And then there were eight. We started with 32 saints and 3/4 of them have been sent packing. Welcome, friends, to the Elate Eight.
Who remains? Well, after Amelia Bloomer made it past Fanny Crosby yesterday 59% to 41%, she will join Stephen, Augustine of Canterbury, Franz Jägerstätter, Mechtild of Magdeburg, Raymond Nonnatus, Martin Luther, and Florence Nightingale. One of these remaining eight will be awarded the coveted 2017 Golden Halo!
Things kick off with two heavyweights of the faith as Stephen takes on Augustine of Canterbury. Yes, it’s the Church’s Protomartyr vs. the Apostle to the English. To make it to this point Stephen defeated Alban and Henry Budd while Augustine took down Augustine of Hippo and Scholastica. Don't forget to click the Bracket tab and scroll down to be reminded of what was written about these two in the earlier rounds.
The Elate Eight is also known as the round of Saintly Kitsch. After basic biographies, quirks and quotes, what else could there be? Now, there are always some folks who take offense to this approach — we call them Kitsch Kranks. Please remember that this round is not meant to belittle or demean our saintly heroes but to have some fun and gaze in wide wonder at the breadth of devotional practice. So kindly relax and enjoy the spirit of the Madness as we push ever onward toward our goal.
Finally, if you want to know more about, and see some examples of, saintly kitsch, tune in to this week’s episode of Monday Madness in which Tim and Scott reveal the Great Shema of Lent Madness (along with cameos by George T. Dog and 150 seventh grade boys from BC High in Boston).
Stephen
When you are the first of a great line, the opportunities for recognition and tribute are manifold. This is certainly true for Stephen, the holder of two important firsts – first of the Christian martyrs and first of the Christian deacons. For the last two thousand years, the faithful have sought to honor Stephen’s memory.
You could start that the beginning of his story, and worship at the place of his martyrd
om – St. Stephen’s Basilica and monastery in Jerusalem (Saint-Étienne in French). Or, just start wherever you are – chances are good that the there is a St. Stephen’s Church in or near wherever you live.
But perhaps even the place where you live is named in honor of Stephen – is a town "kitsch?" Perhaps, once you consider all the kitsch associated with life together in a town. You could attend St. Stephen’s College (in St. Stephen’s, New Brunswick), or just generally think St. Stephen is a great place (and protomartyr).
Of course, you will need a little special something to go with your new shirt – perhaps a purse depicting the funeral of Saint Stephen? You could always use it to carry around pebbles and small stones that you find – just in case. Or maybe you just want to keep some candy around to munch on later. 
As long as you are accessorizing, pick yourself up a small broach. You could choose a simple Saint Stephen medallion. But if you are looking for something fancier, you can’t go wrong with the badges and insignia of either of the two royal / military orders of Saint Stephen – it make it easier to get your hands on one if you are either a Duke of Tuscany or Hungarian royalty. Just don’t make a wrong turn, or you will end up with one of these fancy pins dedicated to St. Steve (Buscemi).
When you get home at the end of a long day of serving others, relax by playing with this Stephen doll. You can re-enact his preaching, or bury him under some stones in a sandbox. While unwinding, throw on some music – perhaps the Grateful Dead song, “St. Stephen” which the band has said was inspired by the first century martyr (following his death, Jerry Garcia’s funeral was even held in one of those many “St. Stephen” churches).
As you say your evening prayers for the forgiveness of those who have wronged you, light a candle. Then cuddle up to your Saint Stephen Beanie Bear and sleep soundly, trusting as Stephen did in God’s watchful care.
-- David Hanson
Augustine of Canterbury
Augustine of Canterbury: the first Archbishop of Canterbury; Benedictine monk; prior; priest; bishop; Apostle to the English; founder of the English Church; Archbishop of the English Nation.
How important is St. Augustine of Canterbury to Christianity? Based on the amount and types of items available for viewing, purchasing, wearing and reading, it is simple to witness and judge the depth of his importance, the expanse of his influence, and the widespread use of his name and image.
