Martha of Bethany Wins 2019 Golden Halo!

The Supreme Executive Committee of Lent Madness congratulates Martha of Bethany for winning the 2019 Golden Halo. Martha became the 10th saint to wear the golden crown by defeating the inspiring runner up Pandita Ramabai. She joins previous Golden Halo winners George Herbert (2010), C.S. Lewis (2011), Mary Magdalene (2012), Frances Perkins (2013), Charles Wesley (2014), Francis of Assisi (2015), Dietrich Bonhoeffer (2016), Florence Nightingale (2017), and Anna Alexander (2018).

To help celebrate Martha’s victory, we’ve invited the creative geniuses who have shared their talents throughout this holy season to honor the Golden Halo winner. We’re delighted they answered the call!

Sr. Diana Doncaster has penned one final hymn in her growing saintly hymnal:

What fun among Saints when Lent Madness deploys;
We give them excuses to smile and rejoice.
They smile when we learn and share and long to grow;
And gladly sing praises when love among us flows.  

Today is the day when we learned what they knew;
St. Martha’s the one won; the halo is her due.
A hostess, a servant, Confessor, Christ’s Saint.
No one could not love her; rejoice without constraint.

With Martha we grow to trust Christ’s holy grace.
It’s fine to set work down to listen as he says;
“One final commandment I now give anew,
To love one another as I have loved you.” 

How Firm a Foundation – Hymn 636 or 637 – (Whichever tune you like better) 

John Cabot has graced us with a last limerick:

In spite of His early admonishing
Yet Martha displays faith astonishing.
As a fitting reward
For that trust in our Lord:
A Halo that never needs polishing!

And Michael Wachter offers his final show tune of the season (how did he manage this each day?!), setting it up for us thusly:

Martha of Bethany deserves a special musical tribute to commemorate her Golden Halo victory. Her song chronicles her journey from resentful housekeeper and sister to theologian to miracle-working dragon tamer – in France. Which tune would be most appropriate to sing her praise? Why, “It’s a Hard-Knock Life” from “Annie,” of course!

It’s a servant’s life for me,
Living here in Bethany!
‘Stead of playing, I get work.
Mary always get the perks.
It’s a hard-knock life.

Set the table, serve the meat,
While she lies at Jesus’ feet!
I complain I (clap-clap) get no rest.
Jesus tells me, (clap-clap) “She chose best!”
It’s a hard-knock life.

When you feel like your life has bitter fragrance
‘Cause your hair smells of sweat and never nard.
You can bear it and work up your impatience;
Complaining how your life is very hard.

Jesus praises your sister who’s a slacker.
Calls you out though you’re giving it your all.
Freud’s not born yet, and still you reexamine
That by serving others you have heard God’s Call.
Ooooh!

Mary goes Round One.
Nicodemus done.
Well Girl’s luck runs dry.
Gobnait’s stung. Oh, my!

Santa Claus, I’ll never see –
Never made it to Round Three.
I’ve embraced my destiny:
Cinderella – First Cent’ry.
Love my serving life!

(spoken)
I gotta stay up till this dump shines like the Ark of the Covenant.

(sung)

When my brother up and died,
On the road while Mary cried.
Raise him if my faith sufficed.
“I believe you are the Christ!”

After Pentecost’s events,
Go to France. We’re mission bent.
Miracles in Jesus’ name
And that dragon that I tamed.
Golden Halo life!
Golden Halo life!
Gol! Den! Ha! Lo! life!

What’s nearly as important as announcing the Golden Halo winner? Sharing the Lentorium link to the winner’s swag! Be the first one on your block to order the official Martha of Bethany 2019 Golden Halo Winner Mug. Your brand new mug will ship later this spring in plenty of time for you to serve your friends warm beverages, just like Martha would do.

Want to nominate a saint for Lent Madness 2020? Tim and Scott will be opening up the week-long nomination process (aka Nominationtide) in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!

Finally, blessings to all as we head into the Triduum and enter into the death and resurrection of our Lord. It’s been a privilege to have you join us on our Lenten pilgrimage!

104 Comments to "Martha of Bethany Wins 2019 Golden Halo!"

  1. Michael Wachter's Gravatar Michael Wachter
    April 18, 2019 - 8:01 am | Permalink

    Thank you to the SEC and all involved for a glorious Lent Madness. Also, I am touched by all of the comments I received throughout this competition. My heart is full. Let’s end Lent Madness with an encore sung to the tune of “Seasons of Love” from “Rent.” Have a blessed Triduum and a Joyous Easter Season!

    No Sundays. Fifty-seven thousand six-hundred minutes.
    No Sundays. Fifty-seven thousand times to repent.
    No Sundays. Fifty-seven thousand six-hundred minutes.
    How do you measure the Madness of Lent?

