t the day I’m voting. So far the factors that have guided my voting on various days have included a screaming headache and a deep desire to be alone.
I just go with the one that gets to me at the moment. Apparently, that’s not working to pick winners thusfar since none of my choices have won as yet. However, I would still make the same mistakes again because it’s my heart talking!
I think a lot of people have a hard time voting for someone whose life hasn’t been documented in a photograph. If a saint is “only” found in scripture, or, heaven forbid, in legend, there’s no chance of that saint winning. And when a 19th-century social reformer is matched against a mystic–forget it. Mystics and monastics have no chance! (I’m still chafing from Christina the Astonishing’s loss three years ago.)
Susan! I was looking for your posts. Weren’t you Susan Lee last year? 🙂
Haha! I couldn’t remember what I went by!! But, yep that’s me. You just made my day!
Hear! Hear!
Susan, I meant the “Hear! Hear!” to be a response to your comment, but Celia’s response got there first.
Good morning, Celia!
Salutations, Harlie! (I keep wanting to type “Charlie.”) BTW, I agree about wanting to support mystics and monastics; I too want to favor them. It’s just that we always seem to have such weighty issues before us. I will cut loose one of these days and go for a lovely aspirational legend that soars above mere earthly “facts.”
Yay! Another fan of Christina. Not still smarting, didn’t imagine that a majority would share an appreciation for her loonies. Plus, I worked it out here: https://prozacmonologues.blogspot.com/2014/03/christina-astonishing.html
Loved it! Thanks for the link, Willa!
I agree with your general observation (in the first two rounds only) over the years, Susan, but this year it’s not holding true, so far! H.B. Delany over Aelred and Moses the Black over Wycliffe! Also, what about recent Golden Halo greats Mary Magdalene, St. Francis and George Herbert–no photos of any of these, a mystic, and Mary — the majority of what we know of her is legend! On the other hand, C.S. Lewis, Francis Perkins and Dietrich Bonhoeffer! I think we Lent Madness faithful swing back and forth from year to year like a spiritual pendulum.
But last year please remember that the final vote was so close that not only did Saint Bridget almost defeat Saint Francis of Assisi for the Golden Halo, she was also the first runner-up to have her likeness placed on a beer mug. Also, I would like to point out that both the man from Italy and the woman from Ireland lived and died long before the French invented photography.
Additionally, I think France’s Perkins is the only Golden Halo winner of whom we have a decent photographic likeness.
Furthermore, one Biblical saint does have a Golden Halo — Mary Magdalene, who is owed an apology by Gregory the Great, if he’s not already made amends for tarnishing her reputation by conflating her story with that of another woman in the Gospels.
Good points, all! **climbs down off soapbox**
Please get over it.
My name is Sheila which is Gaelic for Cecelia…plus I love music. I sing in my church folk group and have since 1979. No brained for me, Cecelia has my vote!
I go with the one who I think had the greater impact in their world. The fact that neither choice is wrong just deepens my reflection. The tie breaker is learning about a saint I knew little about.
I try to crawl inside the person as best I can and keep my Roman Catholic definition in mind: who possessed “heroic virtue?” Cecilia and Fr. Budd were tough. I love Cecilia but I thought Fr. Budd had to contend with racism and poverty. I don’t know how much of Cecilia’s story is fact. So Budd got my vote
My only consistent criteria (if you will) is that I will vote for the mystics first! Of course, I really am in a pickle if both saints have had visions!!
I also vote with my heart, and my heart isn’t consistent in its criteria.
Yep. I find I get the most out of Lent Madness if my criteria is “Who inspires me the most today.”
I look at the person’s circumstances and the difficulty of proclaiming the gospel under those circumstances. I am slightly less likely to vote for those with a mythical aspect to their story. So for instance, today, Budd preaching on the far northern frontier, caught my attention and got my vote
I had to go with Cecilia. That’s my middle name.
Funny how things work out! Cecilia is my sister’s middle name as well!
Henry Budd was a priest, catechist, teacher, advisor, farmer, and missionary who worked tirelessly to meet the spiritual and physical needs of his people, doing twice the work of a white man for half the pay. As an Indigenous leader, his incredible influence is still felt today in a part of the world that I am privilaged to call home (as the Coordinator of Henry Budd College) Vote Budd!
I did! I voted for him because his story is real; there are aspects of his story and life that are tangible today. I also wish to see more diversity in the pool of saints in the later rounds.
I voted for Budd because of his influence on those he ministered to and future generations. Also sorry about his salary.
Cecilia is my confirmation name, and she’s quite a woman. Miracles and unwavering faith have my vote today. I also dig that her husband was Valerian…it’s so Game of Thrones.
Their deaths were worthy of Game of Thrones as well!!!:)
Henry Budd. For some reason, this Lent, I am more drawn to the realistic rather than the mythical or legendary…..and particularly saints from populations that have been marginalized or oppressed. I was saddened to learn that Budd’s compensation was half that of white missionaries, but amazed to learn that he translated the BCP and scriptures into the Cree language. Thank you for presenting these amazing Christians so we can be inspired by their contributions to our history!
Yes I agree with you Lee and I also liked how budd built his own church and did so much to help
If the Rev. Mr. Budd ends up facing the Rt. Rev. Mr. Delaney at some point, we’ll need more information (& pictures if possible) of their ecclesiastical architectural workmanship, since helped to build Christ’s church both physically and spiritually.
I also went with Henry Budd for similar reasons. We seem to never learn about the marginalized peoples in our midst. Native peoples seem to be especially missing from our narratives. I am so glad to be participating this year to find out about these saints from our past.
Agreed – it’s Henry Budd for me!
I was curious as to whether or not you can vote more than once on the same device. When I was watching my friends, they would go on private mode for Safari, vote, exit out of private mode, go back on and then revoke. Does all of their votes count to the poll. I find it unfair!
The names are Jack, Cooper, and Nolan
Never mind Im kidding
Tough one for me. As I am half Canadian and have a neice named Cecile a. I went foreally Cecilia.
Henry for the real work of so many in Western Canada.
Cecilia is a charming and popular saint, but I was impressed with Henry Budd’s solid persistence and hard work to spread Christianity among his First Nations people.
I can’t believe I didn’t vote for St Cecilia, patron saint of music. But I was interested in Budd’s Cree ministry. Here’s another translator. I am struck by the number of translators we have had among our saints over the past few years, also by the word “orderliness” in the collect. Offering the word and providing order seem like humble virtues, but they make people’s lives livable. Unlike the chaotic disorderliness much of our political life is plunged in now in the service of greed and license. Cecilia seems largely apocryphal. And while I should eagerly vote for music, I note with some dismay the early church’s emphasis on virginity, and I think about how that emphasis on virginity often was deflected structurally not into aspirations to chastity of heart and purpose but into protection of institutional wealth and property. So today I’m going to go with the “deacon” type, who faithfully served the needs of the people in the world. May we all be vessels of order and true evangelism in our broken world.
Amen.
I, too raised my eyebrows at the emphasis on virginity, but I wonder if it came, at least in part, from the society in which Cecelia lived. Woman had few rights, husbands had great control, and chastity was highly valued in women (but not in men). While Cecilia was not able to choose her own husband or even to remain unmarried, it does seem she succeeded in setting the terms for her marriage. And then she had the audacity to go out and preach!
Oh man, St. Cecilia, we were counting on you!
So far a perfect record for the non-winners. Torn between Budd and Cecilia. In honor of my father, the choirmaster, and my St. Cecilia choir, with black velvet hat, my choice was made.
