Welcome to the one and only Saturday matchup of Lent Madness 2019. Grab your coffee, cook up some Eggs St. Benedict, read about some saintly souls, and cast the third and final vote of the week. But first, an update on yesterday's battle: William Wilberforce forced his way past Agatha Lin Zhao 59% to 41% to advance to the Saintly Sixteen, where he'll square off against the winner of Hannah Grier Coome vs. Richard Allen.
Don't forget, our online bracket is updated and filled in with the latest results each morning by Adam Thomas (along with his inimitable headlines) on our Bracket Page. This will come in especially handy in later rounds when you need a quick reference guide to refresh your memory on the brilliant earlier write-ups provided by our Celebrity Bloggers. If you're curious about when your favorite saint will be competing, you can scroll down on the bracket page to check out the invaluable and handy Matchup Calendar.
Today we take our first stab at the Monastics & Martyrs side of the Bracket as Ignatius of Loyola faces off against Tikhon of Zadonsk. And we should note that, in a Lent Madness scheduling quirk, Distinguished Celebrity Blogger Megan Castellan has had a saint doing battle on the first three days of this new season - Mary, Wilberforce, and Tikhon. Whew!
So, go vote, don't forget to set your clocks ahead an hour tonight, go to church on Sunday, (where you'll tell everyone at coffee hour to join in the fun over at Lent Madness), and we'll see you bright and early Monday morning as John Chrysostom squares off against Margaret of Cortona.
Ignatius of Loyola
In 1521, few confused Íñigo López de Loyola for a saint. He was vain, enjoyed combat, and sought glory. While recovering from battle wounds, he longed to read about chivalry; he could only find books on the life of Christ and the lives of the saints. Íñigo followed the spirit of consolation he experienced with God and abandoned his plans for glory. It transformed his life and the life of the church. He is now known by the name he came to be called in his life and ministry—Ignatius of Loyola.
After his recovery, Ignatius made an extended retreat where he had mystical experiences and discerned a deeper call from God; this retreat inspired his great work, Spiritual Exercises, which many today use as a guide in their walk with Christ. While studying in Paris, Ignatius met companions who would become the first members of the Society of Jesus, the Jesuit order. Bound together by a vow of poverty and chastity, their aim was “to help souls” wherever the church had need of them. Yet for a group of willing servants, they had a hard time winning approval from the church’s hierarchy. Ignatius’s spirituality attracted suspicion.
Ignatius believed in a simple but profound truth: God is present in all things. If we want to find God, we must look not only to the cloisters of a monastery and the four walls of a church but also to the canvas of our lives as they are lived out in the world. If we wish to find where God calls us, we should listen to our feelings of comfort and consolation, and move away from our experience of anxiety and desolation. This “way of proceeding,” found in Spiritual Exercises, has influenced how countless Christians perceive God’s presence in everyday life and has given many more a way of understanding where God is calling them.
But in sixteenth-century Europe, such a notion was considered radical, and Ignatius was brought before the Spanish Inquisition as early as 1526, and Spiritual Exercises was examined by the Roman Inquisition in 1548. Still, Ignatius insisted that the Society of Jesus be a group of contemplatives in action—present in the world around them where God is found, not confined to the walls of a monastery.
Collect for Ignatius of Loyola
Almighty God, who called Ignatius of Loyola to the service of your Divine Majesty and to seek you in all things; Give us also the grace to labor without counting the cost and to seek no reward other than knowing that we do your will; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
-David Sibley
Tikhon of Zadonsk
Timothy Savelyevich Sokolov (Tikhon’s given name) was born in 1724 in Novgorod, Russia, and grew up to be a famous bishop and monk known as the “Russian Chrysostom.”
His family was very poor: often, he would work an entire day to earn a single piece of bread. At age 13, he was sent to a clergy-run school, where he worked his way through as a vegetable gardener. Because of his intellect, he was awarded a state grant to attend seminary in Novgorod and stayed on at the seminary after graduation to teach. In 1758, he took vows as a monk and received the name Tikhon. At the same time, he was made prefect of the seminary.
People were drawn to his intellect, piety, and humility. In 1759, he was transferred to Tver and became the archimandrite of the Zheltikov monastery. Soon after, he was also made rector of Tver monastery, as well as the head of the nearby Torch monastery. And on Easter Sunday, 1761, he was accidentally selected as the bishop of Novgorod. The metropolitan (chief bishop) of the area had intended to move him to another monastery, but instead, the bishop of Tver cast lots upon his name three times in a row, and Tikhon was selected as the new bishop.
Tikhon took his new role very seriously. He wrote a series of books for his clergy so that they could perform their tasks with diligence. He required every clergy person to study the New Testament daily. Tikhon founded a school in 1765 and emphasized the importance of education for everyone.
In 1767, he retired because of overwork and exhaustion and went to the monastery in Zadonsk to recover. However, the notion of “rest” was a bit foreign to him; while at the monastery, he wrote a Rule of Life for the local clergy, as well as three more books on the nature and mystery of Christianity.
