Statement Released by Frances Perkins
(As told to the Supreme Executive Committee)
I must say I feel very much at home even though I just arrived. I feel at home because Lent Madness has, ever since it was established, been a sort of special concern of mine, although by the chicanery of politics it was not placed in the Department of Labor. I, of course, thought it should be.
I remember seeing ladies climbing up on great high stepladders and getting files out of shelves -- dusty, dirty -- many wearing gloves so they wouldn't get their hands dirty while hunting through the files for information about saints. A terrific problem of recordkeeping! You don't do that today.
Before I was elected, I had a little conversation with the SEC in which I said perhaps they didn't want me to be the Golden Halo winner, because if I were, I should want to do this, and this, and this. Among the things I wanted to do was find a way of getting health insurance for the living and voter fraud insurance for the dead. I remember they looked so startled, and they said, "Well, do you think it can be done?" I said, "I don't know." They said, "Well, there are theological problems, aren't there?" "Yes, very severe theological problems," I said. "But what have we been elected for except to solve the theological problems? Lots of other problems have been solved by the people of Lent Madness, and there is no reason why this one shouldn't be solved."
Seems pretty similar to a famous speech she gave discussing the roots of Social Security. But then, when you've won the Golden Halo, who's to question you?
120 comments on “Frances Perkins Wins Lent Madness 2013 Golden Halo!”
A most sincere thank you to the organizers of Lent Madness for this very special event -- and a special thanks to Heidi Shott for shepherding Mount Holyoke's beloved Frances Perkins (class of 1902) through the brackets to the Golden Halo. Frances has been a role model for and an inspiration to generations of Mount Holyoke women of all faiths, and it's been deeply gratifying to see the Lent Madness community learn more about her and her life of good work – work that has shaped our country and helped the most vulnerable in our society. Many of us here at Mount Holyoke have also learned a great deal during this past month; personally I was unaware of the role Frances' deep faith played in her work -- and how could I have not known about the bravery of someone like Jonathan Daniels?
Mount Holyoke women have long been known for their devotion to social justice, and I have no doubt Frances has been a large part of this tradition. We are so pleased and proud to see her win the Golden Halo. We always knew she was an extraordinary and special woman, and now others know it, too!
Great acceptance speech Mrs. P. I'm sure Luke couldn't have done better. He'd probably have given us the Magnificat but without the "handmaiden" reference.
I do love that hymn also, not that I've ever been able to get through the last verse without choking up. Maybe if we sang it more often...looking at you director of music guy. 🙁
No parties at the US Department of Labor tonight . . . we’re doing what Frances would want us to be doing: working for America’s workers! This has been such a great experience. Thanks to the SEC and everyone who voted, blogged (Heidi!) and commented. So glad Frances Perkins is a part of your life now! Public service is a noble calling. Frances Perkins taught us that, and we try to make her proud every day.
And BTW, USDOL cannot take much credit for this victory. The wonderful people at the France Perkins Center, and the sheer force of will that is Mount Holyoke should get their due. And the New York State Department of Labor was the quiet powerhouse. Don’t forget, Frances was the state labor commissioner for Governor FDR before they both came to Washington.
My first Lent Madness year--I will miss it until we meet again.
Well, she knocked off my favorite in Lent Madness, Jonathan Daniels, so I'll accept her victory and taking possession of the Golden Halo.
Thanks! This was very entertaining, educational, and a great way to have a Holy Lent that wasn't such a drag.
i'm so glad that Frances won. after she knocked off MLK Jr i wanted her to go the distance. a most inspiring victory statement, too!
What an awesome tournament, er, event! Cinderella and popularity surprises at every turn.
For those Luke supporters - no worries - he will always win out for being recognized for his publications than Frances will.
I truly enjoyed this event, the upsets, surprises, disappointments, and joys (how like life!) and cannot wait until next year.
Thanks to all who made this a fun, educational event.
Well! I'm glad to see that "tired old biddies" are worth something in this world
[...] On Wednesday, Frances Perkins won the Golden Halo. Ms. Perkins, an Episcopalian, was FDR’s Secretary of Labor and was the architect of Social [...]
And she's already updated about Lent Madness on Wikipedia! Good job, out there! I didn't know anything about FP before LM. I'm glad I found out. She's a real inspiration, and I'm a devotee of the Lucan gospel!