I think it’s wonderful to have a Saint who is a member of the first Nations of this country. What an honor! He was a builder, a teacher AND a saint.
In memory of my Aunt Ceil. This one’s for you, Auntie!
Both worthy of my vote. But Cecelia was our patron saint when I was on staff for Cursillo. I hate to think what our lives would be like without music. So I had to vote for the patron saint of music.
Cecelia’s inner strength of her conviction won me over. To convert over 400 to Christianity in those days was huge. To know she would sacrifice her life for Christ was also Christlike.
Go Henry! Love Cecilia for her music but an avenging angel in bed with her? Oh, please.
Even though I thought I was going to vote for Cecilia because I enjoy singing and music in general, the story of Henry Budd led me to vote for him. I liked that as a Native American, he became a church leader.
I voted for Henry, too, Debbie. I loved the story of the angel protecting Cecilia’s virginity, but my Canadian mother whispered to me to vote for Henry.
As a music director I’m going with Cecilia.
Hard choice to make but I went with Henry Budd. Had a problem with Cecilia’s story being part truth part myth.
This was a tough choice. I admire the work of Rev Budd but as a choir member, I had to go with St. Cecelia!
This was the hardest choice for me so far. As a singer, I felt I owed it to Cecilia to vote for her. But as a bi-racial woman who has also been paid less than my male counterparts, I wanted to vote for Henry. However, my music ministry won. Judging from the closest margin to date (55 to 45) I would think others had the same difficulty in choosing. So I’m OK with whoever wins today.
I’m a chorister and have always looked to the matronal saint, Cecelia, as inspiration. But I’m Canadian. And while I had not heard of Henry Budd, his story is so compelling, I think he deserves recognition and a chance to a challenge in the brackets. (My father was an Anglican priest in Canada and went to the Diocese of Calgary in 1946 when it was still a mission diocese to one in England. He was there 18 years & returned to the Diocese of Huron for the remainder of his ministry. Just a piece of trivia…)
Our Altar Stained glass window features St. Cecelia & I imagine she watches over our historic organ & inspires our talented organist.
For me, the choice today was easy. Though Cecelia is so well-known and her story is so miraculous, Henry Budd didn’t have divine help in the way she did to aid him at every turn of his life. Because Henry didn’t see success immediately (not becoming a priest until after his evangelistic successes had been recognized by other clergy) he’s a more relevant example for us living today. Plus, I’m a bit biased towards specifically Anglican saints.
Also, I’m wondering about the origin of Cecelia’s collect. Since Anglicans don’t believe in the invocation of saints (the 39 Articles specifically condemn the practice) I’m wondering if the collect was taken from Roman Catholic sources. Does anyone have any more info on this?
Corban
Actually, the invocation of saints is a common practice among Anglicans and has been going on at least since the Oxford Movement in the 19th century. True, the 39 Articles do condemn the practice, but the Articles, for most Anglicans, have come to be regarded no longer as Law, but as an Historical Document.
Invocation of saints is not worship. It is simply asking the saints to pray for us, exactly the same as asking a living Christian to pray for us. This is the Communion of Saints.
PS
Regarding Cecilia’s Collect, it’s my understanding that sometimes the Celebrity Blogger writing the Bio also composes the Collect. It’s my guess that Anna Fitch Courie wrote it.
The Definitive Guide to Lent Madness 2017 confirms this on the page opposite the title page (paragraph 3).
Music is such an important part of our worship. Saint Cecilia!
Even more difficult than previous choices! Fascinating to learn about Henry Budd, but I went for the incorruptible music.
Voted for Cecilia, but this was another hard one. I love music and singing so had to go with that patron saint.
Wish we had more like Henry Budd now.
I agree with everyone. This was a tough one. But since my sister is Cecilia and I watched her dress up with her little harp every year on All Saint’s day, I had to go with her.
My name is Cecelia – no doubt about where my vote went!
I almost voted for Cecilia because of a sweet baby in my church named Cecelia; however, Henry won my heart with his work of converting souls and being paid half of what others were paid. Then we do know that Henry existed and I like legend but real wins for me. Go Henry.
This was another tough one! Go Henry.
I voted for Cecelia because that was my grandmother’s name, but I certainly admire Henry Budd.
I would have voted for Henry, if he were not pitted against Cecelia. Music is an important part of our life, since my husband builds cellos and was an music major. Our daughter was a harpist. I feel duty bound to vote for Cecilia.
I voted for Henry, I found his story exciting and I never heard of him before!
eeny, meeny, miney. mo. . . That’s where I stand on this one! (And my vote fell to Henry Budd) You folks at Lent Madness sure know how to mess with our minds! God bless ya!
Before voting, I decided Cecelia goes on my bracket but my vote here goes to Henry Budd. I think her story is more compelling as a woman forced into a marriage who took a stand for God and ultimately became a martyr. But I have to vote for the Native American priest who was facing an uphill battle.
Music – which speaks through any translation –
and once in a while, we can hear the angels sing ourselves.
So, Cecilia
I found the information on Henry Budd most compelling. Even though music is a large part of my worship, Henry in his quiet way influenced an entire First Nations people.
We need more Cecilias in our lives right now…those who believe the impossible and trust so completely in God’s saving grace…Not that Henry didn’t. But, there’s something so ethereal about Cecilia. She got my vote. Have a blessed day everyone! Thank you Lent Madness!
I am a choir member and have sung all my life. I knew that I would vote for Cecilia, but won’t be sad if Henry Budd wins. It is always good to learn about a new saint in that “great cloud of witnesses”!
My sister us Cecilia, so I only have one choice!
This was a tough one! But I have a bit of Cree ancestry, so I had to vote for a kinsman.
Blessed Cecilia, appear in visions to all musicians, appear and inspire
Translated daughter come down and startle composing mortals with immortal fire
https://youtu.be/h7GSygUXlUI
As musician I had to vote for Cecilia, though I hope Henry Budd does well.
My sister is Cecilia, so I only have one choice!
Budd’s story is compelling, but when I read that Cecilia preached – well I had to give her my vote. Gotta stand in solidarity with female preachers!
A hard decision. I intended to vote for the patron saint of musicians but Henry Budd won me over.
Response to Cassandra. How I make my choice: I do not base my choices on any consistent criterion. Each day both people are equally qualified and equally deserving. It is not a case of choosing the “best” saint at all, or whether truth is better than fiction, or action better than contemplation. It is not a contest, it is a fun educational parody masquerading as a contest, so I go with whatever catches my attention that day. It may be a favorite Bible story, an inspiring real life story, or a bunch of really wild legends. In the case of the over-the-top apocryphal material, I just laugh and let my vote count aa a prayer of thanks for the wonderful gift of imagination. Thanks be to God
There is a bug in the system. The votes do not register if javascript is turned off, and sensible web users normally do that for safety. Since there is no visible reason to require javascript in order to handle a simple one-input form, I expect this one to be easy to fix.
Interesting. AFAIK iPhones don’t have JavaScript built in to the iOS and I have no problem voting on my phone.
John Dryden said it best:
“”…But bright Cecilia raised the wonder higher;
When to her organ vocal breath was given,
An angel heard, and straight appeared,
Mistaking earth for heaven.”
How can we not vote for her?
Yes!! I have that running through my head this morning. Thank you, Roger Conover!
One of my earliest memories was a framed picture of St. Cecilia playing a piano for the angels. It hung in my grandmother’s living room. However, I voted for Henry Budd.