    In brackets, in scorecards
    In bios, celebrity bloggers
    In quotes and in quirks,
    In kitsch, Tim, and Scott.

    With-out Sundays. Fifty-seven thousand six-hundred minutes.
    Put it together and what have you got?

    How about Lent?
    How about Lent?
    How about Lent?
    Madness of Lent.
    Season of Lent
    Season of Lent

    No Sundays. Fifty-seven thousand six-hundred minutes.
    No Sundays. Fifty-seven thousand (We did the math…)
    No Sundays. Fifty-seven thousand six-hundred minutes.
    How do you measure the life of a saintly person’s path?

    In truths that they preached?
    Or the hungry satisfied?
    In souls that they reached?
    Were they martyred when they died?

    It’s time now for fasting,
    Giving alms, and penitence.
    Let’s lie prostrate –
    Recall forty days in this time of Lent.

    Remember the Lent
    (You got to pray, fast and practice abstinence.)
    Remember the Lent
    (You know that Lent is a time of penitence.)
    Remember the Lent
    (Share alms. Spread alms. Give alms.)
    Madness of Lent
    (Measure, measure your life in Lents.)

    Seasons of Lent
    Seasons of Lent

    • Robyn's Gravatar Robyn
      April 18, 2019 - 9:52 am | Permalink

      I’ve just marveled at your daily editions. Thank you so much.

    • Janet Sawyer's Gravatar Janet Sawyer
      April 18, 2019 - 10:52 am | Permalink

      My church, St. David’s in Austin, TX, encouraged us to participate in Lent Madness and supplied the book for us. I enjoyed it and learned so much. It was a perfect foil to our study of Luke’s Gospel. Thank you for providing such a great learning experience.

  2. John Cabot's Gravatar John Cabot
    April 18, 2019 - 8:04 am | Permalink

    So now our journey’s ending, Easter’s promise shining clear:
    In peace each saint has kissed their late antagonist!
    My blessings, fellow pilgrims, in your dwellings far and near;
    On this I do insist: you will be sorely missed!
    So now this week’s contention let me recapitulate:
    Bee-set by bogus ballots, Martha barely beat Gobnait.
    Next Ramabai stepped forward onto poor Zenaida’s toe.
    Then Martha faced Pandita — Golden Halo, yes or no?
    A sweep this year for Martha: how she’s polished off the list!
    Though “better part” she missed — she dusted off that list!

    [Chorus]
    She polished off the list — she dusted off that list;
    Regardless of that list — Lent Madness will persist!

  3. Donald Harting's Gravatar Donald Harting
    April 18, 2019 - 8:20 am | Permalink

    FUN FUN FUN
    Thanks, everyone!

  4. Sandra's Gravatar Sandra
    April 18, 2019 - 8:21 am | Permalink

    It’s been a wonderful journey. My thanks to the organizers and to all those who lightened each day with their poetic and musical talent. I’ve learned so much and look forward to next year’s discoveries.
    As we enter the Triduum and the Easter season, may the coming days be a time of renewal for us all.

  5. Joann's Gravatar Joann
    April 18, 2019 - 8:25 am | Permalink

    I can’t tell you how happy this makes me. I got distracted during Lent Madness but somehow I was always around to vote for Martha. She was always on my mind these 40 days. Made me think of her differently. Made me appreciate the doer in myself. My mom lived a motto, which I articulated after she passed: “SEE what needs to be done and DO it”. It’s a simple motto, a good philosophy of life – the easiest and hardest thing to do. Congratulations to Martha and all the Marthas out there!

  6. Emily's Gravatar Emily
    April 18, 2019 - 8:28 am | Permalink

    My Saint won the Golden Halo!!!!!!

  7. April 18, 2019 - 8:33 am | Permalink

    Hate to see it end! It has been wonderful with musical talent demanding and limericks outstanding. Greeting long distance friends every day, waiting to see what they have to say.
    And I feel somewhat vindicated in that Martha was the one and only winner I voted for in the entire Lenten Madness. To all the other players I hope to see you again.

  8. Mary Winston's Gravatar Mary Winston
    April 18, 2019 - 8:34 am | Permalink

    You forgot Bridgett of Killdare!!!!

    • Tessa Lucero's Gravatar Tessa Lucero
      April 18, 2019 - 8:43 am | Permalink

      Bridget won the Silver Halo – which I hope Pandita Ramabai will also receive.
      So many worthy saints!

    • April 18, 2019 - 8:48 am | Permalink

      Yes! I have a Bridgid glass!

      Thanks, everyone – it’s been a great Lent Madness, as usual.

      • Tamara C's Gravatar Tamara C
        April 18, 2019 - 8:58 am | Permalink

        I have once again thoroughly enjoyed Lent Madness and am grateful to the organizers for all their tremendous work and the participants for their thoughtful voting.

