Like a fine wine or a craft beer, Lent Madness goes down smoothly with notes of penitence and joy. Fortunately, with today’s battle, we have both possibilities at play. Arnulf of Metz is the patron saint of beer brewers; Vincent of Saragossa is the patron saint of wine makers. They have other identities as well, as you’ll soon discover.
Yesterday, in what any commentators are calling a major upset, Catherine Booth doused Joan of Arc 63% to 37%.
You know, one of the things we love about Lent Madness is the ecumenical nature of both the bracket and the participants. We’re happy to give our Lutheran friends some love, and bid you to check out the brilliant video podcast Reflections on Faith by the Rev. Tim Westrmeyer of St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church in Plymouth, Minnesota. Enjoy!
And then go vote.
Arnulf of Metz
Very few saints have the pedigree of Arnulf (also Arnold, c. 582–642). He was born into the royal Merovingian dynasty and became the third greatgrandfather of Charlemagne.
Arnulf’s life and career began in politics. As an administrator and military officer, he was intimately involved in the palace intrigues and power plays of his day. This eventually led to his appointment as the bishop of Metz, a position imbued with both political and religious importance in the empire.
Whatever his faith life was before his ordination and consecration, the position seems to have transformed him. He was known to be generous with his wealth, redistributing it to those in need. The people of Metz faced constant threat of illness, so the bishop advised them to drink more beer, which was boiled in the brewing process, rather than the water of questionable quality. During one particularly virulent outbreak of illness, Arnulf plunged his pectoral cross into a brew kettle, telling his parishioners, “Don’t drink the water, drink the beer.”
Troubled by the violence among the royal houses and worried that he had contributed to the feuds, Arnulf tossed his episcopal ring into a river and prayed that God would return the ring to him as a sign that he had been forgiven for his earlier life. Legend has it that years later, a fisherman brought dinner to the bishop; cutting into the fish, they discovered the ring in its belly.
At about forty years old, Arnulf withdrew to the monastic life. With a few close friends, he lived as a hermit in the French mountains. The former courtier and bishop lived out the rest of his days in prayer and contemplation.
One more outpouring of grace awaited. In the middle of the summer of 642, a group from Metz traveled to Arnulf’s mountain retreat to gather their beloved bishop’s remains and return them to the city. Trudging over the hard terrain in the heat, the group came to an inn and stopped to refresh themselves. Unfortunately, the innkeeper only had enough ale for one mug. However, as they passed the one mug between themselves, the beer never ran out. All of them had enough and were refreshed. Arnulf reminds us of the importance of life’s second act, and the value of a refreshing mug of beer.
Collect for Arnulf of Metz
O God, our heavenly Father, who raised up your faithful servant, Arnulf, to be a bishop and pastor in your Church and to feed your flock: Give abundantly to all pastors the gifts of your Holy Spirit, that they may minister in your household as true servants of Christ and stewards of your divine mysteries; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Vincent of Saragossa
Vincent of Saragossa was the first Christian martyred in the country of Spain. He was killed under the persecution of the emperor Diocletian in the year 304 in the northeast of Spain.
Vincent was born in Huesca, near Saragossa. He was ordained a deacon and became a preacher and spokesman for the bishop of Saragossa, Valerius, who had a speech impediment. Together, they were brought to Valencia and tried by Dacian, the governor of Spain under Diocletian. Vincent suffered extreme torture—being stretched on a rack, torn at with hooks, and burned on a hot gridiron. Through it all, he remained peaceful and refused to denounce the gospel or burn the Bible. His tranquility while suffering such pain converted his guards, which is a common occurrence in the narratives of early Christian martyrs.
While the elderly bishop Valerius was punished with exile, Vincent died upon a bed of pottery shards. He was wrapped in a sack and thrown into the sea, but his fellow Christians recovered his body and carried it to a spot now called Cape Vincent in Portugal. It is believed that ravens protected his body from vultures, and they continued to guard the shrine where his relics were interred. When Arabs ruled the region, they named this shrine the Church of the Raven. In the twelfth century, Saint Vincent’s body was exhumed and brought to Lisbon to buried at the cathedral.