St. Cecelia already has many honors–such as sainthood–though her story is certainly compelling.
However, the obstacles Budd overcame in his life and ministry as a First Nations layman and priest were truly daunting. The fact that he persevered as he did and served his people and the church so well earns him my vote.
I too was impressed by Henry Budd’s Cree ancestry. However, I was particularly moved by Cecelia’s plight…in her day, convincing a “husband” not to consummate a marriage, well, I believe would have been nearly impossible, but she did it with God’s help. And, most significant for me, she is the patron saint of music and I sing in the choir and I believe music is such a vital part of the “evangelism” part of our walk with God!
This was a really tough decision. I sing in the church choir and music is a very special part of my life. But, as a Canadian and someone who has a degree in translation, I admire Henry Budd. I think what clinched the vote for him was that he translated the Bible AND the Book of Common Prayer to Cree to reach the indigenous people. Sorry, Cecilia, you had my vote last time, but this time I went with Budd.
As a church musician, my vote is clear-cut. But this was a tough choice, honestly. Resurrect for the First Peoples is a high bar to cross.
I went back and forth many times with this one. Even though I have already voted, I am still not sure.
This is a no- brainer. It’s gotta be Cecelia! Why, just for the simple fact that she is the patron saint of music and keeps our parish choirs from going flat on Sundays! Her image also is beautifully painted on the wall of Eastman Theater, part of the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. George Eastman, founder of Kodak, built the school and theater in the 1920s. He was no dummy.
Tough choice. I admire the devotion and hard work of Henry Budd. I also admire Cecilia for having the courage to stand up for herself in a culture that gave women no voice in decisions affecting their lives. I voted for Cecilia.
It was on November 22, 1956 – the Feast of St. Cecilia that I married and my attendant was my cousin Cecilia..It was also Thanksgiving Day! St. Cecilia was always a beloved saint with/without stories of her life.
Henry Budd who did so much for the Cree was difficult for me to place second.
Marie Cantrell, you said it! I love your rationale! I voted for Cecilia. This has been a tough year for me. A lifelong church musician, I lost my singing voice and haven’t quite figured out how to worship without it. I’m counting on Cecilia’s celestial music to carry me through this new turn in my life.
How awful to lose your singing voice. I am so sorry. I hope music will continue to delight you. Can you take up an instrument? There are many ways to enjoy music. I hope you will have music in your life always . . .
Thank you, Cecilia. It is awful. I’m still in our choir, but I keep a low profile. I guess it’s a good time to learn humility! I’ll figure it out eventually, but it’s still pretty new and strange.
My name’s Celia. The real saint for the day is Cecilia. I hope you can keep your singing voice; I know opera singers eventually have to retire. Is it the thinning of the vocal chords? Whether breathing or throat exercises would help, I don’t know. But perhaps a good vocal trainer could help. Anyway, I am sorry for your loss. I know how terrible it is to lose a capacity; it’s a true physical disability. I hope it can be overcome. But wish you blessings through music regardless.
Celia, essential tremors. Thanks for your encouragement. Many, many thanks.
Susan, I am so sorry to hear that you have lost yo7r singing voice. May you find many ways to let your music flow in praise of God. May you know deep peace.
Susan, perhaps signing the songs and hymns would help adjust to the new normal. Hopefully, your singing voice will recover. God bless you!
Thanks, Diana and Ginny. Your encouragement means a lot. <3
Had to go with Henry Budd, who was the outlier in this round. He did what others could not.
Cecilia, you’re breakin’ my heart …
Absolutely !
I stuck my neck out for our choir directress, Cecilia, on this one. I wonder if this is where the term “The third time’s the charm” came from…Both are pretty compelling stories though.
I love music and find it is often the pathway to joyous praise of our Lord and Savior, and I admire Cecelia for her courage in moving against the culture of her time and her parents’ wishes. But, I felt Henry Budd’s work to translate scripture and preach to his people in their native tongue while being treated less than fairly as a call to vote to protest the diminishing of those who seem to be “other”.
I’ve worked with musicians for too many years not to go with Cecilia.
I am a singer and musician. Go Cecilia!!
I am in shock! I never look at the results before I vote, so when I made my choice for Henry Budd, I was sure I was voting for the underdog. I thought the matchup for the Golden Halo would be Cecilia from the left-hand brackets and Martin Luther from the right-hand ones. I was, in fact, getting ready to scold the SEC for burying the First Nation saints in this year’s competition against unbeatable opponents. Why not match David Oakerhater against Henry Budd and let at least one advance to the next round? (I still think that would have been a good idea, by the way.) Well, today I will definitely be returning to the site to follow the vote during the course of the day. I chose Henry Budd for my own vote because of his exemplary life which bore so much fruit, even though he faced prejudice for his ethnicity. Now I’m going to go back and read the other comments.
What an amazing demonstration of dedication is the work of Henry Budd. Converted to a religion of those he had every reason to despise, declared a second class adherent to the faith by their behavior if not their words, he was more successful in this mission then either his predecessors or his contemporaries. Imagine how difficult it was to translate the Bible and BCP into Cree, a language that may not have had a written form. What an exemplary Christian!
I voted for Henry Budd in honor of my grandmother who immigrated to Canada in June of 1924–she was a widow. A widower became enthralled with her on the voyage from Germany, but she stuck to her plan and went on to live with her late husband’s relatives in northern Saskatchewan, my grandfather traveled on to Jersey City. What happened between June 1924 and February 1925 is a bit of a mystery, because she married my grandfather in Toronto in February at the Cathedral of St. James–there must not have been a Lutheran church and well Anglican is close. One theory–after a chunk of winter in the north she said–“hmm, there was that nice man from Jersey City and I bet it is warmer there.” She lived to be 97 3/4 and was a remarkable woman with a strong faith that was quite ecumenical though she was a life long Lutheran and trust me the German Lutherans are the toughest. So Henry Budd I am honored to vote for you–you and grandma should look each other up, you could both tell each other great stories.
Great story!!
Love me some St. Cecelia!
Howell’s Hymn of St. Cecilia. The Church of Santa Cecilia in Rome. It’s gotta be Cecilia!
I went with Budd …. totally impressed by anyone who in a single lifetime could do all he did AND translate the Bible and the Book of Common Prayer into a native language.
Tough match up. A First Nation Canadian missionary would have gotten my vote were it not for the “strong headed” (or at least strong necked) Roman who stood up to the Patriarchy.
I choose St. Cecelia. It must have been very difficult for her to have a strong opinion and a voice back then, and for a woman to go against her wealthy and powerful family speaks to me of a courage of a lioness. Not to mention the conversion of all those pagan souls! I sing as I vote for mt lady, Cecelia.
Cecelia is my sister’s name, so I voted for Saint Cecelia. My vote for her was not a vote against
Budd. If he wins, I won’t be sorry.
Uh-oh. Voted for Budd, forgetting my dear great Auntie Cecile, and all the other women in my family who bear Cecile as a middle name. (We are of French Canadian descent.)
This was so hard! But I decided on Cecilia because of my love of music.
My husband of less than a year is a Henry and I find the life of Henry Budd impelling. Go Henry!
One of my favorite aspects of Lent Madness is exposure to saints I never knew, so Henry Budd gets my vote – though Cecilia might have the better kitsch (just saying). Btw, the mystic won yesterday, so “reality” does not always trump “visionary”.