        I must admit I feel a bit like one of those college tourney fanatics who crumples her bracket in frustration — is it terrible to admit I’ve always found Martha of Bethany annoying and voted against her every single round only to see her crowned with the Golden Halo???? That’s why they call it Madness I suppose and it makes me think that perhaps I need to join Martha in the kitchen and get to know her better….

        • Susan Lee Hauser's Gravatar Susan Lee Hauser
          April 18, 2019 - 10:11 am | Permalink

          Awesome response, Tamara! I’m going to remember this!

        • Florence Fisher Krejci's Gravatar Florence Fisher Krejci
          April 18, 2019 - 4:53 pm | Permalink

          I’m with you, Tamara–except for the kitchen part. I’m too old for that so will just sit quietly in the rocking chair…

        • April 19, 2019 - 12:50 am | Permalink

          Right there with you, Tamara, and I might join her as well.

  9. rob clemenz's Gravatar rob clemenz
    April 18, 2019 - 8:43 am | Permalink

    How exciting for Saint Martha of Bethany, Golden Halo Champion! Congratulations – I can not wait to drink from your mug and share it with others. I’ll be ordering today, if possible. I was not there when you were cooking and cleaning and all that jazz, so I am not positive about this, but it is at least possible that you, Martha, and your sister, Mary Magdalen, are the only sisters who have both won Golden Halos! I’m so proud of you both and happy to “know” and love you. Happy Easter, dear Martha, Martha, Martha!

    • Miss Jan's Gravatar Miss Jan
      April 18, 2019 - 9:39 am | Permalink

      As it turns out, Mary Magdalene is not the same Mary as Mary of Bethany, who faced her sister Martha of Bethany back on “Ash Thursday” (7 March) in the opening round of this year’s Madness,. Though our Lord said Mary of Bethany had chosen the better part, a better part of the vote, 58%, was awarded to Martha of Bethany and only 42% to Mary of Bethany.

      The only other sibling face off that I can remember is 2014 winner Charles Wesley besting his brother John Wesley in one of the rounds of LM that year.

      Have any other sibling pairs competed?

  10. Deneice Wood's Gravatar Deneice Wood
    April 18, 2019 - 8:43 am | Permalink

    It’s been great fun. Thanks to all.

  11. Elaine Hood Culver's Gravatar Elaine Hood Culver
    April 18, 2019 - 8:48 am | Permalink

    I will definitely be ordering a Golden Halo coffee mug, probably more than one. Mazel tov, St. Martha of Bethany!

  12. Peg S.'s Gravatar Peg S.
    April 18, 2019 - 8:48 am | Permalink

    Alternately verklempt and giggling, I’ll be fondly remembering this year’s madness and humming “Seasons of Lent” well into the foreseeable future. Sorry it’s done, but looking forward to my Martha mug. Thanks, everybody!

  13. Elizabeth Hunziker's Gravatar Elizabeth Hunziker
    April 18, 2019 - 8:48 am | Permalink

    Wonderful! I love Martha, She is definitely MY Saint too! So happy I was able to cast a vote for her Golden Halo! Off to order Mug.

    • Pat Watson's Gravatar Pat Watson
      April 18, 2019 - 9:31 am | Permalink

      First time I picked a winner. I am a winner too, I learned of many inspirational people of God. Thank you bloggers for your lessons.

  14. Rosanne Adderley's Gravatar Rosanne Adderley
    April 18, 2019 - 8:58 am | Permalink

    Thanks all you hard working, remarkably witty and faithful people for keeping my heart joyously in Lent another year. My favorite Saint Paula of Rome raises my hopes, only to fade late. But no one but no one can argue with the overall excellence of Martha’s triumph. I truly appreciate all of the work that makes this possible.

  15. Nadine Holzbauer's Gravatar Nadine Holzbauer
    April 18, 2019 - 9:00 am | Permalink

    Thank you for all the fun!

  16. Debbie Brewin-Wilson's Gravatar Debbie Brewin-Wilson
    April 18, 2019 - 9:07 am | Permalink

    Whoo-hoo! Thanks for the fun, everyone. Have a blessed Triduum and a very Happy Easter! Going to order my Martha mug, now.

  17. Pris's Gravatar Pris
    April 18, 2019 - 9:08 am | Permalink

    What was the score

    • Miss Jan's Gravatar Miss Jan
      April 18, 2019 - 9:41 am | Permalink

      If you go to LentMadness.org and click on “Bravket 2019” in the menu, you can see all the scores from this year for each matchup.

  18. Theresa Jackman's Gravatar Theresa Jackman
    April 18, 2019 - 9:09 am | Permalink

    This was the most innovative lent process. I missed 5 in round one, but was perfect after that. I am a servant, just like Martha. Congratulations to her and those of us who serve.

