After Monday’s cardiac arrest-inducing battle between Pandita Ramabai and Damien of Molokai, it was a bit easier on our Lenten hearts to have a close-but-not-too-close contest to determine the Battle of Rome yesterday. Paula of Rome came out on top, defeating Marcella of Rome 57% to 43% to advance to the Saintly Sixteen, where she’ll face Gobnait.
Today, in the 16th and final pairing of the Round of 32, it’s the long-anticipated Santa vs. Rudolph Showdown, as Nicholas of Myra faces Rudolph of Gubbio. After this battle is complete, will Nicholas remain jolly with his belly shaking like a bowlful of jelly? Will Rudolph’s nose remain bright or will he no longer be allowed to join in any reindeer games? These are the questions of the day as we continue to whittle down the field of saintly souls.
Tomorrow, the Saintly Sixteen begins as Martha of Bethany takes on Nicodemus. But that’s a contest for another day. Let’s go finish up this first round, shall we?
Nicholas of Myra
Telling the story of Nicholas presents a unique challenge because of the sheer volume of historical record, legend, facts, and rumors about his life and impact. It is probably impossible to fully untangle the facts from the legends—and perhaps we don’t want to.
The bare facts are these. Nicholas was born in 270 CE to a wealthy Greek Christian family in Asia Minor. Following the loss of his parents, he went on a pilgrimage to Egypt and Palestine and was likely briefly imprisoned during an outbreak of Christian persecution. On returning from this journey, Nicholas was made the bishop of Myra, and in this role, he likely attended the Council of Nicaea. Nicholas died in 343, and shortly after his death he begins to be venerated for his kindness, generosity, and compassion.
In one of the best-known legends, Nicholas encountered a man with three daughters whose poverty did not allow him to provide them a dowry. Without a dowry, the young women would likely be sold into slavery. And so Nicholas secretly gifted the gold for their dowries—and according to legend, threw the gold through the window whereon it landed on their socks or shoes.
Again and again, the stories of Nicholas’s life come back to this theme of generosity and gift-giving. Whether it is the resurrection of the three youths, sparing the lives of those falsely accused, or returning children to their parents, Nicholas is remembered as the protector of the innocent, especially of children.
Within just a few short generations after Nicholas’s death, churches began to be dedicated to the memory of this kind and generous bishop. As his veneration spread across Europe, the traditions of Saint Nicholas combined with other local traditions, giving us the historical roots for Santa Claus. The remembrance of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker—patron of children, sailors, the falsely accused, and many others— continues to be observed on December 6.
Regardless of where one chooses to draw the line between the history and the legend of Saint Nicholas, his story has inspired generations of faithful women and men to acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion. Nicholas reminds us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves and to act on behalf of those who have no defender.
Collect for Nicholas of Myra
Almighty God, in your love you gave your servant Nicholas of Myra a perpetual name for deeds of kindness both on land and sea: Grant, we pray, that your church may never cease to work for the happiness of children, the safety of sailors, the relief of the poor, and the help of those tossed by tempests of doubt or grief; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Rudolph of Gubbio
Rudolph of Gubbio was born in 1034 just outside of Gubbio, Italy. His father was a feudal lord. When he was about 17 years old, Rudolph encountered Saint Peter Damian and was converted to Christianity. He, along with his mother, now a widow, and brothers, decided to give their castle and possessions to the church. He became a disciple of Saint Peter Damian and joined the Benedictine Order.
While in the monastery, he studied philosophy and theology and excelled in Latin. He became a priest and practiced a rigorous asceticism. Rudolph wore a hair shirt and avoided meat, eggs, and cheese. He slept on a wooden board without blankets. Self-torture was routinely engaged. His body was so weakened by the ascetic practices that he developed a system of ropes to support him as he recited the psalms.
Rudolph’s piety was so well-known that although the church law said he was not yet old enough, Rudolph was made bishop of Gubbio at around age 25. Rudolph reluctantly accepted the charge, but his elevation to bishop did not change his piety. He continued to live humbly and austerely. He would only eat the food that was given to servants. He would often walk barefoot, using wooden clogs only in the winter. As bishop, he paid particular attention to those who were poor and vulnerable. His concern for those in need led one of his biographers to call him a “miracle of unselfishness.”
His long fasts and the severe treatment of his body ultimately took their toll. On October 17, 1066, still in his early 30s, Rudolph died. He was buried in the Cathedral of Gubbio. His body disappeared when the cathedral was renovated in 1670.
Collect for Rudolph of Gubbio
O God, whose blessed Son became poor that we through his poverty might be rich: Deliver us from an inordinate love of this world, that we, inspired by the devotion of your servant Rudolph of Gubbio, may serve you with singleness of heart, and attain to the riches of the age to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Nicholas of Myra vs. Rudolph of Gubbio
- Nicholas of Myra (92%, 7,073 Votes)
- Rudolph of Gubbio (8%, 623 Votes)
Total Voters: 7,696
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As a musical tribute, we will honor Nicholas and Rudolph to the tune of that holiday favorite “We Need a Little Christmas” from the Jerry Herman classic, “Mame” – Ho, Ho, Ho!