I was going to vote for Cecelia as her feast day is my birthday and also my grandmother was named for her. Her date is also CS Lewis’ but Budd’s story captured my vote
I voted for Henry Beard Delaney, but I thought going for two Henrys was too much (as a Henry myself). Looks like I should’ve gone with the namesake. But I voted for Cecelia because I just met a woman named Cecelia after worship on Sunday and we had a nice chat about Paul Simon’s homage.
For Henry Budd (Sakachuwescam – Going-Up-The-Hill) and Cecelia of Rome
They plowed the fields of mission
Where Christ led through the wilds.
Where people liked how things had been
Responses were not mild.
They coped with great injustice
In very different ways.
Persisted in their service
No matter who they riled.
All good saints around us
Find ways to share Christ’s love.
So thank our God, O thank our God
They speak the truth thereof.
His name was taken from him
A name that tells his tale.
He heard the love of Jesus
And climbed the mount of faith.
He served his people always
With passion, wisdom too.
His priestly heart was open
To share Christ’s loving truth.
All good saints around us
Find ways to share Christ’s love.
So thank our God, O thank our God
They speak the truth thereof.
Cecelia heard the angels
And she would not deny
She had a higher calling
And that she would obey.
She prayed with heartfelt passion
(Was spared the other kind.)
Converted, taught and nurtured
Was killed but still she shines.
All good saints around us
Find ways to share Christ’s love.
So thank our God, O thank our God
They speak the truth thereof.
This is lovely!!! Thanks for sharing. ( I hear an echo of “All good gifts around us” and I love it!)
Diana, you are remarkable – kudos!
A most excellent hymn, Diana. Thank you.
Thanks for another inspired poem! I, too, recognize “All Good Gifts” As I’m a singer, my vote goes to Cecelia.
If you can keep your head when all around you are losing theirs….Well, Cecelia did just that and kept it intact even after exhumation….good enough for me.
Today I went for Cecelia. I adore mystical visions
I am a musician, so I voted for Cecilia. Also, because when they came to execute her, she didn’t lose her head.
I hope Henry Budd opened some Anglo eyes to the dignity and worth of the First Nations he so ably represented.
Even though I have sung in church choirs since the 4th grade I went for Henry Budd because I have an aunt who was French Canadian Indian. ( doesn’t look like my email address will work here because it is printing the zero as an “o”)
Had to go with Henry Budd for his strong conviction and dedication. Loved both stories but Henry’s touched my heart more. Wonderful to see a person of First Nations ancestry recognized for the many trials that he faced. Similar to our other Henry, Henry Beard Delany, and what he did as an African American.
I notice that the positions of the two saints have changed. Typically whoever is ahead within the first 100 votes or so (even the first ten votes) stays ahead. The relative positions never change. But today the two have switched. That is unusual. Just gonna put that out there, as it’s noteworthy.
I saw that, too. This is going to be a very interesting race.
Alas, the “St Bridget” phenomenon has hit again. I wondered, when I saw that shift. I wish people would not tarnish the results of the women saints. Women are having a tough enough time with structurally unfair elections right now.
I had to vote for Henry Budd in large part because I cannot get Paul Simon’s song “Cecelia, your breaking my heart ….” out of my brain now!
Love the story of Henry, and so hard to vote against First Nations rep… but Cecelia! What a story, and patron of musicians. Had to go with her.
Cecilia – because she was empowered to put her own hopes and aspirations ahead of the men who tried to control her life.
I feel for Henry Budd, though St. Cecilian did not have an easy time of it either. To become a priest and also translate the Bible and Book of Common Prayer won my respect, in a time of extreme prejudice. Cecilia fought against the tide also and it was no quick decision, but early saints are easy to give recognition to, the modern day ones are often lost in the dust of our busy world. It’s not easy to be a modern day saint!
The comments prompted by this matchup have been educational, enlightening, and thought-provoking. Like many others, I voted for Cecelia but would be just as please if Henry Budd won. In my little Catholic Book of Saints, when I was 6, I saw a gorgeous depiction of Cecelia – flowing brown hair, beautiful red gown – playing the organ in a room with black & white tiles. I decided then & there that my confirmation name would be Cecelia, and I even had my full name (first, middle, confirmation, last) printed in my h.s. graduation program. Throw in that my grandmother’s middle name was Cecelia and my grandfather’s birthday was November 22, and…well, that explains my vote.
I can’t vote for Cecelia because the painting of her is not from the 2nd century! That dress is clearly from the early 1800’s. I’m voting for Henry Budd.
Henry Budd for me. First Nations’ spirituality is very inspiring.
Where’s Oliver today? We miss you!
Cecilia’s faith & beautiful courage are compelling; however, Henry Budd’s brave persistence in serving and enlightening his Cree Nation won my heart!
This was very easy today. In honor of my great grandparents, who taught school in a Cree reservation near the turn of the 20th century in Alberta, Canada (and especially for my great grandmother, who wrote that she thought Cree was one of the two most spiritual languages in the world), I voted for Henry Budd.
And music shall untune the skies. Cecelia.
A tough decision today, as we have two worthy folks in Henry and Cecilia. Henry’s a first-time choice, but SEC, has Cecilia been in LM before?
The choice between these two was made especially difficult as were in final preparations for the Bach B-minor Mass at the end of March and early April, so my mind and spirit are very much in the musical realm these days.
Henry.
Cecilia’s story is nice and I like she is the patron of musicians… but it’s still Henry
As a church musician, it had to be Cecilia.
Where is Oliver this morning? His well-reasoned choices help me decide how to vote.
People keep saying that Cecilia is a myth. But they exhumed her body. How do you exhume a myth?
Love this comment!
You exhume a recently buried body and you say: Well looky here! Here’s St Cecilia, miraculously preserved
Various pious frauds have occurred in the history of the Church, but there is no evidence of fraud in connection to Cecilia’s exhumation. She was originally buried in the Catacombs of St. Callistus. In the 9th century Paschal I had her remains transferred to the Church of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere. In 1599 Cardinal Paolo Emilio Sfondrati had the church renovated. As part of this process, he had Cecilia’s tomb opened in order to rebury her remains. That is when they discovered that her body was incorrupt.
I so wish Maple Anglican could have done a guess commentary for Henry Budd. I do so miss him (and the archbishops of course!). This was a tough call for me; a devout, capable persoon that we have hard facts on, and a 3rd century person lost in the mists of myth. But the patron saint of music! Oy! Still, I’m going to go with Henry Budd in honor of Maple.
I, too, miss Maple. But do you know he has his own Blog? It’s http://www.mapleanglican.com.
I choose day by day based on which story -and comments – resonate with me that day. Sometimes it is that I can relate or aspire to the life of a modern saints. Other days it is the timeless faith or actions of an ancient saints- real or legend. I use the stories to inspire or guide me day by day through lent.
Today it was the consistent faith and work if Henry that inspired me. This surprises because I sing and love music. But perhaps I need the saintly assistance in the other aspectside of life and ministry.
Having not heard of Henry Budd before, I am delighted to learn about him, and to vote for him. Also I can’t help but wonder about Valerian’s take on his not quite marriage. Was he called to virginity too or just collateral damage in Cecilia’s calling?
either way I’m a winner today. Another VERY difficult choice!
Both very impressive but I was taken by the sacrifices Cecilia made for her devotion.
Despite my personal connection to Cecilia, I voted for Henry Budd. I think it is high time we started recognizing our Native American leaders!
I never knew about Henry Budd, but his story is incredible!
I cannot believe Cecila is losing, lets cross our fingers and hope she comes out on top!!