  19. Karen B Mills's Gravatar Karen B Mills
    April 18, 2019 - 9:09 am | Permalink

    As usual, this was a fantastic season of Lent Madness. Between the show tunes (oh Lord, Michael Wachter, you are so very gifted) and hymn tunes (I give thanks for the continual sharing of your talents, Sister Diana) and limericks, the cold winter and somber season went by so quickly. And we all learned about some devoted and faithful servants. Thanks to everyone for sharing your incredible gifts and wittiness. May all have a blessed Easter.

  20. Rita's Gravatar Rita
    April 18, 2019 - 9:10 am | Permalink

    Thanks learned about many “saints” I did not even know.

  21. Robbie Rocheleau's Gravatar Robbie Rocheleau
    April 18, 2019 - 9:11 am | Permalink

    Thank you. I have enjoyed this, and appreciate the chance to learn.

  22. Verdery Kassebaum's Gravatar Verdery Kassebaum
    April 18, 2019 - 9:17 am | Permalink

    What a wonderful ride! Thank you all–bloggers, lyricists, all you who sent in comments.
    And hooray for Martha, for whom I voted all through the contest, for showing us that kvetchers can be “…saints of God, and I mean to be one, too.” (A saint, not a kvetcher. As much.)
    See you next year!

  23. Donice Gilliland's Gravatar Donice Gilliland
    April 18, 2019 - 9:17 am | Permalink

    Thank you for what was simply the best Lent Madness ever! As something of a broadway musicals nerd, I adored these songs, which added such a memorable dimension, and the great limericks as well! And – I believe this is the first year that my choices came out on top on almost every round; Martha was my top choice from the beginning. Wow! Can’t wait to get the mug. Blessings to one and all!

  24. Joyce Austin's Gravatar Joyce Austin
    April 18, 2019 - 9:18 am | Permalink

    A fun and enjoyable learning experience for my family. We looked forward each day to reading about these saintly people. My son I shouted with joy this morning as Martha of Bethany won.
    My mother’s name was Martha. She served others all her life. Here’s to looking ahead to 2020!

  25. Casey Clams's Gravatar Casey Clams
    April 18, 2019 - 9:22 am | Permalink

    Casey’s 5th grade Clams truly enjoyed this years foray into the spiritual realm of the Saints! Familiar or newly met, we learned a great deal, and had O so much fun voting, and reading/singing through the comments of the faithful. Thanks for another terrific Lent Madness experience!
    Deo Gratis:)

    • Susan Lee Hauser's Gravatar Susan Lee Hauser
      April 18, 2019 - 10:40 am | Permalink

      I’ve gotta ask: What are “5th grade clams”??

      • Rae Grosserode's Gravatar Rae Grosserode
        April 18, 2019 - 1:49 pm | Permalink

        I would guess that Casey Clams is a teacher of fifth-graders, and has thus given “clams” as the class nickname. It’s fun when the teacher’s name can be used as the mascot 🙂

        • Susan Lee Hauser's Gravatar Susan Lee Hauser
          April 18, 2019 - 10:01 pm | Permalink

          Great explanation! Thanks!

  26. Glenis Elliott's Gravatar Glenis Elliott
    April 18, 2019 - 9:24 am | Permalink

    The end of another amazing Lent Madness. THANK YOU to Tim, Scott and all the celebrity bloggers. Looking forward to the 2020 nominees.

  27. Susan Lee Hauser's Gravatar Susan Lee Hauser
    April 18, 2019 - 9:27 am | Permalink

    Oh, I don’t want this to be over!! Thank you, Tim and Scott, for starting this wonderful crazy thing and keeping it going every year. Thank you, Celebrity Bloggers for your insightful and inciteful mini-essays every day, the art, and the kitsch. Thank you, unsung heroes of the Lent Madness team at Forward Movement. Thank you to John, Michael, and Diana, and various other limericists whose names I regretfully I do not remember. . (Michael, as a fellow musical fan, merci beaucoup beaucoup beaucoup! I didn’t think you could sustain it every single day, but by George, you did it! Indeed you did! And two today?! Madness!)

    Finally, thanks to this whole community for your dedication, your faithful engagement with the stories, and for making the LM comments section the safest place to share on the Internet. I will miss hearing from you. We don’t all agree, but we can talk about it in love. How refreshing!

    I wish you all well until we meet again. Bee safe, bee good, bee crazy!!

    • Kathy in Nicaragua's Gravatar Kathy in Nicaragua
      April 18, 2019 - 12:02 pm | Permalink

      Like! (who needs a button?) I agree wholeheartedly with all these sentiments.

      • Susan Lee Hauser's Gravatar Susan Lee Hauser
        April 18, 2019 - 1:07 pm | Permalink

        Thanks, Kathy! I have enjoyed your posts all these years!

  28. Angela's Gravatar Angela
    April 18, 2019 - 9:29 am | Permalink

    Another great year of Lent madness! Always enjoy the positive education and thanks for making Lent less gloomy!