Nich’las of Myra
Went on a pilgrimage and was imprisoned there.
They made him bishop.
Helped make Nicaean Council’s bold decisions there, now.
But we need the Nich’las legends:
Tales of kids and giving.
Gifting gold for dowries,
Raise dead boys now living.
Yes, we need the Nich’las legends:
Aid to all the blameless.
His veneration grows because
St. Nick is known as Santa Claus, so…
Let’s turn to Rudolph!
Met Peter Damien and gave all his wealth away.
Turned Benedictine.
They made him bishop though he had too few birthdays, now.
Rudolph lived as an aesthetic:
Won’t eat meat, eggs, cheeses;
Hair shirts and self-torture;
All of this for Jesus.
His long fasts and body treatment
Killed him in mid-thirties.
Rudolph is so sainted, now.
Nich’las of Myra:
The legends of this man made him a well-known saint.
Rudolph of Gubbio:
Aesthetic living brought this young man to a faint, now.
For we have the Nich’las legends.
Everybody’s talking.
Gold thrown through the windows
Ends up in a stocking.
And, let’s not forget our Rudolph.
Rigorous aesthetic –
Tied some ropes onto his arms
To keep him up while singing psalms.
So, review their profiles.
Just one last vote to end the Round of 32.
Click on the email.
Follow the voting link. You should know what to do, now.
For we need to do our voting.
Need it bold or faintly.
Need for one to join the
Sixteen who are Saintly.
And we need the Golden Halo
Which will crown our winner.
Need to have Lent Madness, now!
Need to have Lent Madness, now!
Thank you so much for all your amazing songs.
A Christmas song for these two. How perfect is that?
What else?
Oh, my! You outdid yourself today! I can’t stop laughing — such clever lyrics! I’m going to have that tune stuck in my head all day now, you know, and you’ll be the one to blame for it, you know. 😉
I had already voted when I read your splendid lyrics, but I sang the words in my head anyway.
Thank you, Michael, for starting out our days with a song.
Brilliant. This will be stuck in my head all day now.
This is awesome, as all your songs have been!
This is the best one yet! Thank you!
My ballot today goes to Nicholas
Foe of butchers who’d murder and picholas.†
As we finish Round One
With our brackets undone,
May the tale of St. Nicholas ticholas.
† ”Another famous late legend tells how he resurrected three children, who had been murdered and pickled in brine by a butcher planning to sell them as pork during a famine.”
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Nicholas)
…As an aspiring Lenten poet, I consider this a direct sign of God’s presence in my daily life. 🙂
John Cabot, If your rhymes are a direct sign of God’s presence in your daily life, they are a sign of great joy in mine. I read them first and then go read the biographies. Someone who uses words to entertain and enlighten without asterisks to block out the obscenities is wonderful–and unusual. I look at the daily news and then, just when I am considering resigning from the human race, I go to Lenten madness and there you are and Susan Hauser, and Michael Wachter and St. Celia and all the other good people. Thank you.
Oh, Nancy, you are a dear. This community is so important to me; I feel much as you do!
You really out did yourself today. Love it. Thank you for all your great entertainment during Lent Madness.
Not just an homage to Nicholas, but a reflection on where we are with the brackets. Nicholas isn’t the only one to tickle us! Thank you, John!
Best limerick yet!
Brackets undone? Counting St. Nick, I am 14 out of 16 in the Round of 32.
“…brackets near-won” in your case, Michael.
As I begin my day with the “Need a Little Nicholas” earworm, do consider me ticholed.
I love it love it love it! Do more of those invented rhymes, because they are hilarious!
GROAN, which is the appropriate way to praise a pun.
Thank you, John, and keep ’em coming.
I think this is your best yet!
Inspiration acts of kindness and God’s love (caritas or charity) versus wearing a hair shirt. Nicholas all the way!
Oops! Inspirational!
I voted for Santa Claus. So far it’s 7 to 0. I was not going to vote for Santa, but I cannot support yet another extreme ascetic who died from excessive self-mortification. Actually I didn’t vote for Santa but for the legendary (emphasis on “legend”) figure who provided a dowry for girls who would otherwise have been sold into slavery. Today’s WaPo has a story on (yet another) group of boys who rated girls on their looks. Since that is how Mark Zuckerberg made his start to infamy and fortune (some stories never change, and fortune compensates for lots of infamy), I think it’s worth posting the link. The other story is that Individual 1 thinks Puerto Ricans shouldn’t get disaster aid. Puerto Ricans are not white enough to count as Americans. So as a vote against misogyny and racism, I seem to be choosing Santa. May children everywhere have education and healthcare and a thriving planet for their future.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2019/03/26/teen-boys-rated-their-female-classmates-based-looks-girls-fought-back/?utm_term=.33a489715d15
I can’t even read the news anymore; taking a sanity break as I am close to panic attack zone. You may get a kick out of this: My husband says he can’t vote for Rudolph, because when he hears “Rudolph,” all he can think of is “Giuliani”!