And still she persisted
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But so did Henry+, but for only half the pay.
Cecilia has long been a saint honored in my lifetime. Since I sang in St. Cecilia”s
choir in the fourth grade and up until now, music brings a full expression to my faith.
Once again I go with a musician and a loser (I’ve voted for four losers in five days)–not just a musician but the patron saint of music. Appropriately, several composers have done an Ode (or hymn) to St Cecilia–Handel (poem by Dryden), Purcell, Britten (poem by Auden), several others. Part of her apocrypha (although I’m leery of apocryphas) is that her head actually was cut off, but continued singing and praying for several days.
How I love Lent Madness! I’m once again learning so much about these fascinating, powerful Saints. Cecilia is my girl! Nice write up, Anna.
As a church musician and opera singer, I have to vote for my patron, St. Cecilia. I wear a necklace pendant daily with her image and the inscription “Saint Cecilia pray for us.” For her dedication and influence to musicians in the church, many who have written hymns and service music under her prayerful patronage, this is why I voted for her. #AndStillShePersisted
I voted for Henry Budd because my cousin Oliver would have voted for him Im not sure where he is today
Mia,
I am cancelling out your vote. Cecilia for me. Because I know her.
C’mon all you musicians.. Cecilia all the way!
Lovely and revered Cecelia is a myth, however beloved the story. Henry Budd was a real person. First Nations are still in need of such prophets and priests. And yes, it is time to turn from myth and honor real saints. Chi miigwetch (big thank you) to the SEC for putting up a native saint.
Hadn’t heard of Henry Budd but thought his story was wonderful. He got my vote today.
This was a tough choice. I went with Budd because I too often default to ancient saints. Sorry, Cecilia!
Henry Budd is a REAL PERSON! The neurologic off Cecelia is fascinating, but let’s vote for the actual person who has a form historical existence.
Martyrology…is apparently not in my smartphone’s dictionary. Go figure 🙂
Maybe your phone isn’t very smart.
While tempted to vote for a mystical woman of Rome I must give Henry Budd the vote as an indigenous missionary on the British frontier.
Thank you for Lent Madness. Every year I am reminded of what a great discipline this is, because over the year I remember the fun and the education of it and forget the thoughtful reflection it provokes in me. Good job.
THe United Church of Canada has been ordaining women since 1936. Many of them were sent to the mission fields of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The winters are brutal and travel Sunday by Sunday sometimes risky and always an adventure. they (women), were often sent to small and remote parishes. Henry Budd, at the Pas would see the extremes of winter, on a map it is far north, even for Canadians.For endurance in the faith he matches Cecilia, for overcoming obstacles he matches Cecilia, he is a Aboriginal First Nations indigenous pastor, and most of all a Canadian! He gets my vote!
Henry Budd. A lifetime of inspired service with people who’d been pushed to the margins. I’m glad to learn about him. Cecilia…though I’m a singer and honor her as the patron saint of music, and I’d bet the core of her story is real, I’m not a fan of angels being called to smite people who are making love especially within the context of marriage.
Easy choice for me this morning after spending several weeks this summer participating in an indigenous ministry program at the Vancouver School of Theology. However, Cecelia is getting her revenge as the refrain “Oh Cecelia, you’re breaking my heart” keep looping through my head now.
It’s those failed Beheading attempts that I simply cannot vote against.
I voted for Henry Budd because he seemed to show extraordinary faithfulness in the face of a discriminatory church. The Red River area would have been populated by the Metis who would be mainly catholic but Henry Budd was faithful to his Anglican teaching despite losing his name and probably his childhood to Anglican missionaries. A product of forced boarding school removals perhaps? He seemed to be able to find God in all this inequity and left the Cree a prayerbook in their language, a gift for the ages!
I think he was a little before the boarding school time. I’m not sure about Canada, but I know that they didn’t start in the U.S. until around 1870, well after Henry was ordained. Maybe one of the Canadians among the commenters know if Canada had them as early as the 1820s or 1830s.
It doesn’t say how old he was when he was baptized in 1822. Maybe he was old enough to have a say about his baptismal name. Maybe Laurie can look into how old he might have been at baptism and report back when he comes up in the next round.
A quick check on Google seems to suggest that Canadian Indian residential schools were around in a scattered kind of way since the early 1800s or even before then but they were not compulsory until 1884 under the Indian Act. So his parents must have agreed for him to be at this Church Missionary Society school. His birthdate is given as circa 1812 so perhaps he did choose his own name!
The tally has been tightening all morning- guess the musicians are waking up? I cast my vote early for Henry Budd and am hoping he can still go up this hill.
In honor of leadership by First Nations people (Native Americans in the Lower 48), especially Sacred Stone protests, and reality vs. myth – Henry.
Pretty sure I’ve voted for Cecilia every year. She’s been my patron, as it were, since I was a small child, so it’s always been in the “yay Church music” mode of voting. Gossamer imagery aside, her fierce evangelism and faith in the face of brutal Empire might be precisely what we need right now.
This appears to be a close one and I am glad. I voted for Cecilia as someone whose response to God’s dramatic and demanding call on her life inspired others to come to Christ. I always wondered who Valerian was. Her intact body on being exhumed is pretty inspiring to me 2000+ years later.
It’s hard to vote against a First Nations priest, but I had to vote for Cecilia in honor of my mother (who was named for her) and in honor of all choirs everywhere that sign to the glory of God!
This was a tough one. I wanted to vote for Budd, but St. Cecelia is the patron saint of music. My ministry in the church is music. I had to vote for her.
Voted for Budd’s known work vs legend, myth and fiction. Also we supported the good work of a Native American church in our neighborhood in Minnesota. (Anglican missionaries got there before the Lutherans.)
Have you read “Lincoln’s Bishop” about the first Episcopal Bishop of Minnesota? If not I highly recommend it.
I love Lenten Madness but am left wondering this year, “Where are the women?” There seem fewer women in the line up this year though I applaud the organizers’ efforts to include more saints from other historically underrepresented groups this year. Tomorrow is International Women’s Day and this is very much on my mind. It is Cecilia for me!
I had to go with Henry Budd, first because of my love for indigenous cultures (in the past, missionaries have committed crimes against such cultures, seeking to obliterate them out of fear of “heathen superstition”) and second because of the issue of pay equality (there is no such thing as a lesser person), so with respect to the latter it was Henry Beard Delany all over again! I’m sure this will be a close contest, however, and I will be content with whichever saint moves ahead.
I, too found it hard to vote against a First Nations priest, but the church musician in me cannot help but vote for our patron saint, Cecilia. St. Cecelia for the Golden Halo!
Sorry St Cecilia, I love you but I have to go with Henry. He is Canadian, and he was a teacher at St John’s Parish School.
A real conundrum. Who to vote for? Cecelia , patroness of musicians everywhere, or Henry Budd, an example for all indigenous peoples? Because of his example I had to pick Sakachuwescam
Cecilia, because it is such a lovely name!
The spiritual depth of First Nations people was and is an awesome thing for me. The fact that early Christian missionaries taught, trained and raised up leaders in their communities from early times gives depth to the Church in those tribal nations today. Mutual respect, support and commitment are needed to sustain the work of the Church and, more importantly, the faith of the people that Henry Budd ministered to so many years ago!