  29. Hallie's Gravatar Hallie
    April 18, 2019 - 9:29 am | Permalink

    What was the final score between Pandita and Martha?

  30. JessicaD's Gravatar JessicaD
    April 18, 2019 - 9:34 am | Permalink

    My mother and I live on different continents, and Lent Madness has been a fun way for us to keep in touch almost every day as we traded who we voted for and why. It seems a teensy bit unfair that Martha had the advantage of having a lot more namesakes to vote for her, but I hope the many people who identified with Martha and seem to have felt the sting of injustice at Jesus’ rebuke now feel vindicated. I think my spiritual exercise in these last holy days before Easter will be to discover where I personally can draw inspiration from her example. I’ll probably have to stop muttering first! 😉

  31. Carol Buckalew's Gravatar Carol Buckalew
    April 18, 2019 - 9:42 am | Permalink

    Thank you all. I love learning about the saints and I love the comments which I also learn from. But I also feel connected to all of you – part of the “cloud of witnesses”. (A new perspective on that cloud…)
    Best wishes til next Ash Wednesday!

  32. Sandy's Gravatar Sandy
    April 18, 2019 - 9:44 am | Permalink

    Many, many thanks SEC, bloggers and so many commenters creative, insightful, and funny.

    • Fiona's Gravatar Fiona
      April 18, 2019 - 1:27 pm | Permalink

      It’s been another wonderful Lent Madness, thank you one and all. I have so enjoyed the learning, the laughter, the insightful, gracious comments. Looking forward to Lent 2020 already 🙂

  33. Amy's Gravatar Amy
    April 18, 2019 - 9:47 am | Permalink

    THANK YOU! Thank you for a 10th awesome Lent Madness!
    Easter Blessings!

  34. Martha's Gravatar Martha
    April 18, 2019 - 9:49 am | Permalink

    Outstanding season, and many thanks for all the extras – the hymns, the limiericks and the musicals! Such talent among the ranks of the faithful. As a Martha I’m very excited and can’t wait to sip from my Golden Halo mug! Thanks again SEC for a very special journey

  35. Rene Jamieson's Gravatar Rene Jamieson
    April 18, 2019 - 9:52 am | Permalink

    What a roller coaster ride this Lent Madness has been! And so enjoyable and challenging. I’m happy to see Martha win the Golden Halo because she is such a human saint, one with whom we can all identify. Thanks for introducing us to some saints not usually found in western hagiographies. I must admit I’m still mourning the loss of William Wilberforce, but I can always hope that he will be a worthy contender for the Golden Halo in other years. (Is it too soon to nominate him and Father Damien for 2020?). I can also hope that in succeeding Lent Madness events you will NOT include spurious saints. Heaven knows there are enough real ones to keep us going for years to come.

  36. Miss Jan's Gravatar Miss Jan
    April 18, 2019 - 10:02 am | Permalink

    I know it is almost seven years off, but when we get to the 17th year of LM, the contestants for 2026 should come from the top two vote getters from each of the previous years. The prize that year could be a platinum halo or a super-sized gold one.

    Just a thought.

    • Rae G's Gravatar Rae G
      April 18, 2019 - 1:51 pm | Permalink

      I’ve been saying all season that, in 22 years, all the winners should vie for the Diamond Halo!

  37. Jeaninejj's Gravatar Jeaninejj
    April 18, 2019 - 10:04 am | Permalink

    Thank you everyone who contributed, posted, made jokes, educated us, wrote poems and songs…now I will go through Madness withdrawal for a few days. It’s always a glorious time.

    And I too still grieve that Fr. Damien did not get into at least the final four.

  38. Meredith Hales's Gravatar Meredith Hales
    April 18, 2019 - 10:08 am | Permalink

    Thank you SEC, bloggers and all you talented lyricists and poets! Can’t believe another Lent Madness has come and gone. Blessings to all and may you have a holy Easter season!

  39. Wendy Webster Coakley's Gravatar Wendy Webster Coakley
    April 18, 2019 - 10:10 am | Permalink

    They lived not only in ages past;
    there are hundreds of thousands still;
    the world is bright with the joyous saints
    who love to do Jesus’ will.
    You can meet them in school, or in lanes, or at sea,
    in church, or in trains, or in shops, or at tea;
    for the saints of God are just folk like me,
    and I mean to be one too.

    From “I Sing a Song of the Saints of God,” by Lesbia Lesley Scott (1898-1986), who wrote pedagogical and inspirational hymns for her three children during the 1920s.

    Thank you, Lent Madness, for reminding us that the saints were, first and foremost, human.

    • Lois Strait's Gravatar Lois Strait
      April 18, 2019 - 11:31 am | Permalink

      This verse of I Sing a a Song should become the theme song for Lenten Madness. I taught it to my 3-5 year old Choir Many years ago. They all loved t0 sing it loudly Especially the boys.