Vincent is a widely venerated saint, thanks to many popular hagiographies of the Middle Ages. There are churches that honor him all over Spain, including Castres on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. When Christopher Columbus and his crew were the first Europeans to discover an island in the Caribbean on January 22, Saint Vincent’s feast day. Columbus named the island St. Vincent to honor the saint. Vincent is the patron saint of Valencia, Saragossa, and Portugal as well as wine, vinegar, and brickmakers.
His popularity reminds us of the power of the stories of the early Christians whose bravery and faith were so great they inspired the growth of the church. Vincent’s witness helps us remember not to oppress other minorities and reminds us that Christianity is a religion of peace, humility, and sacrifice, not domination or complacency.
Collect for Vincent of Saragossa
Almighty God, whose deacon Vincent, upheld by you, was neither terrified by threats nor overcome by torments: Strengthen us to endure all adversity with invincible and steadfast faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Arnulf of Metz vs. Vincent of Saragossa
- Arnulf of Metz (56%, 4,237 Votes)
- Vincent of Saragossa (44%, 3,310 Votes)
Total Voters: 7,547
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During these COVID-times, beer wins. Vote for Arnulf!
Although I am much more of a wine drinker, I had to vote for Arnulf. He seems to have put his money where his mouth is.
As a Deacon I had to vote for Vincent. Blessings, Frank.
Me, too, Ann. I don‘t like beer; I do love wine! — but I can‘t see the connection with Vincent, and obviously Arnulf was a zealous promoter of his beverage! The use of beer in preference to water for health reasons continued through many centuries — it was essential to the survival of early English colonies in North America (for good or ill).
A no brainer for me!
I’ve decided: Arnulf of Metz ALL THE WAY to The Golden Halo. (Plus, beer in COVID-tide)
Yea but why tho, vincet like went through torture.
Give a shout-out today to Saint Vince,
Who determined to not even wince
At the griddle and rack
So when he got the sack
They’ve been widely admiring him since.
Including naming the southwesternmost point of Portugal (where his body was reportedly watched over by ravens) “Cape St. Vincent”. It has been the site of numerous sea battles, and is world-renowned today as the site of the Leszte Bratwurst vor Amerika (Last bratwurst until America) food truck. I shall pay them a visit when I go to Portugal, although I may avert my eye from the griddle.
This may be my favorite LM comment ever!
LOL. Thanks, so now I want to travel to Portugal to eat bratwurst. Who knew?
i agreee
I am hoping to walk the Portuguese route of the Camino de Santiago this fall and will definitely try to fined the Leszte Bratwurst vor Amerika food truck if I am able to make the trip
You will love it, I did the last section a few years ago.
…and with that bratwurst, quaff a mug of ale in honor of St. Arnulf!
My advice is to place all your bets
On the blessed saint Arnulf of Metz;
When ill health is the fear,
The good saint suggests beer–
So vote Arnulf, and have no regrets.
Nice.
Wonderful limerick! Cheers!
Sweet, drink beer not water!
Here, here,
And cheers!
Two thumbs up.
Oh, that limerick is just excellent!
Wine vs beer? These brackets are maddening!
Totally agree
Ale enough for all, even after Arnulf’s death.
Well, I gave it to the man who told his people to drink beer, instead of water. Not because it was beer, but because he could see that the water would make people sick. Much like the scientist who have been telling us to wear masks. It’s obvious that they help to stop the spread of COVID. So, as a preventer of disease spread, I have to vote for Arnulf.
Yes! A Saint for our (Covid) times.
That’s why I voted for Arnulf as well. He doubtless saved many lives with his advice not to drink the water.
Go Arnulf of Metz the bishop of beer!
Two reasons I voted for Vincent: 1) I am living in Saratoga WY and 2) I am not a fan of hermits.