Really?? — 4 Anglican missionaries failed because there weren’t any evangelistic opportunities there??? Yet Henry Budd managed to baptize 88 individuals. Maybe that should be a lesson that if we are going to help in converting anyone, we need to meet them where they are, not just tell them the right way to do things. Henry Budd reminded me a little of the story of David Oakerhater. Who better to minister to the Native American populations than one of them? Cecilia, like many early martyrs, doesn’t have a biographer who could research books and articles to substantiate her story. Much of what we know of all the early martyrs, the first apostles and disciples is also based on legend and stories handed down in the oral tradition, if we know even that much. These are not reasons for thinking they don’t deserve to be in Lent Madness. The Anglican Church has long honored saints for the lessons they can teach us. If we look at the BCP, the only saints who have “St” before their names are those who were the earliest followers of Christ — the apostles and disciples. They have the major feasts of the year. The rest do not carry that designation. Unlike the Roman Catholics, we don’t have a long list of criteria to determine who is and who is not qualified to be a saint. Much better that we can honor those who went before us and can show us the way.
“If we are going to help in converting anyone, we need to meet them where they are, not just tell them the right way to do things.” And that’s just why I’m excited that Augustine of Canterbury is coming up!
This was a tough call. Coming from the Red River of the North (Fargo, ND) I could identify w/ Budd’s story of life and faith on the prairie.
NOTE: This morning at about 11:45 EST, we became aware of voting patterns that are against the rules of Lent Madness. We discovered some 546 votes for Cecilia cast from a computer in Austin, TX, apparently at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School (according to IP address databases). These votes have been removed, and the address in question has been banned. Please remember: vote once only! If you can encourage your friends to vote, that is wonderful. But do not attempt to cheat the system by using a single computer to vote multiple times. Big Lent is watching.
UPDATE: A student has admitted gaming the system, apology has been accepted, and we’ve restored voting to the school in question. Please don’t try to cheat. It’s Lent, for Pete’s sake!
As someone who once lived in my ancestral homeland of Texas and did voter registration there as a deputized registrar and was involved with the League of Women Voters in Dallas and was a precinct delegate in the 2008 Primary and clerked in the 2008 General Election I can say that voter fraud is extremely rare in Texas (despite what the Voter ID proponents would have you believe). So thanks for catching this wayward youth and nipping this over voting tendency in the bud before s/he is old enough to vote in our civil elections. I hope s/he has learned a lesson.
Vote Early (so you don’t forget until it is too late)
Vote Often (elections are not just once every four years)
BUT
Vote only one ballot per election!
Are you able to edit this to remove the name of the high school from the main post? I love sharing this daily with my teen daughters and I’d love to do so without reservation today. I appreciate your consideration. I feel the general points of the message speak for themselves without a specific name, and though my girls go to public school, the school in question is a well respected Episcopal school with minors learning all kinds of life lessons and representing many individuals and families. Peace be with you and with us all.
I’m an American who lived in Newfoundland and Labrador for 25 years and knew many unsung Christian workers in northern Canada. I had to vote for Budd.
I enjoyed learning more about Cecilia through Anna Fitch Courie’s delightful write up but my vote today swings to Henry Budd. I think it is important to honor a First Nation priest who clearly faced obstacles throughout his career.
Right On! Meant to mention how much I enjoy Ms. Courics work❤
I am a musician but found more merit in the life of Henry Budd.
Here I am in Gisborne, New Zealand voting for Henry Budd all the way. Attending the Ordination of The Rev. Don Tamihere as the next Bishop for the Maori people. Surely I will receive the award as I am more than 10,000 miles away from the headquarters of the supreme executive committee’s and their cyber police who dealt with the fraudulent voters of Texas. Go Budd!
I suspect your vote is most distant, unless of course someone on the ISS beams down a vote via Houston.
So, this morning I sang a sunrise song to Cecilia and the vision that came to me was the news photo of the tattered Episcopal Church flag among all the tribal and First Nations flags at Standing Rock. So I voted for Budd.
Finally, I seem to have voted for the winning said at last!
Time to honor the hard work if this Native American missionary. And a Canadian, too! Eh?
Saint Cecelia may be pointing us the way. With music we can bypass the semantics and the superficiality of secondary process thinking and become more aware of our basic orientation in emotion, and “right brained” motivation. Ya gotta sing!
I loved learning about Henry, one of those amazing hidden saints. Also my vote represents a vote for all those people who never were or are not given equal pay for equal work.
I want to vote for Henry, but my niece has just given birth to Cecilia and that is also my mother’s middle name. My vote must stay in the family.
Yes, this was a tough choice once I read Henry Budd’s story, but I’m going to stick with my original pick of Saint Cecilia in honor of my beautiful departed grandmother, who was a loyal member of Saint Cecilia’s Guild at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church of Germantown in Philadelphia.
Could you post American continent entries against each other and European entries against each other?
That might make for a fairer contezt.
But not all are American or European! See Moses the Ethiopian and Augustine of Hippo and Proto-martyr Stephen the Deacon and from past years Francis+ Li Tim-Oi who should have won a Golden Halo (#ShePersisted in her faith through WW2 & Mao’s China) and Mary Magdalene who did. And this is not a complete list of the non-Euro-American Saints who have been bracketed in Lent Madness. (Let’s leave the “are Celts Europeans” discussion for another day.)
I was certain I was going to vote for Cecilia until I read about Henry. I am Canadian and have never heard of him. His bio impressed me and swayed my vote.
I miss Oliver—- 9 years old
I voted for Henry Budd, since we actually know a great deal about him and his wonderful Christian faith and ministry. Just about everything we know about Cecilia (precious little) is legendary. She was probably a great and inspiring Christian martyr, and as patron saint of music and musicians is a favorite of mine, but I felt compelled to vote for the saint we have more historical knowledge of, and in honor of our great neighbor Canada.
I was torn because both stories are compelling but I’m a musician and that made the choice. the children’s choir at my church is called St. Cecelia’s choir!
Henry Budd for me!
Well, my life is very much “Life is music, the rest is just details”, so I had to vote for Cecilia, but I am glad to see Henry Budd giving her a good challenge!
Like many, I voted for Henry Budd because his story moved me. To persist when being discriminated against for no more reason than he is First People, is inspiring. Too many have been given short shrift just because they are part of a marginalized group. Time to change that long standing custom and pay homage to those for whom it is too late, and change all vestiges of current custom.
On the other hand, I want to recognise the patron saint of music, having been a choir member for most of my life, and still enjoy music above all the arts.
I have noticed over the years that Celtic figures do well. Why?
Although Cecilia appears to be a delicate soul, he is one tough cookie! Cecilia all the way!
Is it possibly because so many of the folks following Lent Madness are of celtic background? Methinks that is very likely. Think what happened with Brigid. We all love St Francis but pit an Italian with a celt and suddenly its about origins, not saintliness. Fun though, regardless.
Who knew that missionaries got paid? In any case, HenryBudd’s native name seems appropriate. The criterion (note spelling of singular) of reality beats the criteria of myth and legend. Q.E.D. Henry made it to the top.
I have to vote for Budd because I know for sure he was reall. He had a hard row to hoe and he really did it.
In the hopes of promoting a kinder and gentler internet world, please consider removing the name of the school in question and the name of the saint for which the votes were cast. I feel that better models the values your game hopes to spread.
Thanks!
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Cecelia you’re breaking my heart
You’re shaking my confidence daily…I mean really 3 times they tried to behead you without success. Way to go!