Throughout his life, he slept on straw, covered by a sheepskin. He was strict toward himself but kind to others. One Palm Sunday, he happened upon two fellow monks eating fish soup, and when he saw their distress, he said. “Sit down, for I know you. Love is higher than fasting.” He shared their soup to calm them.
Collect for Tikhon of Zadonsk
For love does not seek its own, it labors, sweats, watches to build up the brother: nothing is inconvenient to love, and by the help of God it turns the impossible into the possible...Love believes and hopes....It is ashamed of nothing (-Attributed to Tikhon)
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169 comments on “Ignatius of Loyola vs. Tikhon of Zadonsk”
This was a tough choice!
Love believes and hopes...It is ashamed of nothing. This is a powerful statement.
Megan writes that Tikhon of Zadonsk was accidentally chosen as Bishop of Novgorod.
Was Matthias accidentally chosen to replace Judas? Did Joseph accidentally end up right hand man to Pharaoh? Did Abram & Sarai accidentally move west from Mesopotamia towards the Jordan River? Did Noah accidentally build an ark? Did the BVM accidentally end up pregnant with the Christ child? Was the birth of the prophet Samuel an accident? Did David's slingshot stone accidentally take down Goliath?
One does not end up accidentally a Bishop any more than one accidentally ends up a Priest or Deacon.
And since the Jesuits, by no accident, got one of their own as Bishop of Rome, I voted for the far from accidental Bishop of Novgorod.
Matthias became the replacement apostle by lot, which is by definition "accidental," by chance.
It was no accident that they cast lots to determine the will of God.
Well, by that logic, it was no accident that they got up that morning and ate in order to have strength to determine how to fulfill the will of God. 😉
I voted for Tikhon--"Love is higher than fasting" pretty well sums it up.
It was interesting that Ignatius's given name was Inigo of Loyola. As an avid "Princess Bride" fan, the first thing that popped into my head was (you guessed it), "My name is Inigo of Loyola...."
Me too. We aren't alone. There are a few good memes around that would make great t-shirts if he makes it to the kitsch round eg "My name is Inigo Loyola. Your sins blaspheme our Father. Prepare to die to self."
I'm pleased Loyola is doing so well (great write-up) but Tikhon got my vote today. Gotta love an "accidental" bishop who tries so hard.
I'll side with humility and simplicity every time. My vote goes to Tikhon.
Delighted to discover Tikhon and his commitment to education. (I do hope that the school he founded took girls). The lovely story of Tikhon sharing fish soup with embarrassed monks on Palm Sunday, and the moving prayer attributed to him won my vote today.
Tikhon, the accidental Bishop, promoter of education, and advocate of Love is my guy today. There is no such thing as accidents when it comes to the spreading of God's Word.
While living for several years in Nepal, I knew so many Jesuits who were truly "men for others," who had given up so much to spend their entire lives in the service of the poor. They did it joyfully and with great respect for the Hindu and Buddhist culture. Two of them were my companions and support on a journey to freedom and faith. I converted to Catholicism in Kathmandu, and left to become an Episcopalian after 33 years. My Jesuit friends still alive have accepted that decision with grace and blessings. I could not do otherwise than vote for Ignatius.
I love the Collect attributed to Tipton of Zadonsk.
My oh so careful spelling of Tikhon was sabotaged by the spell crustacean.
Went to Jesuit high school and Jesuit college. Had to vote for Ignatius. I too became an Episcopalian 37 years ago but am still inspired by the Jesuits.
Like many Western Christians I have deepened my spiritual life through the example and instructions of St. Ignatius Loyola, but my heart overrules my head with this one. Orthodox Spirituality has always called me from this world, and Tikhon will be among the first I look for in the Kingdom of God.
I was surprised to find just now that a maxim attributed to Ignatius Loyala expressing his concern for educating the whole man: "Give me the child for the first seven years and I will give you the man" may not have been penned by him.
"Jesuit maxim widely attributed to Ignatius Loyola; according to Three Myths, by A. Beichman et al. (1981), p. 48, this saying was "attributed to him (perhaps mischievously) by Voltaire." Partly because of this teaching maxim, I voted for him.
Happy Saturday! Ignatius for me.
Ignatius is, to my mind, obviously the more important of the two--(and his ideas and devotional practices have played a role in my life)--but I had never read about Tikhon of Zadonsk before, and I took quite a liking to him. So today I'm voting for him!
I voted for Tikhon as the underdog, but I am going to start reading the comments before I vote. There is such a wealth of information coming from so many of you, that it would inform my decision more to read more before I vote next time. Also, I truly admire the many musical references and lyrics from several of you. Thanks for making my Lents so informative and even exciting!
I chose Tikhon because I loved his prayer
I voted for Ignatius for a couple of reasons:
1. His given name "Inigo" made me think of Inigo Montoya and who doesn't love a good "Princess Bride" reference.
2. That "church" extends beyond the four walls of building.
I mean, I'm from Cincinnati. I had to vote for Ignatious.
