Let's just state right off the bat that there is no room for nepotism in Lent Madness. Saints related to members of the Supreme Executive Committee are ineligible to compete for the Golden Halo.
Therefore, just because Francis of Assisi won the coveted Golden Halo last year, there was no funny business going on that led to Clare of Assisi's inclusion this year. The SEC was not coerced by the Assisi mafia. In fact, Clare only made it into the bracket by winning a play-in round against Chad of Lichfield held during the Episcopal Church's General Convention last summer.
Anyway, today Clare faces off against Denis. Please don't lose your head over this battle.
Yesterday, in a VERY tight contest, Columba eked out a victory over Kateri Tekakwitha 51% to 49% in the closest battle to date in Lent Madness 2016. Columba will face Meister Eckhart in the Saintly Sixteen. Sadly, we also saw our first case of voter fraud. At 11:02 pm EST, two addresses, in Vermillion, SD and Medford, OR were blocked. 125 votes for Kateri Tekakwitha were recorded from these two locations, and we do not know of groups participating in Lent Madness in those cities. Not enough votes were cast to affect the outcome, but we have blocked the addresses to prevent further votes. Remember, vote only once per person or be cast into the outer darkness of Lent Madness! Also, Jesus does not approve of cheating.
And finally, if you missed yesterday's edition of Monday Madness, Tim and Scott share suggestions on how to be a Lent Madness evangelist in your congregation. Using a Lent Madness mug in place of a chalice may or may not be one of their tips.
Clare
Often overshadowed by her friend Francis, Clare was one of the most dedicated followers of Saint Francis, the Poor Man of Assisi (and 2015 Golden Halo winner). Clare has been called a clear mirror of a life lived in deep spirituality, dedicated wholly to Christ, embracing the charisms of poverty, cloistered contemplation, and devotion.
Like Francis, Clare was born into a wealthy family in the late twelfth century. She led a life of prayer and devotion from early childhood. Sometime before 1212, Clare heard Francis preach. Soon after, her uncle arranged a marriage for her, and Clare fled to Francis, asking his advice. He implored her to live a life dedicated to Christ. On Palm Sunday in 1212, Clare began her contemplative life in a Benedictine house.
Her father came to the convent to retrieve her and (legend says) she clung to the altar so fiercely that the heavy altar cloths were torn. Clare, however gentle she is portrayed in prayer and devotion, was defiant in her dedication to the contemplative life. She eventually settled in the church of San Damiano, where she and other women became known as the Poor Ladies of Assisi. Clare served as their abbess, the head of the abbey.
Francis’s male followers were itinerant preachers; Clare and the sisters lived a cloistered life of prayer and poverty. For Clare, poverty was foundational to the order’s rule and preserved the purity of the Franciscan heritage. Clare saw poverty as a charism, a gift of the Holy Spirit, which offered the narrow way to enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Clare, dedicated to ensuring the rule of total poverty, lobbied throughout her life for papal approval to ensure the Poor Clare’s Rule of Life. In 1253, Clare received news that the pope sanctioned the Rule. Two days later, she died.
Collect for Clare
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 Clare, 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 and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Denis
We know very little about Denis, a third-century missionary, martyr, and bishop of Paris. The most famous of his feats is also the most improbable: After being decapitated on Paris’ highest hill (today known as Montmartre), he reportedly picked up his own head and carried it six miles, preaching repentance the entire way. This makes Denis one of about fifty cephalophores— saints who are traditionally depicted carrying their heads in their own hands.
Denis’s story is shot through with myth and mystery. Because his name may have originally been Dionysius, he is sometimes confused with Dionysius the Areopagite, a judge converted by the apostle Paul (Acts 17:34). However, Denis is believed to have been a missionary sent by Pope Fabian to evangelize the Romans living in Lutetia (today’s Paris) along with his two inseparable companions, Rusticus and Eleutherius. The three of them may have settled on the island in the river Seine where Notre Dame was later erected.
In the year 250, the emperor Decius issued an edict ordering everyone in the empire to burn incense to the Roman gods and the emperor. Some Christians complied; others went into hiding, and some openly refused to perform the sacrifice. Denis, along with Rusticus and Eleutherius, may have been among those who refused and were executed. Or maybe they were executed because of their success at converting people to Christianity. Allegedly, Montmartre, the traditional place of their martyrdom, comes from the Latin expression Mons Martyrum (Martyr’s Hill); some reject this etymology as fanciful.
According to tradition, Denis collapsed after hiking (while carrying his head in his hands) some six miles north of downtown Paris. In the fifth or sixth century, his final resting place became a shrine, and a chapel was built. During the twelfth century, the impressive Saint Denis Basilica was erected on the spot.
Denis is the patron of Paris, and his basilica is often the burial place for France’s royalty. In the Roman Catholic tradition, he is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers—saints whose intercession is believed to be particularly effective against specific diseases. Denis’s special charism is to help people suffering from headaches.
Collect for Denis
Almighty God, we remember before you the life and ministry of your servant Denis, who even in the most extreme of circumstances, continued to preach the good news of your redemption and love. Grant us faithful companions on our journey to you, that we may encourage each other in our earthly pilgrimage with your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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258 comments on “Clare vs. Denis”
As a chronic headache/migraineur, St. Denis gets my vote. I will be setting up a shrine in my home for use the next time I get a headache!
Denis. I don't think poverty is a charism. I think poverty is a curse, to be expunged. Denis was just doing normal ministry and lost his head for it. I know lots of guys sho carry their heads in their hands after a long night with the creature. It's no miracle.