Although as a musician, Cecilia is very near and dear to my heart, Henry Budd captures my soul as I have lived with and worked with indigenous peoples in North America all of my life. Whenever I see native peoples allowed to take ownership of their own Christian or spiritual development, I’m all in. Today my friends from Standing Rock are marching on Washington to assert their Treaty rights and human rights against DAPL. May their words and actions be heard and honored.
Alyssa, Henry got my vote today in honor of our friends.
A vote for Henry, with thoughts of a Canadian Abenaki seven-times great grandmother.
I like the introduction to Henry Budd, but a woman preaching? and refusing to die?
“Nevertheless, she persisted.” Thank you, Cecilia.
Love the comment!
Despite being a vocalist, I voted for Henry. I was not familiar with him at all, and his dedication to Christ, perseverance and dignity despite enduring racial prejudice spoke to my heart. Cecilia’s perseverance is also inspiring. This year’s match-ups have been truly difficult so far! Thanks for the inspiring recounting CBs!!!
I had Cecelia on the bracket I filled out before Lent Madness began, but after reading about Henry, I voted for him.
I was drawn to both of these saints.
I finally went with Cecilia, knowing that I would also be proud to vote for Budd in the next round.
Tough choice!
As a church musician, I must vote for St Cecilia with gladness. But if Henry Budd were up against almost any other saint, he’d have my support! (Hope one day to vote for the underdog in this Lent Madness. It seems somehow more Christian. Perhaps it is this day.)
Tough one today. I’m inspired by both. But as both a singer, and Classicist (who always liked the gens Caeciliae), I gotta go with Cecilia!
Music is such an important part of the Anglican tradition that I chose, against my usual pattern, lore over biography. In thanksgiving for Mr. Hasdorf, Howard Ross, and Joel Martinson, three important church musicians in my life, I voted for Cecilia.
Voted for Henry Budd! #FirstNations He translated the Bible and The Book of Common Prayer into Cree; did much to further the Christian expression of faith within the traditions of First Nations’ cultures and languages. Go Henry Budd!
Thankful to learn about Henry – great story! But our daughter was born on St. Cecilia’s Day and she plays the flute and harp, same as Cecilia, so had to vote for her.
In a garden shady this holy lady with reverent cadence and subtle psalm.
Like a black swan as death came on poured forth her song in perfect calm.
And by ocean’s margin this innocent virgin constructed an organ to enlarge her prayer,
And notes tremendous from her great engine thundered out on the Roman air.
Blonde Aphrodite rose up excited, moved to delight by the melody.
White as an orchid she rode quite naked on an oyster shell on top of the sea.
At sounds so entrancing the angels dancing came out of their dance into time again,
And around the wicked in hell’s abysses the huge flame flickered and eased their pain.
Blessed Cecilia, appear in visions
To all musicians, appear and inspire.
Translated Daughter, come down and startle
Composing mortals with immortal fire.
–W. H. Auden
“Three Songs for St. Cecilia’s Day”
The thought of Cecilia’s music stirring the sacred and profane powers of earth, heaven and hell, and startling composers with immortal fire, always touches my soul. So if she gets my vote, blame it on W.H. Auden and on Benjamin Britten, who set this poem to soaring, complex music.
I was delighted to see mention of the Henry Budd College for Ministry in the essay above. Back when I was administering an African Anglican network of theological institutions (Anitepam), we worked hard to share what was happening in African theological education with others, especially those at the grassroots. That linked us to the Henry Budd College, whose leaders impressed us a great deal, and which we thought was doing some creative work, especially in theological education by extension (TEE). Not hard for me to decide who to vote for!
Thanks Leon! Though it’s an uphill climb, the work of Henry Budd College continues – https://www.facebook.com/HenryBuddCollege/
Thanks for the comment, Kara. I enjoyed reading the College’s Facebook page and shared it on my own. Blessings.
I’ve been a singer all my life, and love the stories of early saints, so Cecilia was my going-in favorite. But Henry Budd is a powerful example of what it means to work in the institutional church with faith and dedication, even when your recompense is less because your personhood is somehow deemed to be “lesser.” He’s caught my heart, and my vote today.
As a perpetual choir boy I should vote fore Cecelia but Budd struck me as the more believable..struggling to bring Jesus to the Cree…..translating can be hard work ..he lived his faith and he was real
I voted for Cecilia. Tonight our church council is meeting with a piano expert to determine how to best repair/renovate the Steinway in our sanctuary. I hope Cecelia will be there to guide our discussion.
I was certain I would go for Henry Budd, but then after being reminded that Cecilia has an incorrupt saint body, I couldn’t not vote for her! This was the closest one for me so far! (Also, I apologize on behalf of the student from my school, whomever he/she was. Overzealous rascal!)
I love Lent Madness the most for introducing me to saints and holy people that I have not heard of or know much about. Both stories touched me. I love music also and was tempted to vote for Cecilia, but instead I voted for Henry Budd who worked hard and got more members than the other missionaries.
I find it frustrating that the “politically correct” candidates (Black, First Nation, etc.) candidates are being paired against other very worth candidates. Cecilia still seems to have a chance, but I expect in the end she’ll be outvoted by Henry Budd supporters, because the politically correct candidates have won each time. I have nothing against the politically correct ones, but each time they are being pair against someone I love.
Here in my part of rural Western Canada I frequently worship, study and socialize with a First Nations Anglican parish on their reserve where my grandchildren also live a mile from my house. Their aboriginal language has been revived and is taught in schools and socially by a few speakers who were blessed to stay connected to elders who were fluent speakers. The language is used regularly for The Lord’s Prayer and other prayers in the life of this parish. Even I have learned to understand and pronounce a few indigenous words that include God and Amen. I appreciate the leaders and their prayers in the language of the people in the services, so my vote goes to Henry Budd of Manitoba, whose work was conducted in a similar fashion by at least one non-Native missionary in Canada’s most westerly province who also fostered the use of aboriginal languages in the church by learning the language, writing dictionaries and translating parts of the prayer book.
Much as I’m a musician, I found Budd to be more inspiring. I’ll play a hymn for Cecelia.
Voted for Henry Budd for a few reasons: his First Nations background, his energetic ministry, and his inadequate paycheck.
Put off by a few aspects of the Cecilia story: the Gnostic-influenced notion that “all sex is dirty” implied by the story of her unfortunate marriage, and the legend of her body being unaffected by the passing of a number of centuries after her death.
Being a music lover, I’d have liked to vote for the patron saint of music, but I can still look forward to voting for GF Handel.
I wish I could have cast a vote for Valerian. What a wedding night! Bless him for respecting that “no” means “no.” For being the first person of First Nation ancestry ordained in the Anglican tradition Henry got my vote.
Dryden … Purcell … Handel … Howells … culminating, for me, in Britten, setting Auden’s amazing poem — as a choral singer, I had to go with Cecilia, tho I admire Budd tremendously.
Blessed Cecilia, appear in visions to all musicians,
Appear and inspire:
Translated Daughter, come down and startle composing mortals
With immortal fire!
Anyone whom a “Betsy” will marry must be an extraordinary person and, therefore, gets my vote.
Another difficult choice – but I went with Henry Budd!
Hurry Up Cecilia.
Oh, Cecilia, your breaking my heart…
You’re shaking my confidence daily…
As a younger man, I was asked to walk to the third milestone on the Roman road a few times, never with the similar angelic eyeopening results of Valerian. Cecilia was truly blessed.
I voted for Cecilia, because when my son was 2 years old, his favorite song was Cecilia by Simon and Garfunkle (sp?) He grew up to be a musician (my son, that is). St. Cecilia clearly spoke to him. If you listen to the words of the S and G song, you can see that it is about St. Cecilia. Also the Sanctus from the St Cecilia Mass by Gounod is the most beautiful piece of sacred music ever, in my opinion.