At first alarmed I was getting to the vote so late in the day this year, I am now humbled and thrilled with all I am learning from those who arrive here before me. Thank You All!!! While initially entertained by the very name Tikhon of Zadonsk of whom I had never heard, and therefore went into friend of the underdog mode, AND despite a dear to my heart message of "Love being higher than fasting", Ignatius it is. Contemplatives in action, the examen - speaks to my own intuitive dimension of my current faith journey.
As a graduate of Loyola University Chicago, I had to vote for Ignatius. But I have to say I am glad to learn of Tikhon, who is new to me. An "accidental bishop" who thinks Love is higher than fasting...what's not to like?!
Love is the most powerful virtue!!! He believed in love!!
The accidental election piece of Tikhon's story made me chuckle (in this season when we might be led by an accidentally-elected person, who happens to be Russian).
I have always liked underdogs. I admire a person who has deep humility (something I lack) in a world of loud, clashing opinions and life styles. Loyola is too much of a swashbuckler for me.
He washed his buckler and swapped it for a chasuble and swore when he stored his shield to obey a basic belief in Jesus. (translated from the Basque)
Holy Cow, Celia! You read Basque. Almost nobody reads Basque.
Actually I didn't even know if Basque was a written language. I am afraid I cannot blame Basque for my hyperbolic alliteration. But thanks for your faith in my ability! Now I feel honor bound to go learn Basque. Enjoy Lent.
Ignatius for us today. My nephew went to St Ignatius, and God visible in many things and ways is a good thing.
I'm learning about a lot of people, saints I'd not known before. I voted for Ignatius, I could picture the fish story.
It feels like anything that happens "accidentally" three times was meant to happen. Decided I wanted to know more of what was meant to happen in this saint's life.
I also haven’t been on the winning side yet, but I wouldn’t change my votes. And like you I probably will not be on the winning side today. I loved the story of Tikhon. I grew up in the Greek Orthodox Church so he gets my vote.
So Jesus Himself could not be accepted as a member of the Society of Jesus?
I'm not being sarcastic. It sounds like a fact. Yet, I am drawn to much that is written about Ignatius, and I have a dear friend named Ignacio who used to be a Jesuit. That was before he and I became friends, I introduced him to my roommate, (not knowing that he was planning to leave the Order), and they fell in love. She was United Methodist, as I am, and they wound up in an Episcopal church when they retired. But given all that, and my contemplative nature, I am still voting for the stranger, the one I never heard of, but who found love to be more important than rules. I hope to be able to search him out in whatever corner of Heaven is sheltering him when I get there.
From Marquette through Loyola High School and the Jesuit Volunteer Corps (GO JVC), ours has long been a Jesuit family, so I've voted for St. Ignatius of Loyola. Through basketball, from which we draw the brackets of this wonderful Madness, I've learned there's a powehouse team, Nizhny Novgorod. Long my they make baskets in your honor, Tikhon. I loved, as a cheeky Jesuit Volunteer, signing my name with "SJV" at the end. After all, women and men, weren't we "in the Jesuits" :-). Blessings all.
I'm going with Tikhon. I've read too much history about what the Jesuits did in the course of colonization of native lands.
I wote for Tikhon. He lived very simple all his life. Being strict to himself he was kind to others. He promoted education
Tikhon of Zadonsk wrote on the nature and mystery of Christianity and he ate fish soup to calm them down. One Sunday after church a group of us went to a Wake Forest basketball game and were having a glass of wine in the pre-game lounge, and joined a couple at a stand up table who were also having a glass of wine. In the course of conversation someone mentioned we'd come from church (We all looked like we had)-- and the man in the couple said they had too he and he was the Baptist minister. Then he said something clever about having wine. He was quite upset. We told him the Baptist had it all wrong. Jesus was holding a glass of wine...By the time we were done I'm quite sure he knew he had been absolved. Now I have to try find those books what's his name wrote.
Touche and Amen
Yes. The Lenten fast, for the Orthodox, is very strict: vegan, no oil either, and no Sunday breaks.
No Sunday breaks! That's more than 40 days! Sundays are always a feast day because they're a day of Eucharist! I'll have me a bowl of fish soup now . . .
I found that English version available only in Paperback http://www.holytrinitypublications.com/en/Contributor/82/Tikhon_of_Zadonsk.html
Digital, russian version only: https://predanie.ru/tihon-zadonskiy-svyatitel/ob-istinnom-hristianstve-1/slushat/
I have found web site that References chapter 5 from the book
http://www.orthodoxchristianity.net/forum/index.php?topic=52967.0
Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition.
After prayerful consideration and study, I voted for Tikhon. I love Ignatian spirituality. It speaks to my soul and sustains me, so I assumed yesterday that I'd be voting for St. Ignatius. Lo, that was before I read up on St. Tikhon, whom I'd not heard of prior to Lent Madness. Once I knew more about this Saint, he had to have my vote. I refer you to one of the articles I read: ST. TIKHON OF ZADONSK: VICTOR OVER MELANCHOLY found at http://orthochristian.com/105992.html.
Enjoy.
Their chief weapons are surprise...
LOL! Thank you, Laurie, i needed the laugh as i agonize over today's choices...