He is depicted in many mediums and in so many ways
There are many books…and statues...and icons...
and illustrations…and manuscripts. He's even on YouTube!
Granted, none of this really qualifies as true saintly kitsch. Fortunately, Augustine fans, all is not in vain. We'll start 
slowly with postage stamps. Not exactly kitsch, but pretty great!
Thirsty? Drink your favorite hot beverage out of this Augustine icon mug.
Or, if wearing your Augustine pride is more your speed, 
why not don this t-shirt that also includes two other Archbishops of Canterbury thrown in for no extra charge?
Or this cartoonish Augustine the kids will love? 
You can also show your Augustine affinity by wearing buttons. Lots and lots of 
buttons. On all your lapels. For an entire week. Or on your hat. 
Finally, you can visit the untold number of churches, abbeys, cathedrals, missions and prayer stations named for Augustine of Canterbury worldwide. Like St. Augustine's Abbey in Canterbury itself.
There are just so many choices among the myriad ways to remember Augustine of Canterbury -- reading, wearing, viewing, posting, mailing, sipping or visiting.
-- Neva Rae Fox
[poll id="197"]
208 comments on “Stephen vs. Augustine of Canterbury”
"Of course, you will need a little special something to go with your new shirt – perhaps a purse depicting the funeral of Saint Stephen? You could always use it to carry around pebbles and small stones that you find – just in case."
-Thank you! There was no other choice after this!
As a cradle Episcopalian, I had to go with Augustine. Without him, there would not have been an Anglican church. My maternal great grandparents came from England in the 1840ies. My grandfather, my mother, and I were all baptized in the same small village church. Otherwise, I probably would vote for Stephen.
As a cradle Anglican, I'm sticking with Augustinus Cantabrigiensis. He won the Round of 32 and the Saintly 16, but he seems to be losing to Stephen now, although there have been late upsets in other contests.
I did it. Last week I did go over the cliff with ML and kranked out a whine. In our defense, it may be just too much, too soon. (On my fridge, next to my Lent Madness bracket is my diagram of top associates and Russian connections.) these are tough, tough times.
I voted Stephen, for all the good reasons, plus the very cute write-up today. I'm not a big fan of Augustine anyway. exactly - how - can we really be sure we'd be voting for the Canterbury dude and not the Great Doctor of he Church? It totally reminds me of a regionally famous fun and beloved Alaskan politician, Rep. Henry Springer from Nome. When he retired from the House after years and years (in the 1980s), a younger and not related fella named Mark Springer filed for his seat. He thought he had a great chance of winning because most folks didn't pay attention to little things like FIRST names.
Deacons stick together. It's Stephen for me.
No question for us here at St. Stephen's & St. Agnes school in Alexandria, VA. We have Stephen's rocks (6 of them) as part of our shield, but I know my fourth grade religion classes, who have been following Lent Madness, would much prefer the candy version. Thanks for the inspiration!
Rosemary,
How wonderful to find you as a fan of Madness!
Allan Andrews.
I voted for Augustine. I have never been particularly fond of Stephen. Ordered to serve table, the first thing he does is start preaching. His sermon is rude, and disrespectful of Jewish sensibilities, when it doesn't have to be. I'm sorry he died. He gave his life for the faith (sort of) but really I think he was a pushy so n so. I suspect the reason we remember him is because he was the first martyr because, well, he was. But the way he did it, doesn't reflect well. on him. Sorry Steve, buddy. Auggie is my man for today.
Very well put.
Hugh, I've been teetering all day between these two worthies. But your insight is spot-on, I think. And echoes much of what Harlie and Diana were discussing above.
Stephen definitely wins for his kitsch. But Augustine gets my vote.
Stephen and Jerry Garcia
Does any of this kitsch fall under the rubric of "indulgences"?
Or worse, into the category of "consumerism"?
Lord, have mercy upon us!
And Go, Dodgers!
This statement of Neva Rae Fox's from the first round made the difference for me:
"King Æthelberht of Kent was married to Queen Bertha—a Christian—and Æthelberht responded kindly toward Augustine and his fellow monks, allowing them to use an old church from the Roman occupation located in the village of Canterbury."