I liked Henry Budd because of his First Nations roots.
I voted for Cecilia out of fond loyalty for my elementary school and birth parish (Roman Catholic): St . Cecelia’s in Iselin, NJ. (Yes, we spelled it differently. )
However, I treasure Lent Madness as a wonderful opportunity to learn about how Henry Budd and many other worthy Christians have served God and humanity. They are great examples!
I’m voting each day on who would win in a no-holds barred fight. Cecilia apparently has Wolverine-like regenerative powers so she gets my vote.
LOL, Shawn. That’s not a a criterion I have heard anyone else mention. But I bet you’re right about Cecilia v Henry.
ALWAYS for music!
Too much of Cecilia’s story seems like myth- Henry is a for real man- who overcame obstacles and worked hard to bring Christ to his people- so Henry for me!!
I agree with Nancy.
as a musician I ma honor bound to vote for St Cecilia! And what a woman!
This is indeed a difficult choice, and I had thought I would vote for Cecilia. However, as I sat with what these two saints represent, I had to go with Henry Budd. Cecilia is already known, and as the patron saint of music, has many deservedly loyal fans. However, to be Native American and to have accomplished so much, even with the inequity of pay and the attitudes of others, speaks to me. The “every day-ness” of his life, compared to the more sensational story of Cecilia endears me to him. Here is someone who dedicated his life to the Lord, who did not get much recognition for it, yet who was committed to the people he ministered to and with. I look forward to getting to know his story better, and I know he will enrich my life as he did the lives of so many others.
I chose Cecilia because, she was very brave. I also found it very interesting that she was executed, or at least tried to be, but it didn’t work at all, until she succumbed to her wounds, but still very interesting.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts here,, Sarah Rose. You may an excellent point about Cecilia.
They tried drowning her. They tried burning her. They tried beheading her. #nevertheless #shepersisted. Cecilia all the way.
Glad to see I am among good company in those who had a hard time making a choice today! Bet this will be a close one.
The Foo Fighters didn’t write a song about Henry Budd nor did Simon and Garfunkel. That span of incredible music in my boomer lifetime is enough for me to vote for Saint Cecilia who houses those with broken bones and fills empty beds.
As an amateur musician, I was all set to vote for Cecilia. But then I read about Henry Budd and had to go with someone who translated not only the Bible but the Prayer Book so his people could read them.
Thank you, Lent Madness folks, SEC and bloggers alike, for introducing me to this gallant man.
Well, I don’t know how to ‘rig’ votes in favor of anybody, but if I did, I would certainly use those skills to vote for Cecilia. As the patron saint of musicians for her devotion….of course! My mother and her friends began a music festival in St. Louis in the ’60’s at Trinity / Central West End…. in the honor of Cecilia on Her Day in November….
Trinity/CWE. My parish home away from home here in Missouri.
This is tough. Black pioneer or music saint? This Unitarian has to abstain. You episkies can decide.
Got to go with Celcilia one because she was brave to tell her husband to be he could not touch her. Then Valerian and brother whose I would like to know help all of the dead maytrs which ironically they join. Lastly to die of wounds instead of a direct blow sounds painful showing faith to in God to not give up.
Had to vote for Cecilia. Today, celebrated the sweet life of my friend “Cecilia” who valiantly battled cancer 12 years.
I was really impressed by both the Native American and feminist saints, but many years ago when I went to Cursillo, I was part of St. Cecilia’s table, so that’s the tie breaker.
I voted for Cecilia because music is such a big part of our lives. I have played the piano for as long as I can remember and I love singing in church. Sakachuwescam has a neat story as well, but what I did not like was that his name was changed. Also, the Europeans converting the indigenous people to christianity was a way of getting rid of their traditional religions and practices, which I find unfair. Also, I love powerful women and am drawn to myths, legends, and magic. Art is a way of for us to join together. Music is an art. Cecilia is the patron saint of music. I have to vote for her.
P.S.
I absolutely love how friendly these comments are!! Keep it up, all!
Henry Budd, all the way! Rational consideration or whimsey – either can determine a Lent Madness vote for me. Former resident of diocese of Michigan here, which called the inimitable Bishop Gordon when he felt Alaska was ready for a change. He was deeply committed to the development of ministry analogous to First Nations ministry in Canada. Bishop Gordon had a remarkable ministry in both states. Henry’s enormous accomplishments (at half pay, too!) and respect for the Bishop who performed my marriage compel me, a lifetime chorister, to vote for Henry over Cecelia. (Sorry, Mom, and all the St. Cecelia society ladies who were also great influences in my life. Consider it a vote for Gram’s birthplace – Oh, Canada!)
How can I tell if I voted or not…my dog interupted my voting this AM? I hate to miss. If I vote will I get a message if I have already voted?
Yes, you will, Gloria. So, if in doubt, cast your vote. The system will tell you if you’ve already voted.
As a former Catholic, I can’t vote for Cecelia, because, once I became an adult I realized I was never taught about a male virgin saint. That was not a trait early church males were praised for, but I remember females were praised for fighting to the death for their chastity. So maybe when I get over this, I may vote for dear Cecelia in another year.
Far, far upstream, someone asked us to explain how we decide for whom we vote. I find I’m voting for the person whose life resonates with mine, the one I can best imagine as a companion, not necessarily the one I think is “holiest.”
After all, they are all already in that great cloud of witnesses that is the communion of all the saints, so we’re just having fun here.
Wow such a hard one. In these times I feel almost compelled to vote for a strong woman from the early church but how can i vote against a First Nations missionary? What to do, what to do. I think I will have to go for Cecilia for my daughter.
Cecilia. She was warned, she was given an explanation. Nevertheless, she persisted.
So true. And so timely for our days.
I wear a St. Cecelia medal around my neck (Violist, Vocalist, Violinist), yet still found it difficult to choose. That’s all I’m saying about that. 😡
Henry Budd also founded the school at Cumberland House – the first school is what is now the province of Saskatchewan. When working on communications around the flooding and evacuation at Cumberland House a few years ago, I stood on the steps of the school.
Well, cool! (Your work and Budd’s, not the flooding).
Cecilia. Simon and Garfunkel song. Purcell and Handel. In honor of my chorus and my music teachers.
I had planned to vote for Cecelia especially since it is International Women’s Day. But reading Budd’s bio changed my mind.
Another tough one. Went with Budd in the end
Certainly one cannot take away from Rev. Budd that he went through a lot over a long period of time, but as a musician, I must side with Cecelia. And how could I do otherwise, since she’s the one who has a song written for her.
A hymn to Saint Cecilia, by Herbert Howells. too late to sway the vote, but well worth listening to:
I’ve been singing in church chirs ever since I was big enough to stand and hold a hymnal, so I voted for Cecilia, but I was very impressed with Henry Budd’s story, and would not be disappointed to see him move up and do well in the rankings!
As a musician, I HAD to vote for Cecilia!!
I was very torn by this vote. I wanted both, so hopefully the “loser” will be back in the bracket next year. How could we not advance the patron saint of music. Where would our church be without music. We have a chance to redeem ourselves with G. F. Handel coming up in future days.
I think both have earned our respect and appreciation for their deeds. I picked Henry Budd.
I think this was Cecilias second chance already!
Cecilia for me
Cecilia stay with her faith no matter how often her faith wasa tested