Category Archives: First Round
James Holly vs. Harriet Beecher Stowe
Here’s a match-up that may have you scratching your hair shirt. James Theodore Holly, pioneering African-American bishop and missionary versus Harriet Beecher Stowe, author and abolitionist. Two 19th century figures who had a major impact upon race relations in the United States and abroad. Yesterday F.D. Maurice defeated David of Wales in a day that […]
David of Wales vs. F.D. Maurice
The battleground is Great Britain as David of Wales goes up against F.D. Maurice of the Church of England. A bishop beloved by the Welsh vs. a social activist and theologian beloved by Anglo-Catholics. The winner advances to take on Julia Chester Emery. In yesterday’s match-up, a controversial pairing that brought together two ancient Egyptian […]
Antony of Egypt vs. Mary of Egypt
Today’s saintly drama revolves around Egypt. As in “Who will emerge victorious in the holy battle for Egyptian domination.” Antony (don’t call me Anthony or even Tony for that matter) of Egypt takes on Mary (you can just call me Mary) of Egypt. These two have a lot in common both being hermits and spending […]
Joseph of Arimathea vs. Anna Cooper
Today’s match-up is why Lent Madness can sometimes resemble the theater of the absurd. The Scriptural figure Joseph of Armimathea, who asked Pilate for Jesus’ body in order to give him a proper burial, takes on Anna Cooper, African-American feminist, writer, and academic. The good news? Lent Madness returns after taking a sabbath on the […]
Alcuin vs. Ephrem of Edessa
In the first and only Saturday match-up of Lent Madness, we get Dueling Deacons! Alcuin of York vs. Ephrem of Edessa. With the emphasis on diaconal service we can only imagine these two standing around saying “After you.” “No, after you.” Nonetheless, you must decide which of these holy men will move on and which […]
Charles Henry Brent vs. Julia Chester Emery
Today’s match-up features two amazing people with six names between them (insert Trinitarian reference here). Charles Henry Brent, bishop and missionary vs. Julia Chester Emery, lay woman and organizer of what we now know as the ECW (Episcopal Church Women). We hope you enjoy getting to know them and then, well, sending one of them […]
Basil the Great vs. Christina the Astonishing
New this year, we are pleased to offer a brief Opening Ceremony video for Lent Madness. It might not involve a cast of thousands like the Olympics, but it does feature two dead archbishops introducing a true Episcopal celebrity wearing a purple cassock. See, we win! Isn’t it just “astonishing” how many people have been […]
Edward Thomas Demby vs. Dorothy Day
In the last battle before the Round of the Saintly Sixteen, we encounter two trailblazers. Edward Thomas Demby was the first African-American bishop ordained in the Episcopal Church and Dorothy Day was an important figure in the cause of social justice. Will Dorothy win the Day? Or will Edward Demby-onstrate the will to win? (sorry, […]
Therese of Lisieux vs. Martha of Bethany
In the penultimate match-up of the First Round, two women square off with the winner taking on Harriet Tubman. Thérèse of Lisieux, the original flower child, takes on Martha of Bethany, Biblical disciple. Yesterday Gregory the Great defeated Martin of Tours in the Battle of the Bishops and will face Florence Li-Tim Oi in the next […]
Gregory the Great vs. Martin of Tours
With another weekend rife with Lent Madness Withdrawal (LMW) behind us, we turn our attention to the final three first round match-ups. Now, to our credit, we did try to help everyone get through the weekend with a Group Hug. But today it’s back to business with Gregory the Great (who defeated Gregory of Nyssa […]