Same here. Self mutilation isn’t sanctity; it’s stupidity. Rudolph was just suicidal. I believe my body is a temple to God and take good care of it. Thanks to Santa for his example if compassion and sharing.
It’s so nice to see another Michele with 1 L. We think alike, I could have written your exact statement as that was what I thought. Rudolph only has 6 % 134 votes. It’s going to be a landslide today.
My daughter is Hilary with 1 L. She was born in 1988. The 1992 election cursed the spelling of her name for EVER! Even while typing this, I had to fight with autocorrect, which wanted to add a second L.
Thanks for the link, St Celia. I read every word—including the comments from WaPo readers.
furor! Read comments??? Are insane, woman?!?! Only Lent Madness comments are safe to read!
FOR sure!
So perfectly stated! Thank you! I’m in complete agreement.
At least according to his LM biography, Rudolph of Gubbio is best known for torturing and starving himself into an early grave. Could this be the most unequal contest ever?
They never let poor Rudolph join in any reindeer games.
Hilarious! THank you! Love it!
Of course not, because he was too weak to play from starving himself.
Yes, but I voted for him anyway. Gubbio is so beautiful, and I’ve walked his streets.
” Rudolph wore a hair shirt and avoided meat, eggs, and cheese. He slept on a wooden board without blankets. Self-torture was routinely engaged….Rudolph’s piety was so well-known …”
Sorry, not into this form of self-piety.
Which will you follow? He who “paid particular attention to those who were poor and vulnerable” by what (mimicking the poor?)- or he who inspires ” generations of faithful women and men to acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion.”
I had to vote for Nicholas because, well, Santa Claus.
And my daddy died one year ago today. He was in the Navy so St. Nicholas was his patron saint.
So sorry for your losing your daddy. Perfect reason for voting for St. Nick.
Saint Nicolas, Patron saint of children. An easy vote for this teacher.
O, grand Saint Nicolas
Patron des écoliers
Apportez-moi des pommes
Dans mon petit panier
Je serai toujours sage
Comme un petit mouton
Je dirai mes prières
Pour avoir des bonbons
Venez, venez, Saint Nicolas
Venez, venez, Saint Nicolas
Venez, venez, venez Saint Nicolas
tra la la
Personne ne penserait jamais qu’un mouton était sage!
C’est un miracle de Noël!
Zut alors!
A new low in bracketology. St. Nick and Rudolf are a pair, one and inseparable. .
I can’t vote against St. Nicholas, but how will he find his way without Rudolf to guide him?
One of my favorite legends (or is it truth?) about St. Nicholas of Myra is that, when attending the Council of Nicea, he punched out Arius. Makes him more human for me. 🙂
Me too! I hope this comes up in the next round!
My husband was raised Unitarian, and I am not kindly disposed toward a man who bullied (and possibly poisoned) his theological opponents, whatever his apocryphal association with children. Also not a big fan of self-harm in the name of extreme piety: depriving oneself of food and shelter to which the poor do not have access is one thing, but deliberately destroying one’s own body, rather than using it as God intended, is another altogether. Think I’ll sit this one out.
Is it a coincidence that St Nicholas was paired up with Rudolph?
Wait a minute — Rudolph of Gubbio was converted to Christianity around 1050? Surely the author meant to say something else. There wasn’t anything an Italian nobleman’s son could have been except a Christian. Or is there some story here?
Maybe he was converted from nominal faith to true faith? Excellent question, Beth!
Nicholas gets my vote. My grandson is a Nicholaus is one reason. I think Rudolf should have taken care of himself and joined a few reindeer games. We are better able to help when we are healthy. I think he wasted his life. This was piety too far. Go Saint Nick Rudolf will not be pulling your sleigh tonight.
Defender of women, children, and the falsely accused; patron of sailors; the inspiration for Santa; paragon of loving kindness; the name on hundreds (thousands?) of local churches and religious communities in multiple traditions throughout the world: that’s impact! Nicholas for the Golden Halo!!
Having attended St. Nicholas’s in Prestbury for midweek services for a time and being concerned about Rudolph’s excesses of asceticism, I vote for Nicholas.
Benjamin Britten’s cantata, St. Nicholas is colorful retelling of the life of the Saint. Rarely performed but so good!
True that!
I got the unconcontrollable giggles at a performance of this cantata, having never heard before of the pickled boys. My then-boyfriend, singing in the choir, was not amused.