Although, sometimes the weather in Saratoga makes hermits of the entire population, yes?
Point well taken.
Yessir where my beer drinkers at
My wife shared this heartfelt thought: “Beer is prof that God loved us and wants us to be happy.” We know how she’ll vote….
But though I love beer, I have celiac disease, so remain flummoxed (yet again!) by these maddening brackets!
* Beer is proof that God loves us….
Autocorrect, argh!
An inaccurate quote. *sigh* It’s still a good statement, but the historical roots are from a letter by Benjamin Franklin to Andre Morellet. I won’t quote the entire passage, but suffice to say, Franklin was actually talking about wine and how God provided rain for vineyards and thus for wine.
Sympathy on the celiac and not being able to enjoy a beer.
How about cider? Gluten free and also refreshing, and (with a nod to Arnold) like beer, much less likely to carry disease than water.
New Grist…Glutenberg! My wife has celiac, yet we can still enjoy beer, just gluten-free!
Love the scientist reminder about beer being safer than the water, and he was very generous with his wealth, etc. but hunkering down in hermitude is not as convincing as Vincent who converted guards with his just dedication to his faith. So I’m wavering in the direction of Vincent…Ach! Whom shall it be??
That’s what I say about mushrooms
Another really tough contest. As a long-time acolyte, I am in favor of Vincent; as a historian, I’m naturally interested in Arnulf and his connection to Charlemagne. In the end I went with Vincent.
Beer! Arnulf! Vote!
My husband has a craft beer brewery. Arnulf all the way
We can only hope that recent political leaders would take Arnulf’s example and withdrew to the monastic life as hermits. I vote for Vincent who spoke to power with the conviction of his very life.
Now that’s a happy thought!
I just spit my morning caffeine all over the monitor at THAT thought.
love beer but gotta back Vincent given the guts he had to have had to prevail without a drop of ale but wine aplenty and unbounded faith
I certainly agree with that sentiment. 😉
I am orignally from Wisconsin, can you geuss who I voted for.
Besides it was the best to keep people from getting sick.
While at first glance the idea of “drink more beer” gave me a smile, it was the closing paragraph of Vincent’s biography that gained my vote…. that and learning his shrine in along the Way to Campostello
For St Vincent the International Order of St Vincent is named- lifting up the ministry of the laity in the Episcopal Church and inviting us all to prayer, study, and service. And after all, God gives us wine to make the heart glad!
The Ravens almost got Vincent my vote. But perhaps they held services for Arnulf too, only no one remembers that bit.
Vicki, I almost voted for Vincent just because of the Ravens. But I liked how Arnulf had public health measures in mind, and used his episcopal authority to support them. Even though I’m gluten-free and dislike hops and much prefer wine!
Practical Christianity. Drink beer and live. And a great name to boot. Raise a stein to Arnulf of Metz.
I voted for Arnulf because he is more important to what I teach. But I did have to think about it because we kiiiiiiiind of don’t know if his wife was dead and all his children were grown, or if he just pulled an Augustine and said “later, fam. I am off to be with God now.” He was married for a solid 30 years so it’s entirely possible his family didn’t need him anymore. But since he was around 14 when he married and his wife was certainly no older, it’s also possible they still had wee ones 30 years in. And since there are many ways of being holy without abandoning your family I am always a little leery of folks who make a mid-career shift when history doesn’t record what domestic situation they left behind.
This is an interesting point. I didn’t do any research beyond reading the post, so I had no idea, but now I wonder about his family, too. (Too late, because I already voted for him.)
I was wondering about Mrs. Arnulf, too. Since he was a direct ancestor of Charlemagne .
Same situation in the Gospels when there’s a mention of Peter’s wife or John’s mother and one then considers what privations the families must have endured with the breadwinners trailing off to follow a preacher from Nazareth around Galilee for years at a time.
“Beer is proof that God loves us.” ~ Martin Luther.
All give some; some give all. I’m with St. Vincent.