Augustine and Queen Bertha (King Æthelberht's wife) together influenced history by creating the optimal conditions for a king to embrace Christianity. Augustine had been afraid to go to England, but he bravely went anyway, and then he built on the tenuous foundation already laid in England, encouraging the Celtic Christians to do more to teach the British about Christianity, and reinvigorating already build churches.
I love the fact that so many people are voting for candy (there's nothing wrong with candy!!! or St. Stephen!!!), but I'm voting for a man who influenced the sweep of history.
My vote: St. Augustine of Canterbury.
The contribution of St. Bertha and St. Ethelbert to the spread of Christianity in England is commemorated with their statues which flank one of the entrances to Canterbury Cathedral. And that old church that Ethelbert allowed Augustine to use has been an active parish from that day to this. It's dedicated to St. Martin and one Sunday my wife and I attended services there. A very cheerful, friendly congregation. You would like it, Kim.
Cool. Thanks!
Weird
At the risk of being a Kitsch Krank, I thought recommending stones for Stephen a bit out there and uncalled for. Not funny, and I have an unusual sense of humor.
In support of FULL TRANSPARENCY & DICLOSURE, I respectfully suggest that all candidates from this post forward declare all income from their Kitch Enterprises!
I had to vote for St. Stephen today since my very own home Province in Canada was mentioned in Lent Madness!!! We are celebrities now!!!!
That should have been KITCH Portfolio.
SpellCheck she is smarter than SIRI
Did anyone else see that "Monday Madness ", 04/03/17, made it on the Doonsbury website "Today's Video"?
URL please, Bob.
Had to go with the underdog: Canterbury!!!
While I honor St. Stephen, as the first martyr; I think that whoever was the second martyr was braver. He knew what could happen. As for St. Augustine of Canterbury, he is one of my favorites. Following the urging of the Pope, he sanctified English pagan holy sites and festivals, thus saving English culture.
Well, technically speaking, wouldn't Jesus be the 1st martyr and Stephen the 2nd? Ol' Peter might have been #2 but he hid. From a historical perspective, I bet everyone knew Romans and the Temple Establishment knew the severe risks of sacrilege.
Originally I voted for Augustine in an earlier round, and...ok...I confess I couldn't resist Stephen's accessories. I am so weak...forgive me, Augustine. It was the change purse that swayed me. Is such a thing really for sale somewhere? If so I'd love to get one!
Stephen, first Christian martyr. Remember, friends and colleagues, that even inspired preaching can get you in trouble! Be willing to pay the price. Be strong; be gentle.
I love learning about the people who built our church...and the humor that makes it all so relevant. Thank you for this annual event.
Amen, Nancy!
Today is the feast day of an important modern American martyr, so I'm voting for the first martyr.
Now where can I find a Saint Colbert candle?
That's right, Jan, today is the Feast of Martin Luther King, Jr. Thank you for reminding us!
In the Calendar of the Book of Common Prayer, the date for MLK's commemoration is April 4 (the day of his death), not January 15 (the day of his birth). This is in keeping with the ancient Church tradition of honoring saints on the day they died, their "Heavenly birthday".
My son is named Stephen so Stephen it is.
My vote goes to Stephen, but kudos to celebrity blogger Neva Rae Fox for a lovely write-up on Augustine's saintly kitsch!
As a fan of the British History Podcast, I'm for St. Augustine of Canterbury.
I have voted for Stephen because I still haven't gotten over Augustine coming to England and bullying us into not being Celtic Christians! And Stephen does have so much kitsch!!
Rock candy and a cat named Steve...had to do it.
Is that poor teddy bear black and blue?
Neither of these saints were my first pick (I voted for St. Alban and "the other Augustine", for their noble self-sacrifice and importance to theology, respectively). In this matchup, however, I feel compelled to vote for Augustine of Canterbury - I might not be here as a Christian today if it weren't for his efforts. (Though I am sure some will point out Celtic Christianity and take issue with his subjecting Britain to the Roman church.)
Love it Diana! The best one yet.