Had to vote for Nicholas. I think he also the patron saint of barbers. He was known for his charity and compassion for children and poor girls. Something about Rudolph’s excessive mortification is ‘off-putting.’ Even Jesus ate with sinners.
Acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion and the idea that Nicholas reminds us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves and to act on behalf of those who have no defender led me to vote for him rather than Rudolph, an ascetic whose piety seems to be pretty extreme and inward facing.
Patron saint of those falsely accused . . . got to go with Nicholas!
Nicholas is basically the saint of generosity and that spirit has stood ,by God’s Grace ,the test of time .
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! vote for Rudolph (the red nose reindeer)
Methinks Rudolph was not familiar with Matthew 6:1… I suppose Rudolph’s asceticism amazed/horrified a lot of people, and maybe back in that day that’s what brought people to Christ. But it was with a very disturbing concept of God. Ick.
Great bios, bloggers; it’s a slam-dunk for Nicholas for me.
If Rudolf had taken better care of his body, which was a gift from God, he could have lived longer and done more good for others.
As a professional Santa Claus, I had to vote for Nicholas.
This begs a photo, Michael!
“Gift” is not a verb. Just use “give.”
Yes – “gift” is a noun and a verb!
“Verbing” (thank you Calvin) is using a noun ad a verb. So, “verbing” is an example of verbing!
https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1GKLB_enUS682US683&q=Dictionary#dobs=gift
Had to vote for Nicholas. Two reasons 1) close to my last name 2) I cannot vote for someone whose practices weakened his body
Yes – “gift” is a noun and a verb!
Yes, I think it is St Nicholas for me too; starving yourself to get closer to God does not leave energy for good works. Though I’m sure he meant well…And the reality or not of Nicholas’s acts of generosity is not the important point, is it? It is that was should see his example and aim to match it.
On behalf of immigrant and refugee children and their families, and all those detained unjustly, we sorely need the spirit of Nicholas of Myra. Can’t help but wonder who he’d be tempted to punch out were he among us today!
I would like to think he’d start by punching out Stephanie Borowicz. I would be willing to say 100 Hail Marys in penance to make that happen.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/03/27/gop-lawmaker-prays-jesus-forgiveness-before-states-first-muslim-woman-swears/?utm_term=.7a4e2c31d8ba
Throw a punch for me as well!
St. Cecelia, this might be the first time I’ve seen one of the LM Faithful directly link a current event to our saintly contenders. We’re all doing that of course, but specifics aren’t directly discussed in the comments.
I was glad to see how your contemplation of Nicholas’s gifts and service informed the lense you viewed the politician’s odd, dreadful, miscarriage of Christian piety. Normally, I wouldn’t have seen St. Nicholas as the antidote to xenophobia and now, because of you, I can. Another Lent Madness miracle!
(Don’t make Santa sad, Rep. Borowicz!)
One saint inspires gifts of chocolates, speculoos cookies, and (for raw-food enthusiasts) oranges while the other models the repudiation of all such pleasures. Too easy for this bon-viveur. My vote is for Saint Nick.
One of my favorite comments ever!
This was an easy choice for me. St. Nicholas is reflected in the Taize hymn ‘Ubi Caritas’, and was an example of a positive Christian life, attainable for all, because he shows us how we can go about the world doing good in Christ’s name without resorting to sitting on pillars in the desert, shivering in caves, or beating ourselves up. While Rudolph may indeed have been one like Nicholas, who cared for the poor and marginalized, his over-the-top self-mortification and dietary limitations overshadow his Christian works . Heretofore, the only thing I knew about Gubbio was the story of St. Francis and the Wolf. Frankly, I much prefer that story to the story of Rudolph.
Finally a contest that didn’t break my heart! Nicholas Of Myra May not have done many of the charitable deeds he was credited with, but he has been a blessing worldwide. Rudolph Of Gubbio was selfless to a fault, and his story provokes admiration rather than love. His excessive mortification reminds me of the bizarre doings at the unnamed monastery in Umberto Eco’s “The Name Of The Rose,” Where rival theologians from different orders debate whether Jesus was poor.
I’ve been meaning to read that again; thanks for the reminder!
(tears streaming down face. . .) Michael and John, you are both wonders for your postings of parodies and limericks; I marvel at such talent! The SEC has out-done itself! With sides aching from laughter I can only vote for Nicholas! Ruth, you and Lisa summed things up well! Thank you ALL for putting joy (and even prayerful hilarity) into this Lent!
Poor Rudolph needed an intervention from St. Nick.
We all need a lot more Nicholas’ these days.
“It is probably impossible to fully untangle the facts from the legends—and perhaps we don’t want to.” So true! I might have voted for Nicholas just based on this sentence, though after reading all the way through there was every reason to vote for Nicholas.
It seems like we’ve had a lot of ascetics this year and with each one I find it harder to understand how this could possibly be what God wants from a faithful person’s life.