“Don’t drink the water. Drink the beer.” wins it for me. Although I am not a drinker, I understand the historic significance of healthy alcohol vs. tainted water in a time of disease. Arnulf may not have understood it, but he was going with the science.
BEER GUY GO
As my Father was a brew master for P. Ballantine &Sons, the choice was clear – Arnulf ❤️
True to my Germanic roots and love of beer I had to vote for Arnulf.
A clergy man who saved lives talking about boiling process and said drink beer.
I just cannot resist the fish story. And then of course there is the beer.
In these days of covid, when we’re all stuck in quarantine, it’s hard not to vote for the dude who supplied endless beer. But I am going to go with the very early hagiographies, laden with phantasmagoria (emphasis on “gore”) as they were. I appreciate Amber’s effort to remind us that in matters of faith and doctrine it’s not so much the events as the meanings we construe from them that are important. One detail stood out to me: Vincent “refused to burn the Bible.” So they had books? This was not a manuscript? Literacy versus alcohol today? It’s no contest. I’m going with the reader. I prefer to emerge from covid more learned than soused.
excellent musings – thank you!
In honor of the many of us living like hermits the past 12 months, I voted Arnulf.
I vote for the patron saint of bricklayers, a noble profession. They have contributed to many beautiful churches and cathedrals.
A vote for Vincent, in honor of my dear friend from Valencia, and for Vincent’s ministry of speaking for the Bishop with the stutter.
Arnulf gets my vote.
I’m going to have to douse myself with beer after Joan’s loss yesterday. 🙂 I get why Arnulf would long for stillness. Arnulf for me today…I like his thinking outside the box.
As a direct descendant of Arnulf of Metz, today’s vote was easy. If only it were so easy to follow in his saintly footsteps.
Wow—you’re his descendant? I’m impressed!
According to geneticists, it can be mathematically proven that everyone of western European ancestry is a descendant of Charlemagne. This is based on the world population at the time of Charlemagne, and on the fact that everyone’s family tree consists of branches that intermesh once you trace the tree back a thousand years.
Yes, I saw several other people said they were relatives of Charlie. Prolific bugger!
And the LDS traces from Charlemagne back to Adam (through Bran the Blessed, Joseph of Arimathea, David, Judah, and Noah). It’s a proud page in our otherwise humble family geneology.
“Arnulf reminds us of the importance of life’s second act” — and he encouraged his people to follow best available protocol of his day during a pandemic. These are the two reasons I vote for Arnulf. A Saint for our times, and mine too!
Houston, Tx–St. Arnold’s Brewing.
such good kitsch.
I feel really bad for Vincent, but even
Beer was the breakfast drink in the US until early 1900’s, which kept people safe since coffee came into vogue. History, you’ve got to love it!
Without a witty or learned thing to add to the discourse, Arnulf has captured my vote today. While not really a beer drinker, these days I’m cheering on anyone whose actions are supportive of wellness and prevention of disease.
Although I do enjoy a pint, I actually visited Metz in 2018, so I was leaning towards Arnulf before I even read his story.
Theme for Arnulf starts at around 1:18
Thanks – God bless beer AND wine. Jesus made wine – and Vincent gave his all. Our blessed Mother Blossie is from St. Vincent – gotta go with Vincent. Come on wine lovers!!!! And I’m missing the communion wine – go away COVID!
Great stuff, eh? Thank you!
Hilarious!
Thank you for this!! I needed a laugh today!
Like both write-ups…and beer and wine. Decisions, decisions.
According to Ancestry.com, Arnulf is a distant relative, so that secured my vote for him. Plus beer.
Statistically speaking anyone with any European ancestry is related to Charlemagne, so we who have European ancestry are also related to Charlemagne’s third great grandfather, Saint Arnulf, Bishop of Metz. See
for a full explanation of why Charlemagne is the common ancestors of modern Europeans and those elsewhere with European ancestry.