  40. Thankful's Gravatar Thankful
    April 18, 2019 - 10:12 am | Permalink

    This is my first post in 4 years of participating in Lent Madness voting. I have thoroughly enjoyed the commentary, bloggers saintly postings and the ‘madness’ of the process. I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU to everyone involved in Lent Madness. It’s a fun way to learn more about the saints that came before us!

    • Wendy's Gravatar Wendy
      April 18, 2019 - 11:09 am | Permalink

      It’s good to hear your voice. A voice of Thanksgiving. Wishing you a Happy Easter

    • Susan Lee Hauser's Gravatar Susan Lee Hauser
      April 18, 2019 - 1:09 pm | Permalink

      May this be the first of many Thankful comments in years to come!

  41. Anita Martin's Gravatar Anita Martin
    April 18, 2019 - 10:13 am | Permalink

    Congratulations to Mary of Bethany. Thank you for another fun time during Lent. Always love the comments and blogs and looking forward to next years Lent Madness.

  42. Kristenza Hatch's Gravatar Kristenza Hatch
    April 18, 2019 - 10:13 am | Permalink

    I am so thrilled for Martha and what she represents in the Church today. The Sunday before Lent Madness began, I climbed the stepped to the pulpit to give a short lay-talk about Altar Guild. My talk began and concluded with the example of Mary and Martha. Serving Christ in all humanity is not a bad gig! Thank you to the lyric writers, poets, and respondents this “Season of Lent.”

  43. Brian Thom's Gravatar Brian Thom
    April 18, 2019 - 10:17 am | Permalink

    Three brackets busted as we played, but backed Martha all the way! Will celebrate with java in my Golden Halo mug.

  44. Mama J's Gravatar Mama J
    April 18, 2019 - 10:31 am | Permalink

    Oh, Susan! You said it so well! I echo your sentiments; what a wonderfully, crazy, edifying Lent Madness this year (even if most of my choices bombed)! Blessings to the Lent Madness community!

  45. Christine Brodeur's Gravatar Christine Brodeur
    April 18, 2019 - 10:35 am | Permalink

    Almost sorry to see Lent end.
    A shout out to all the Altar Guilds and especially those that go by the name of St. Martha.

  46. Shirley Reese's Gravatar Shirley Reese
    April 18, 2019 - 10:36 am | Permalink

    I am happy that Martha has won the Golden Hale.
    I have already ordered my mug. But I wonder if it might be possible to again offer Silver Halo soup mugs… I would dearly love to have one of Pandita Ramabia to go with my soup mug of Julian of Norwich. Please consider making a Silver Halo soup mug this year!

  47. Kate Mason's Gravatar Kate Mason
    April 18, 2019 - 10:44 am | Permalink

    What a marvelous celebration of community this year’s LM has been. Thank you all!!

  48. Jeff Cunningham's Gravatar Jeff Cunningham
    April 18, 2019 - 10:45 am | Permalink

    Thank you for hosting this enjoyable march through Lent! As usual, I learned a lot about both some of the well-known and lesser-known saints. I don’t think I voted for Martha of Bethamy once, but she is certainly a worthy recipient of the Golden Halo!

  49. Patti's Gravatar Patti
    April 18, 2019 - 11:00 am | Permalink

    Congratulations St Martha! And happy to share I go to one church and work at another church across the street. Many years ago my church started Martha’s Table – a program for meals made and delivered to parishioners in need. A few years ago I suggested this program to my “work” church and now they do it too. How awesome it this that we can celebrate her ministry! A well – deserved Golden Halo.

    • Grace in CA's Gravatar Grace in CA
      April 18, 2019 - 4:15 pm | Permalink

      This is a wonderful idea! Thank you for your service. Now I would like to think that Martha is the patron saint of all “meal trains” out there!

  50. Venitra DeGraffenreid's Gravatar Venitra DeGraffenreid
    April 18, 2019 - 11:09 am | Permalink

    How I love Lent Madness! I enjoy learning about the lives of these faithful men and women throughout the centuries, and I also love the comments everyone makes! Here’s to a blessed Easter, and HOORAY for Martha!!

  51. Sue's Gravatar Sue
    April 18, 2019 - 11:26 am | Permalink

    Thank you for the teachings, fun and song! Amazing talent you have at Lent Madness! Happy Easter, soon! See you next year!

  52. April 18, 2019 - 11:33 am | Permalink

    What an exciting finish to this year’s Lent Madness!! I too hate to see this end but really hope that Laurie Brock will once again take us through to Pentecost with a daily writing.
    Lent Madness has added such a wonderful dimension to our Lenten devotions and opened up a world of Christian practice. We see that even the saints are flawed humans, just like each of us.
    Thank you SEC and the entire team of Celeb Bloggers!!!