Precisely
I just have to support someone who is a giver. I know the legends probably are a stretch but such a good example for the rest of us.
Rudolph sounds decidedly non-jolly. Hair shirts have got to be one of the worst ideas and practices ever. I find myself meditating on the figurative ways we apply them to ourselves and others still. Go Santa Baby – and hurry down the chimney tonight.
Off putting to be distroying the temple of God by lack of care.
I didn’t want to vote for jolly ol’ Saint Nick, because the legend of his acts of giving are used to justify the obscene excess of gift-giving and holiday madness that permeates our society today, obliterating the most supreme gift of all, the birth of Jesus. I do admit that I relish both forms of “Christmas” but I keep them separate in my mind: Secular Christmas and Sacred Christmas. I don’t use Sacred Christmas to rationalize Secular Christmas. They are two different observances. However, I voted for him anyway, because I’m not convinced that God approves of any of us abusing the temple of the body that God has given us while we dwell on Earth. How much more Rudolph could’ve done if he had taken care of his physical needs? We’ll never know. So, I cast my reluctant vote for Nicholas.
I love Saint Nicholas, and love what Carol Myers is doing to reacquaint us with how wonderful a saint he is through her wonderful website, the Saint Nicholas Center! He gave to the poor, and that is what has made him so beloved. It was not just giving extravagant gifts for no reason!
My mother died on 6 December and we have made an annual celebration of St. Nicholas in honor of her memory. I agree with the others regarding Rudolph’s aesectism – that is not the example Jesus set.
I am with Nicholas!
I don’t blame Rudolf for his misplaced piety – he doubtless had heard the virtues of such extreme asceticism extolled, as “self-mortification” was thought to be a good thing. But I can’t vote for that form of piety today. As others have said, self-abuse only wastes a life, wastes the strength with which Rudolf might have lived longer and served more. Something about him must’ve been admirable enough that they made him bishop so young. But my vote’s still with St. Nicholas, particularly for his creative generosity and care for the vulnerable. (I’ve always loved the story about him pitching coins into the window of the three young women’s home.)
Wow! So early in the day and Nicholas of Myra is pulling a Secretariat at Belmont. Nicholas’ protection of innocense addresses so well the terrible loss of today’s children by exposure to social media and internet marketing. Childhood, that blissful period when the world is full of wonder and exploration. Happily, the senseless of self-torture as a form of piety so dominant in Rudolph’s story is losing its power as a virtue and being replaced by the giving of self in service to others.
Poor old Rudolph wasn’t even at the back of the line, so to speak, when I went to vote, so I voted for him,
even though I’m not a big fan of extreme asceticism.
It was a mitzvah.
For many, especially children, St. Nick is the stand-in for the concept of a Loving God until their faith matures. (Hopefully it does.) Go St. Nick!
I find myself not able to vote for the extreme self-mortification crew, so yup, it’s Saint Nicholas for me today.
(I get fasting on certain days of the calendar, but to the point where you can’t support yourself while doing the Rosary? Nopeing out of that!)
Judging ancient practices by today’s standards and psychiatric diagnoses is not what Lent Madness is all about for me. If we excluded those saints and the ones known more by legend, we’d miss out on a lot of inspiration and learning. There’s a great book called, “Saints Behaving Badly,” that reminded me how glad I am that no one has my life under a microscope, and that every saint’s life has something to teach me. It’s also very funny!
Is today the biggest wipe-out in Lent Madness history, or did someone else surf to success even more spectacularly?
Agreement with all those horrified by Rudolph’s creepy, self-destructive asceticism. NOT
WWJD!
With a nephew named Nicholas, I had to vote for Nicholas.
Nobrainer for me I’m am not a fan of self abuse. It isn’t saintly in my mind. Nicholas is my choice today. Whether you look at history or legend, who can vote against Santa Clause?
Burgermeister Meisterburger, Toy Santa, and Jack Frost.
Hahahaha!!
I love Saint Nicholas, and love what Carol Myers is doing to bring him back into Christmas with her Saint Nicholas Center website and resources. I’ve learned so much about him and what he did to love Jesus by giving to the poor. There’s lot of crazy folklore about him but at the bottom of it all, he must have been quite a guy to be so revered in the Eastern World for so many centuries. And now he’s coming back to the Western World to help us return to the real meaning of Christmas.!!
Had to vote for Nicholas. We live in times when the youngest and most vulnerable need his kind of kindness. Asceticism doesn’t help anyone.
As a former newspaper editor, I see the page 1 headline “Santa trounces Rudolph” in 60 pt bold font. Make that 72 pt.
As a journalist I’m with you there. “Rudolph loses lead position” 60 pt bold. Subhead “Confidence lacking” And the daily comments would make a great feature story, especially the back and forth. And has Oliver grown up and left us?
Who could vote against Santa?