Here in Iowa we know in Heaven there is no beer. Voted for Arnulf because he had to find the balance between living in this world and living for the next.
I am of Spanish decent Had to go with Vincent
Arnulf gets my vote. My husband’s grandfather was given the French Leigon for encouraging hand washing among doctors. While that has improved, we are still fighting the battle for disease prevention today.
I am aero for 6, and my bracket is destroyed. I had Matthias and Joan in the final. I have never had a record like this before! Now I kind of hope I am wrong on all of them.
Beer for the win!
As a devoted wino, I am torn. I can tell which way the brewery wins are blowing, and my bracket so far is a disaster. Only one winner so far. Let me pour a glass of pinot noir and think about it.
Me, too – Loved Ms. Booth – but how could Joan lose?????? I’m with you on the pinot!
Traditional Scandinavian brewers used a “magic stick” or ring that they tossed into the fermenting beer, then brought out, dried, and used in the next batch. The live yeast that stuck to the stick became the starter for the next batch. They called it “God is good.” Yes, indeed!
My heart went out to Vincent, and also thinking of how many tortured have continued to bear the cost of Love, and stay loving. had to vote for him. The collect is perfect for this time we’re in.
JACKPOT! The video links gave me much craved information on The Dancing Saints! I’m so excited to learn the backstory of the Wonderful accompanying artwork – thank you!
Enjoyed a beer last night after awful basketball game so will be voting for Arnuf today. B4 COVID last year my son & I enjoyed the Marchtoberfest Beer Festival but I haven’t heard about this year. Perhaps we should pray to Saint Arnuf for all the craft breweries we hope try.
I am an avowed & practicing wine-bibber; I’ve been to Saragossa and some of the Vincent sites in Portugal; and my husband’s name is Vincent; therefore, I have no choice but to vote for Vincent, though I suspect it’s a lost cause. But Arnulf is a good guy, too, so, whatever the outcome, I’ll raise a toast to it!
I’m more of a cocktail girl, than wine or beer, but I do like a nice lambic on occasion and I have indeed missed communion wine over the last year. My vote went to Arnulf of Metz. “Whatever his faith life was before his ordination and consecration, the position seems to have transformed him. He was known to be generous with his wealth, redistributing it to those in need.”
One thing about the bio for Saint Vincent, it sounds like Saint Vincent would have wanted Columbus to ask the people already on the island what they called their island rather than name it after him. But how can we expect the guy who was trying to find India so he could stock up on spices but ended up starting the North Atlantic slave trade in the Caribbean to be that thoughtful?
Amen to your reasoning!
Amen, Ms. Jan!!! Lambec is nice, pinot better, but you can’t beat a margarita or Cosmo!!! Beer is ok – but that fish story was quite catching. I’m still a Vincent girl – I like the man who can’t recant!!
Can’t recant but can decant?
I voted for St Arnulf of Metz. Who can argue with the patron saint of beer? I can also appreciate the importance of life’s second act. He is also my ancestor! Vote for St Arnulf!
As the granddaughter of Spanish immigrants ( from Aragon no less), I had to vote for Vincent. I have fond memories of our visits to Huesca and Zaragossa . I also was struck by his service to the ruler with a speech impediment. And who doesn’t love a nice glass of wine !! Viva Espana!! Viva Vincent!
MY VOTE IS FOR VINCENT, ALTHOUGH ARNUF WAS DEFINITELY IN THE
RUNNING. VINCENT”S DEMISE WON THE ARGUMENT.
No explanation for the vitner relationship for San Vincente, so Arnulf for the win today, cuz who doesn’t like a bottomless mug o’beer?
St. Vincent, after all he went through. I learned in Dr. Bruce Marshall’s class at Perkins that early Christians “did not pray for the martyrs; they asked the martyrs to pray for them.”
Dr. Marshall is correct.
Also, Go Red, Go Blue, Go SMU!