Voted for Clare because she has always been a favourite saint of mine. Besides, cephalophoria should NOT be encouraged. Kids, don't try this at home!
I voted for Clare because it seemed there was much more credibility of her history than that of Denis.
I voted for Denis because he preached with his head chopped off.
I like the you think and I can't stop smiling
Having lived 46 years of my life on the Great Lakes, 14 of which were spent in Michigan, I can't help but favor St. Clare. The beautiful Lake St. Clair near Detroit is named after her, as is my close friend of Irish heritage named Clare. I also love St. Clare's story of choosing a life of poverty and giving her life to God.
Clare gets my vote especially as I am about to explore her neck of the woods. I believe she was also a baker and gave away her bread to the poor. Someone will probably correct me if this is a myth.
The story of his post-decapitation hike is admittedly bizarre, but that didn't deter me from voting for St. Denis. Regardless of the legend that grew up around his death, he undoubtedly was an early missionary and martyr during a time of persecution, and that took great faith & great courage. I give thanks to God for the work he did. Clare's dedication is admirable, but her greatest accomplishment seems to be securing a life of poverty for herself and her sisters. In my opinion, this cannot outweigh Denis' contribution.
How could I not vote for the saint who will help cure me of headaches?!?
A sister and a daughter with migraines... Denis it is!
I DEMAND a RECOUNT ! Is there no honer for Native Americans ? She deserved to go all the way my bracket is totally broken. Go POOR CLARE !
I've always loved the television saint! A shout out to other Presbyterians on Lent Madness:) And now some words from our Book of Confessions, specifically the 2nd Helvetic Confession: The saints are not to be adored, worshipped, or invoked...At the same time we do not despise the saints or think basely of them. For we acknowledge them to be living members of Christ and friends of God who have gloriously overcome the flesh and the world. Hence we love them as brothers*, and also honor them; yet not with any kind of worship but by an honorable opinion of them and just praises of them. We also imitate them... [& in response to adoration of relics]...the most noble relics of their ancestors were their virtues, their doctrine, and their faith.
*Of course we love the sisters too, but that confession is pre-inclusive language.
I voted for Clare and so did my daughter named Clare.
The newswaves are quick to talk about ISIS beheading Christians - I had to vote for Denis, in solidarity with this new-is-old situation.
Seriously, this is very funny. Perhaps poor Denis's decapitation was not completed well and his arteries to his brain were still attached ?
That would explain his ability to preach carrying his head.
Oh well, I voted for Clare
Dear SEC "We know very little about Denis" if this is so, then how did he qualify for entry into this years bracket? As that great Philosopher Desi said " you gotta lotta splainin to do Lucy".Inquiring minds want to know. Also, walking around with a head on a platter. That's just to creepy. Walkers, once they lose their heads simply don't do that. Just ask Rick.
Had to go with Denis. How often do you get to vote for a cephalophore!
Tuesday evening and Clare is A-HEAD with over 75% of the votes!
Finally! A woman leading in the polling. I was starting to think this was misogynistic.
It was a sweet memory as I read about Clare, when I was reminded of my devotion to her when I was a girl, simply because she was a saint whose name was so close to mine. As I grew older, I was drawn to her commitment to Christ and to the rule of poverty. It was wonderful to find her here in the madness. ...and I agree that walking around carrying one's own head while preaching is a bit weird; I'll say it, this was a no-brainer for me.
Clare. In honor of the nuns who raised horses near Brenham, TX. (Thank you Mary Jensen.) Also for cutting her hair, founding the Poor Clares, and defying authority to ensure the Poor Clare's Rule of Life. She is the patron saint of television and maybe by extension the patron saint of YouTube, Netflix, and live streaming? Go Claire!!
Apologies. Should be Go Clare!!!
As a member of St.Clare's guild at St Luke's Episcopal church in Dallas--we knit prayer shawls and scarves for the homeless--of course I voted for St Clare. A humble servant to those in need, she is an inspiration to us all.
that picture of Denis would make one scary saint card for little children... but then the youth group might love it!
I basically voted for Brother Sun and Sister Moon (for those who remember 1970's Christian folk music).
Clare's home town of Assisi is so astounding--a beautiful place even in the rain. She cut her hair and set a new fashion. How many women can claim that? Denis is also close to my heart as I live in a town founded by a Frenchman named Louis J. St.Denis, but I just can't get past the headless legend. We know Clare did exactly what led to her sainthood. So Clare!
There must be more to St.Denis than we know. He is the patron saint of France for goodness sake. Somehow his story became so confabulated that we no longer can ëven deduce the facts. I say his preaching continued to have such an impact after he was beheaded it was like he was still preaching in life. Just thinking...
clare has my vote. While researching what was so great about being poor I stumbled on a BBC tv series about this order. I haven't watched it yet but seems interesting.
I vote for St. Denis because I really like the show "The Vikings!!" Plus I have to like the patron saint of headaches!!
Here I am on the west coast a couple of hours before the polls close laughing at all these earlier comments...especially the ones about Rusticus being a great name for a rescue dog! A red dog would be perfect! I guess that did it for me, I'm voting for St Denis. I'm afraid neither he nor St Clare will attain the Golden Halo...and where would St Denis put it anyway? And Clare would shun it because of her vow of poverty. So, there you go!
For a woman in the 12th century to go against patriarchal wishes had to be rough! My vote goes to St. Clare.