Though Rudolph is admirable
For his self denial and aid
Nicholas broad giving to the poor and lame
Makes a clear winner & Santa is his name!
Rudolph seems to be in need of hearing a few good sermons on the amazing grace of God.
But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, – Titus 3:4-6 (ESV)
And I expect Saint Nick will make it to the Kitsch round, which should be interesting.
Fun fact, the Canadians claim the North Pole as being a part of Canada. The postal code they assigned to it is H0H 0H0.
Yes!!! There is no question that St. Nick will provide ample examples of Kitsch.
Funny, folks here tend to lean to the folk legend saints. I usually don’t, preferring real people over legends, but this time , I went with Santa Claus. It helped that Rudolph didn’t really jazz me, despite his solidarity with the poor.
I think it’s pretty well documented that Nicholas and Rudolph were” real people”; time has encrusted their “real” bios with “legends” that often show us Real Truth. These ancient saints didn’t just do fantastic tricks; the legends served as demonstrations of God’s power. We don’t have independent documentation of much of anyone in the Bible or what they did, including Jesus. Does that make them “less real”? Are only people for whom we have photographs real? What is “real” anyway?
I’m not questioning the existence of these two, but, no, I do not believe that Saint Nicholas resurrected three murdered and pickled boys. Saints are supposed to be role models we can try to emulate. I can certainly try to emulate St Nicholas’ extraordinary generosity and spirituality, but I don’t expect to be resurrecting anybody. That’s what I mean by having a preference for real people. I would pick a Dorothy Day or Angela Merici – whose lifetime of corporal works of mercy were extraordinary and humbling to learn about- over a St Christopher any day. The real live saints are astonishing enough for me.
NICHOLAS OF MYRA FOR THE GOLDEN HALO!!!
Although I voted for Nicholas for many of the same reasons everyone else did, i.e., a compassionate saint for our troubled times, I do think today’s matchup can offer us a deeper Lenten reflection. Instead of judging Rudolph’s extreme medieval asceticism from a modern lens, perhaps we could instead be moved to ask ourselves, “What would I give up for Christ? What comforts would I sacrifice to become a better reflection of God’s purpose for me?”
Not to take anything from Nicholas and the more inspirational gifts his legend adds to the Christmas season, but it has also led us down a path of materialism and commercialism. During Lent we should perhaps be a little more open to the message of sacrifice and doing without. I know I should.
Excellent point, Patrice!
Not a fan of self torture. Our bodies are temples. Vote for St. Nick!
Rudolph could have done so much more had he taken care of his own Temple of the Holy Spirit. So, Nick for the win.
It’s Nicolas of Myra for me. When in doubt choose kindness.
Who votes against Santa Claus?
Those who want to be on the naughty list?
I have always had a hard time trying to reconcile extreme mortification of the flesh with the idea that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. The body is not evil; after all, God created us, body & soul.
Nicholas for the Golden Halo! Poor Rudy. I feel sorry for him in a strange way. He was his own worst enemy. Hair shirts, starving, torture. Good heavens! It was an easy choice to go with kind and loving Santa. Nice write ups by the Davids.
I do not think either of these men will reach the halo bracket. Although True Saints They Both Did NOT Follow God’s teachings. Rudolph Hurt His Own Body When God told us to take care of our bodies. Much of Nicholas gift giving was inherited and/or done in secret(legend)
We need more compassion and kindness in this world and these men truly exemplify these traits.
How did Nicholas not follow God’s teachings?
How can you not vote for Santa Claus!
“Lenten Madness” or the Forward Movement or somebody needs to publish the Collected Saintly Limericks of John Cabot!
I always think that the character of the legends that accrue around a person are clear evidence for the kind of person they were. Nicholas’ legends all involve, as David Hansen writes, “kindness, generosity, and compassion.” Plus modesty, and a gentle sense of humor. The key element in the story of the dowries tossed through the windows at night is that he didn’t want any credit for making the gift. Nicholas is an inspiration!
Really looking forward to the Kitsch round on this one!!
I voted for St. Nicholas (who is definitely not Santa Claus) – he’s one of my saints for obvious reasons. Also, he’s inspirational for his faith, generosity, kindness and compassion. I love him.
As for St. Rudolph, I can imagine that he was well regarded and respected during his day when extremes such as his were seen as deeply pious. I don’t want to judge him from the perspective of my own culture. I also don’t find enough specifics about what distinguishes him beyond his asceticism.
With a surname like mine, it wasn’t a tough choice. Better to celebrate someone who lives generously, than someone who engages in self harm and calls it piety.
I applaud your gentlemen’s efforts at digging up these saints for comparison. It is rather enlightening to read about all of them. Just curious how many saints have been so designated by the church. I guess I could go look it up on google. Or maybe there are categories of saints.