  53. Henry George's Gravatar Henry George
    April 18, 2019 - 12:12 pm | Permalink

    This winner suggests that Episcopalians tend to be more disciplined and less flaky than other Christian groups including perhaps evangelicals.

  54. Nicole Smithweiland's Gravatar Nicole Smithweiland
    April 18, 2019 - 12:16 pm | Permalink

    Another Lent season come and gone. Thank you all for the fun and inspiration.
    Just a thought- wouldn’t it be appropriate to have a Martha Apron available through the Lentorium?
    She worked hard for no money…♥️

    • Susan Lee Hauser's Gravatar Susan Lee Hauser
      April 18, 2019 - 1:10 pm | Permalink

      …So we better treat her right! An apron is a great idea!

      • Grace Kennedy's Gravatar Grace Kennedy
        April 18, 2019 - 2:22 pm | Permalink

        I agree!

        • Grace in CA's Gravatar Grace in CA
          April 18, 2019 - 4:16 pm | Permalink

          Very fun idea!

  55. Sai's Gravatar Sai
    April 18, 2019 - 12:18 pm | Permalink

    Lent Madness is something I look forward to all year, and I thoroughly enjoy learning about saints whose existence was previously unknown to me, as well as enlarging my knowledge of the familiar ones. Of course, I loved the daily poems and songs written for that day’s saints, and people’s comments gave increased depth to my understanding and appreciation of the saints. Thank you to all who contributed!
    Both last year and this year, one particular (previously unknown to me) saint became a favorite, so that’s an additional gift of Lent Madness.
    Early in LM 2019, several people requested the SEC include a ‘Like’ button, a suggestion I hope the SEC seriously considers for LM 2020.
    Thank you, Forward Movement, and thank you, Tim, Scott, Adam, the celebrity bloggers and everyone who contributed to and participated in Lent Madness!

  56. April 18, 2019 - 12:35 pm | Permalink

    What a wonderful Lenten Madness season! Thanks to all who worked so hard to make it informative, challenging and fun!

  57. Deborah Kelly's Gravatar Deborah Kelly
    April 18, 2019 - 12:37 pm | Permalink

    I am reminded of the time when I went to a funeral at another church. Reception was held in the meeting hall with all those wonderful church ladies preparing food and comfort for the family and mourners.
    They wore aprons that said MARTHA’S GUILD

  58. Anne E.B.'s Gravatar Anne E.B.
    April 18, 2019 - 12:41 pm | Permalink

    Happy Spy Wednesday! Congratulations Saint Martha! You are one deserving Lady! How I love and look forward to Lent Madness! I’ve been addicted since C.S. Lewis won The Halo in 2011. I’ve learned so much and have met some fascinating Madness friends over the years. A blessed Triduum to one and all.

  59. Jane Bucci's Gravatar Jane Bucci
    April 18, 2019 - 12:43 pm | Permalink

    The closeout to Lent Madness 2019 with the showcase of literary/musical/poetic talent sends this year’s experience into the realm of pluperfect. Again my deep thanks to ALL. May God’s richest blessings be yours.

  60. Anna Fraser's Gravatar Anna Fraser
    April 18, 2019 - 12:56 pm | Permalink

    I have always loved Martha! She’s just like me! Up, up, and away! Greet the morning sun! No rest for the weary! Congratulations to Martha!

  61. April 18, 2019 - 1:03 pm | Permalink

    I, for one, hope there will never be a “like” button in Lent Madness – the thoughtful, multi-word comments are half the learning and fun.

  62. Maryann Fischer's Gravatar Maryann Fischer
    April 18, 2019 - 1:28 pm | Permalink

    Thank you for another wonderful way to guide us through Lent in a new way. Continue to have a solemn Maundy and Good Friday until we celebrate the lightning of the first fire of the Easter Vigil.

  63. Sharon Dianne Foster Pattison's Gravatar Sharon Dianne Foster Pattison
    April 18, 2019 - 1:34 pm | Permalink

    Such a gloroius way to end this Lenton Madness, now to go into the final few days with due reverence for what Christ has done for us as Christains!
    Tonight we will share a PASSOVER dinner then Followed by the washing of our feet by our Church ,members one by one, watching the bandages float in the murky water, doesn’t matter, it IS HOLY WATER correct?
    After the service we, the Altar Guild must strip, the Altar and everything removed and black cloths cover the cross and anything we cannot physically remove to be ready for Good Friday service!
    Then good Friday service , and also the famous Fish & Chip dinner –take a breath on Holy Saturday and prepare the Altar for the EASTER SERVICE AND HOLY BAPTISM! Watch out our Rev. Sue. Will baptize all in the congregation with the palms branches left from Palm Sunday! Of course, there will be an Easter lunch after EASTER SERVICE, THE MANDATE OF THE CHURCH OF ST.DAVID &ST.MARKS , Windsor, Ont. Canada To feed the SOUL as well as the BODY! A BLESSED. EASTER TO ALL,. ⛪️. . . .