I’m Class of ’13, did my BA @ Meadows, but lived next to Perkins in Martin Hall. By senior year I could go from pillow to pew for University Worship in under 10 minutes on a Sunday morning. And coincidentally I’m currently wearing an SMU Peruna shirt.
Repeat after me:
Zaragoza
Zaragoza
Zaragoza
Thould it not be “Tharagotha,” given that Cathtilian Thpanith hath had a lithp thinth the dayth of Ferdinand?
The lithp references made me smile! I’ve been to Barcelona and the lithp does exist – at least it did in the 1970’s!
It’s not a lisp. It’s a feature of Castilian Spanish and is the standard way of speaking for tens of millions of Spaniards
I’ll drink to that!
Beer it would be a easy one for me. But I picked Vincent on my bracket and I’ll stick with him.
My church (St. John’s Cathedral, Diocese of Rupert’s Land) has been called ‘the Cathedral that Beer Built’, because one of the major donors to the building fund was one of the parishioners who owned a brewery. Therefore, although I do not like the taste of beer, I cast my vote for Arnulf. I’m also voting for him because he used his wealth to help others and strikes me as being very down to earth. He ‘s someone I’d like to have known. (I’d have found Vincent’s piety just a little off-putting, not to mention intimidating!) The fact that Arnulf was Charlemagne’s three times great grandfather is a reminder that at one time priests were not required to be celibate. That ruling came in 1139 at the Second Lateran Council.
(The universal church owned far more land in the twelfth century than it had in the seventh, and imposing celibacy was an effective defense against the need to provide inheritances for offspring.)
I prefer wine over beer, but Arnie’s for me.
Vincent gets my vote. Martyr trumps Beer.
I think I’ll support the martyr today, over the leader and hermit. Walker Shaw, you make an excellent point! But I am most impressed by today’s bloggers; there’s very little information available on either of these ancient saints.
I had to vote for Vincent, a humble deacon and brave martyr for Christ.
I was pleased to learn about Arnulf, and have added him to my (fairly long) list of preferred saints — not least because of the beer — but having joined the Order of St. Vincent about 70 years ago (and I still have the silver medal that came to me several years later) I had to vote for Vincent.
“Vincent’s witness helps us remember not to oppress other minorities and reminds us that Christianity is a religion of peace, humility, and sacrifice, not domination or complacency.” – yes! May it be so with each of us, Lord! My vote went with Vincent.
For wine and ravens and bricklayers, we give you thanks, O Lord. My vote, against the tide though it may be, is for Vincent.
I vote for Vincent because my husband, who was born in OH, taught university-level Spanish for more than 40 years.
Have to vote Saint Arnold because our home grown brewery! https://www.saintarnold.com/
Just reading the Lentmadness bios, with Arnulf ‘s magic ring tales and retiring to be a hermit, I was inclined to vote for suffering Vincent. Further research revealed the very wise work of the Bishop of the bishop in times of complicated statecraft. His retirement after 15 years and being progenitor for the first Holy Roman Emperor got my admiration. After such scholarly meditation, I decided to have a beer and vote for hops over grapes.
I’ve given up alcohol more or less permanently, but even my atheist husband would enjoy sharing a mug of beer with Arnulf, so he gets my vote today.
I’m not a beer drinker, but chose Arnulf because he hailed from Metz. I was taught (in the U.S.) for 12 years of school by an order of Catholic nuns whose mother house is in Metz, so it rang a fond bell for me. And although we don’t know about his family, still I envy his being able to retreat to a mountaintop. I wouldn’t mind that at all…maybe with a bottle of wine on the shelf.
I voted for Arnulf because I lived for a period of years in one of the Metz Mansions in Omaha that was built by one of the Metz brothers who also owned the Metz brewery. Recently one of the local brewers re-created one of the Metz beers, one of our favorites. I do like a good glass of wine, but in this case, beer won over.
Although intrigued by the promise of a bottomless beer mug, I am more impressed by St Vincent’s peaceful and unwavering dedication to Christ under horrific conditions.