My mother was born on St. Nicholas’s Day–Dec. 6. She was a great Santa Claus fan, although at that time in my life we didn’t pay attention to saint’s days. I’m not a big fan of extreme ascetics–they make me think of extreme anorexics. So St. Nicholas gets my vote.
Self-torture.
What else needs to be said?
Perhaps by coincidence, though we should never underestimate the deviousness of the Supremes, Gubbio boasts the world’s biggest Christmas tree, an array of lights up the side of the mountain that overlooks the city. It is, however, dedicated not to San Rodolfo but to Sant’Ubaldo or, if you will, St. Hubald, the city’s patron. (AHA, evil spellchecking demon, you changed “Hubald” to “Hubble,” but I caught you at it!)
I wonder what, if anything, is dedicated to St. Rudolph? Gubbio has a small museum of torture instruments, but it’s secular.
http://www.bellaumbria.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Albero-di-Natale-Gubbio.jpg
Ah, we can always count on your clarification of things Italian. Thank you!
Kindness to others vs. Self-Mortification – an easy choice. I appreciate the SEC for the “fun” matchup of Santa vs. Rudolph, but this is a pretty obvious choice. Besides, Nicholas (Nicole) is my Saint’s name from when I was baptized – my birthday is near Christmas. As a child, my birthdays were always held near Dec. 6th and involved Christmas activities. So, I’m very pleased to cast today’s vote for my Patron Saint!
“He only ate the food given to servants”
Yes, I voted for St Nicholas but there is something saintly about Rudolph ‘s diet. How much meat, cheese, eggs were /are provided to the slaves of America? The captives in WWII concentration and work camps? The homeless and refugees of today’s world? Where do they get their protein smoothies? Lean meat and fish? Fresh cheese? Three egg omelets?
That’s the origin of soul food. The slaves took the scraps and refuse and made it taste good.
And I think you make a great point. Rather than focus on the negatives of Rudolf, perhaps we should think about what we can learn from him. I love cooking and eating good food but is my stomach my god?
Cheeses/Jesus, Michael? Brilliant.
I’m not such an appreciator of self-Torture for God, so I went with Nicholas, who is one my favorites anyway.
Nicholas, in spite of the story about his losing all patience with Arius and decking him at the first Council of Nicaea. While I don’t approve of St. Nick’s way of expressing his disagreement, I understand his distaste for bad theology, which led to my years at Perkins. Here’s a link to an especially cute bobblehead representation of the conflict:https://www.facebook.com/franco.nessa/videos/vb.100000930877704/1796523827055296/?type=2&theater
https://www.facebook.com/franco.nessa/videos/vb.100000930877704/1796523827055296/?type=2&theater
Thought I’d see if this link would generate a picture.
Oh, well. Too bad. This would be a great picture for the Saintly Kitsch Items part of the bracket.
It loads and I see it but the video is only a second or so long.
Perkins? As in SMU Perkins?
I did my undergrad at SMU Meadows (Class of ’13) and lived Moore Hall right next to Perkins Chapel.
Nicholas has 93% of the votes so far (about 9:30AM, west coast time). No contest, today. When reading about poor Rudolph I was reminded of Psalm 107, which I was surprised to see has a description that sounds like anorexia nervosa, which I had thought was a modern affliction. See v.18 (“They abhorred all manner of food / and drew near to death’s door.”) In later verses the afflicted cry out to the Lord, and he “heals” them, saving them from the grave. I’m sure Rudolph’s heart was sincere, but his example is not one I’d encourage people to follow.
no comment today
I went with Nicholas of Myra because his fest day is my mother’s birthday.
-God Bless all
Went along with the crowd today in voting for Nicholas. Yes, the Britten St. Nicholas is wonderful too.
While I love St. Nicholas, I’m going for the vegetarian again: Rudolph. (Reindeer are vegetarian, too, by the way.)
Being Vicar of St. Jude’s in North Pole Alaska, I have the opportunity to Chat with St. Nick at the Santa Clause house in North Pole, last summer I dumbfounded when he told me he belonged to the Church of the Nazarene. Nevertheless, in the spirit of ecumenism, he gets my vote.
So, looking at the numbers as of 1:40 EDT, I’m wondering if there is a skunk rule.
Being in my early 30s and learning the difference between humility and masochism the hard way, my body and mind bearing witness to trauma and mismanaged stresses, I’m going against the grain today and voting for Rudolph. May his extreme asceticism and early demise remind us we must replenish our bodies and souls in order to share life with others. There’s no point in crucifying ourselves for our sins, perceived and real. It is finished.
With Paula’s win yesterday, I reached the zenith of success with my first unbroken bracket EVER; I can live the rest of my life in peace. Had to vote for Nicholas – simply had to.
I was ordained on December 6th. Enough said, Nicholas it is for me.