  64. Donna Reynolds's Gravatar Donna Reynolds
    April 18, 2019 - 1:40 pm | Permalink

    My admiration is unbound for the wonderful poems and lyrics. Thank you all so much. And please give George T. Dog my love.

  65. Mary Theresa Anderson's Gravatar Mary Theresa Anderson
    April 18, 2019 - 1:52 pm | Permalink

    Learning about the saints was awesome!!

  66. Grace Kennedy's Gravatar Grace Kennedy
    April 18, 2019 - 2:27 pm | Permalink

    I’ve been doing Lent Madness since 2013 but I think this was the best one yet, with all the poems/songs, thoughtful comments, and people who respectfully disagreed with each other. It really felt like a community. I’ll miss you!

  67. Michelle's Gravatar Michelle
    April 18, 2019 - 3:01 pm | Permalink

    Many of this year’s Saints were lesser known and some unknown to me. I was glad to learn. Peace!

  68. jCarol L. Smith's Gravatar jCarol L. Smith
    April 18, 2019 - 3:51 pm | Permalink

    Hurrah for Martha!
    Carol Smith

  69. Grace in CA's Gravatar Grace in CA
    April 18, 2019 - 4:26 pm | Permalink

    To echo all that’s been said, I’ve followed Lent Madness since 2013 (Dorothy Day vs Oscar Romero — STILL flummoxed how one could choose) and maybe read the first few comments. (And in 2015, my theology students and I played LM together!) But this year, I commented for the first time and read all the thoughts of my fellow followers. It’s remarkable how you all became a part of my life, especially as I talked about the comment section with my husband and friends. It has been great to learn about the saints, but moreover, to learn from each of you. And the limericks and show tunes were the icing on the cake! Here’s to Martha, Martha, Martha and 2019! Hoping for another 10+ wonderful years. Blessed Triduum to all

  70. Jan Holloway's Gravatar Jan Holloway
    April 18, 2019 - 6:54 pm | Permalink

    Please add me to your email list for next year.

  71. Doreen Stryson's Gravatar Doreen Stryson
    April 18, 2019 - 7:49 pm | Permalink

    This is my second year participating in Lent Madness and I’m just “mad” about it. Time passes so quickly! Congratulations to Martha! Well deserved of the Golden Halo. Looking forward to 2020. God bless. Love and light.
    Doreen

  72. Carol A's Gravatar Carol A
    April 18, 2019 - 9:25 pm | Permalink

    It has been fun, educational, and a joy for Lent. I have been so impressed with the creativity of the comments! Looking forward to next year!

  73. Chaplain Tom Chapman FSJ's Gravatar Chaplain Tom Chapman FSJ
    April 18, 2019 - 11:18 pm | Permalink

    So typical for the pious So Called Christians to vote for imaginary Martha!!!! Get a life people please!!!! Pax! TNC

    • St Celia's Gravatar St Celia
      April 18, 2019 - 11:37 pm | Permalink

      Of what order are you a chaplain, Tom? FSJ does not stand for any order that I know.

  74. andrea's Gravatar andrea
    April 18, 2019 - 11:33 pm | Permalink

    Congratulations Martha! An excellent Lent Madness X! I’ve enjoyed learning about the Saints, and this year have been inspired to learn more about bees! Thank you to Tim and Scott, all the Celebrity Bloggers, the Bracket Czar, Maestro Shiloh Roby, the staff at Forward Movement, Maria Virginia-the Lent Madness Celebrity Chef(thank you for the information about honey), Sr. Diana Doncaster, John and Michael, all the Saints, the Lent Madness Global Playing Community and Commentariat-as always, I’ve enjoyed reading and learning from all the comments as part of my Lenten journey. A Blessed Triduum and a Joyous Easter to all!

  75. Ruth Ann Nelson's Gravatar Ruth Ann Nelson
    April 19, 2019 - 11:07 am | Permalink

    I’m wondering if Gobnait shouldn’t get an honorable mention.
    https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/19/europe/notre-dame-bees-fire-intl-scli/index.html?ofs=fbia

    • Dana Campbell's Gravatar Dana Campbell
      April 20, 2019 - 10:35 am | Permalink

      Ruth Ann Nelson, I agree. Check out the story on beekeepingbasic.com.

  76. Gisele's Gravatar Gisele
    April 19, 2019 - 3:50 pm | Permalink

    This is my first Lent Madness and I am full of gratitude for it! So grateful to Tim and Scott for all the work and effort to bring the saint’s gifts and challenges alive, grateful to Michael for his extremely moving and delightful lyrics! Thank you for bringing me closer to God through the saints and the saintly acts of all of you.

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