So what is the connection between Vincent and wine? I might have voted for him if I knew the connection, since I enjoy a glass of wine occasionally.
Being equally fond of beer, I voted for Arnulf.
By the way, in the book “A History of the World in 6 Glasses”, mention is made of how beer was better than water because it had been boiled.
I immediately thought of the endless stein of beer to go with the loaves and fishes. Also when my son visited China years ago with a friend they drank beer because they were unsure about the purity of the water.
So my vote went to arnulf
“Patron Saint of winemakers” brought to mind the Sunday Mike stared at the chalice before him, and took it to the sacristy and was gone so long the congregation began to murmur. A robed acolyte and a robed Altar Guild lady came out and stood back-to the congregation, near the credence table and then moved sideways, awkwardly, to the table, and still back-to the congregation. Mike appeared with the chalice, covered, facing the congregation, moving quickly, but blocked by the now quivering robed parishioners. Turns out the entire chancel area and the table was swarming with a multitude of ants, first noticed in the chalice of wine. I voted for Vincent, not for what either saint did, or what either blogger wrote, but for the collect for St. Vincent of Saragossa offered by Amber Belldene. The comments are fantastic. To me, there’s no question we all need strength to endure adversity with invincible and steadfast faith, for several more months–maybe even years. Cheers to St. Vincent and to Amber!
I found this about Vincent’s connection to winemakers: read://https_www.chateaudepommard.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.chateaudepommard.com%2Fwine%2Fsaint-vincent-patron-saint-winemakers%23%3A~%3Atext%3DSaint-Vincent%2520was%2520a%2520deacon%2C%2520a%2520martyr%2520of%2520the%2Cwhy%2520Saint%2520Vincent%2520was%2520granted%2520patronage%2520of%2520winemakers. It makes for interesting reading.
That being said, I am not a drinker at all except for communion (where I intinct rather than drink because I don’t care for the taste of strong wines). So I had to look elsewhere for inspiration for my vote other than preferring one beverage over another. The festivals that arise around St Vincent of Saragossa, with mutual cooperation among the vintners inspired me.
I got nothing on the link. Said the page was not available… 🙁
Vincent has my vote but I am partial to wind. He suffered so much for his love of Jesus and did so with peace and never denounced the gospels. What bravery and fait.
Puzzler and ponderer that I am, I have been worrying this issue of Vincent refusing to “burn the Bible” for hours. He died in 304, but the Bible was not assembled until around 400 CE. “Bible” is “ta biblia” in Greek, “books” in the plural, not singular. The Bible is a collection of “books,” or manuscripts, both Hebrew and New Testament. But the Bible was not assembled until the early fifth century. And it was a manuscript, not a “book” as depicted in the icon of Vincent above. So I guess what I’m saying is, anachronism is integral to hagiography. Saints’ lives are a pious concoction of faith, dogma, fantasy, and political calculation. Somehow the “Bible” itself as a physical artifact began to be impressed into narratives about the corporeal and spiritual journeys of people important to Christians’ understanding of themselves and their heritage. It makes me wonder how central the Bible is as a physical and spiritual object for us today, and then I have only to remember that but a few months ago it was used as the centerpiece for a photo opportunity in the service of propaganda while citizens and clergy were gassed to allow the passage of the fungible totem, toted carefully in a $1540 Max Mara handbag. Vincent toted his Bible in his own blood. For him it was precious, not “my precious.” I hereby reaffirm my vote for Vincent and go now to crack open my Bible and my book of common prayer for some Lenten devotions.
https://www.learnreligions.com/when-was-the-bible-assembled-363293
Thanks for the history lesson, Celia. I decided to vote for Vincent in part because of his connection to the Camino. I had been intending to walk the Camino for a week last year, postponed it to October of this year, and now am hoping to do it in 2022, praying that I will still be physically capable at 69 to walk 80 miles in six days.