Nicholas, mostly because this same Catholic priest keeps popping up telling me I’ve used too many of their sites and now need to make a donation. That isn’t about to happen. I was already mad over Stephanie Borowicz’ prayer. Another judgmental, raging self described, uneducated Christian who will give us a very bad name. I’d much prefer the all genders and gay ordaining, bishop consecrating, same sex marrying, rainbow flag waving Episcopal “bad” reputation I’m currently so proud of. Besides that, I don’t know all these show tunes, however, the lyrics work just as well as Gregorian chants.
I dont usually bring politics into Lent Madness but today I am in support of the children separated from their families on our border. I’m going with Nicholas because if he were here with us today I think he would be found advocating for them. St Nicholas, please pray for us that we as a nation will do the right thing by these families and that they will be reunited quickly.
Linda Burnett, this was brought up by several people today. Something about Nicholas and perhaps the stark contrast between him and Rudolph, triggered deep thinking about current events.
St. Nicholas should be the number 1 seed in this whole tournament.
Sorry, Rudolph, but I just can’t get my head around such extreme asceticism.It just reeks of ego, to me.
Really struggling with the stories of extreme asceticism this year. Kindness, generosity and compassion are always worth celebrating so my vote goes to Nicholas. I am also swayed by the story of Nicholas punching a heretic. Even those known for their kindness, generosity and compassion can get angry and frustrated at times :O)
First, a question- Is the page having any issues today? I had read through the profiles and comments then went to vote and received a message that stated “Lent Madness says we are still dealing with your last request and can’t process the current one yet; please try again later.” This was also very odd as I hadn’t submitted a vote yet as well.
Next, on to comments: I have always had a hard time with the idea of going overboard and endulging in self-torture and asceticism for God so like many others chose to cast my vote for Nicholas instead. Nicholas all the way and everything he is also known. and stands for is so deserving of the Golden Halo!
Fifty shades of Rudolph? Or not. Maybe I’ll just wait for the movie.
Go, Nicholas.
I just didn’t want to end up on the naughty list.
I know Santa would never actually beat his reindeer, but it looks like St. Nick is beating the peewhittles out of poor Rudolph. (And Rudy’s response is probably something like, “Yah missed a spot!”)
“The peewhittles . . . . Did you just make that up?
My significant other, who loves words, uses this expression. I don’t know if he heard it from his grandmother, read it in Faulkner, or invented it, but it certainly fits this situation.
First thought was to vote for Rubbio because Nicholas would be a runaway. But I cannot vote for a man who would waste the body God gave him when he had so many opportunities for service. Nicholas allm tyhe way.
I think David Hansen did an excellent job of threading the needle among the facts and legends of St. Nicholas’s life and drawing wonderful conclusions and lessons for our own piety and practice. And so I voted for Nicholas. Besides Nicholas is my middle name and I rejoice in his patronage and pray that I might learn to imitate his generosity.
While I have a certain admiration for saints, like Rudolph of Gubbio, who lead strictly ascetic lives (I’m a wimp at that!), I’m also somewhat bothered by those whose observance is so extreme that it ends up damaging their health. Simplicity of life is good, especially when it leads to generous sharing (a challenge that I’m still working at), but self-torture does not seem to me necessary for Christian living. Nevertheless, perhaps there is something positive to be learned from those who ardently seek in their imitation of Christ to conform their lives to his cross and passion. Nicholas and Rudolph, pray for us!
Hello, SEC. Is this the biggest blow-out in Lent Madness history? Has Lent Madness set yet another record in this, the TENTH year of the Alt-Madness Bracket?
I went into this with an open mind, willing to be swayed by Rudolph, but I couldn’t possibly vote for someone who tortured himself to an early grave. We may not know much for sure about Nicholas, but he was a leader of the early Church through a time of persecution and survived to lead his flock through that very critical period surrounding the Council of Nicaea. His reputation was such that it supported the legends that grew up around him, making them plausible whether or not they were true. That’s worth a great deal. Nicholas of Myra it is.
Have to support Nicholas. Rudolph really bothers me…I don’t find his extremism beneficial.
I have to vote for Nicholas. The celebration of his feast in Holland – on December 5th – was an essential part of my conversion to Christianity in 1971.
I used to give my students oranges and gold (chocolate) coins on December 6th “in an effort to keep them from scurvy and prostitution.” I’m not sure that any of them were truly comforted by my largess, but I think it could only help.
I’m for Nic!
Nicholas seems like a generous but balanced individual. Rudolph creeps me out. I don’t find depriving yourself into poor health and an early grave to be the best example of how to get closer to God.
Didn’t bother to even cast my vote,
For Damien when the Hawaiians awoke,
So Pandita narrowly tipped the scale,
And left, in the dust, this remarkable male.
Today my vote will most certainly matter,
Hoping Nicholas will all records shatter,
Poor Rudolph will hold his head very high,
And pass the baton with a mere little sigh.
What a choice! Of course I would pick Santa Claus over his reindeer.