And I love your metaphor of Vincent carrying the Bible which did not physically exist in his blood. Mr. Trump’s photo op appeared to be strictly a physical display, I am afraid he had nothing of the Bible in his heart or his blood. I will try to carry it in my blood whenever I get the opportunity to trod the Camino in addition to a Book of Common Prayer in my pocket.
I also want to walk the Camino. Vaya con dios!
Thank you both for your thoughtful and interesting comments.
A saint who withdraws from society with a handful of close friends is a saint for our age.
Here’s to the importance of the second act in life. My vote for Arnulf/
Your comments are always well-worth reading. I just glossed over the whole Bible anachronism. Glad you caught it!
StCelia, that comment was for you. I must have hit the wrong “reply” button.
“Here I am.” 😉
When one an illness gets, drink beer, per Arnulf of Metz!
The bottomless beer mug!
Amber Belledene Thank you for Vincent’s Collect – pretty powerful!
Based on the comments, I suspect that Arnold is winning, but my father’s name was Vincent, so I have to vote for him. On a trip to Portugal a few years ago, we visited Capo Dr Sao Vice so, and I had to buy a tee shirt to wear in honor of my father.
The ravens convinced me for the vote! I can never resist a raven, although the name Arnulf is quite charming. So Vincent it is.
I am lifting a glass for St. Vincent. A good wine is a wonderful blessing. If it is inexpensive, even more so.
David Hansen wrapped it up for me with “Arnulf reminds us of the importance of life’s second act and the value of a refreshing mug of beer.” With Joan out of the running, I may be rooting for Arnulf all the way!
Though a wine drinker myself, when actual tippling is the aim, my time doing historical interpretation in a replica 14th century English village taught me the incredible value of the “small ale” and “small beer” drunk by communities like the ones Arnulf served. Weak enough to give to children, but just fermented enough to kill pathogens (and add an appealing flavor, of course), they saved countless people from horrible disease and death. Here’s to the brewers and brewsters of history!
I vote for St. Vincent very selfishly as I am a wine lover who hates beer and thoroughly enjoyed visiting the island of St. Vincent a few years ago. I remember swimming at the black sand beach there.
Honestly, where are the traditionalists? Matthias loses? Joan of Arc loses? Vincent loses? Is this really Lenten Revisionism?
Matthias was ignored. Joan went down in flames. Vincent’s hopes were shattered. Where do you see revisionism?
Speaking of Lent Revisionism, I would have thought that Bridgette of Kildare would be the patron of beer. Well, her and her lake of beer.
https://healyglassart.com/collections/for-him/products/st-brigids-cross-pint-beer-glass
Both Saints are worth Votes, but I’m glad Great Grandfather Arnul [1] seems to be in the lead
[1] 36 GGF
I have 2 gallons of cider fermenting in the kitchen. I voted vinegar. I voted Vincent.
I have been reading histories of previous epidemics and pandemics and it was mentioned, particularly during cholera epidemics, that beer was healthier than the water..
So in light of this current pandemic I have to go with Arnulf who prevented illness by promoting beer
I voted for Arnulf of Metz . It was the ring in the fish that sold me.
My husband brews beer, which I don’t drink, so my vote goes to Arnulf for him. But I am pleased to vote for a saint who negotiated the complexities of religious and political life with grace and generosity, before retreating to a simple life after challenging service.
The Gray Household was strongly in favor of St. Arnulf, but I cast my vote for St. Vincent along with our passionate A4 (age 9) – “People did all of these horrible things to him and he was still peaceful about it. He didn’t give up on God. He was LIKE JESUS! Come on, people!”
I found St Arnult in my family tree. Not a direct descendent, but by marriage. For that reason alone, he has my vote.
St. Arnulf gives new meaning to the phrase, “Hold my beer!”
If Arnulf wins the Golden Halo, you’ll have to do a beer mug instead of coffee cup!
No comments about the saints but a request (and I didn’t know where else to request it): Please change my email address from jtollund@gtd.org to janettours.jt@gmail.com
I have retired and will no longer be using the first address. Thank you!
Janet Tollund