And just like that… the pride of Wittenberg, Martin Luther, said “game over” and iced John Wesley’s heart with a huge win! 🏀❄️🔥 But don’t get too comfortable… we’re only warming up!
Now we’re sliding into the Modern Mercifuls portion of the bracket, where Archbishop Desmond Tutu takes on Elizabeth Ann Seton in a showdown of grace, grit, and joy 😇✨ Two absolute legends. One spot in the Saintly Sixteen. You decide!!
As always read the blogs, use the trading cards, watch the videos, and VOTEEEEE 🗳️🙌
Elizabeth Ann Seton
Elizabeth Ann Seton began life as a wealthy New Yorker and a member of Trinity Church. By the end of her life, she was a Roman Catholic nun who had, in effect, invented parochial schools in the United States. The life lived in between is a witness to her faith in Christ, her care for those in need, and her willingness to forge an unexpected path to follow God’s call on her life.
Elizabeth grew up in pre-Revolutionary New York City. Her mother was the daughter of a Church of England vicar, and her father was a surgeon known for his care of immigrants and his work during the Yellow Fever epidemic. From a young age, Elizabeth was all too familiar with the precarity of life. Her mother died when she was just three, and a stepmother later severed ties with the family, leaving Elizabeth motherless twice.
With her husband William Magee Seton, a successful merchant, she had five children in seven years and lived comfortably in New York society. Elizabeth was an Episcopalian through and through—Bishop Samuel Provoost officiated her wedding, and Bishop John Henry Hobart later served as her spiritual director. Like her father, she was always concerned with the needs of those around her; in 1797, seeing the poor conditions for those on the margins in downtown New York, she helped found the Society for the Relief of Poor Widows with Small Children.
The social ease and comfort of her young adult life did not last. A shipping crisis devastated William’s business, forcing the family to seek help from friends in Italy. The strain worsened his already poor health, and he died there at just thirty-four. Elizabeth, suddenly widowed, broke, and far from home with five children, experienced unexpected hospitality from the Italian Catholics she found herself amidst.
When she returned to New York, Elizabeth faced a crisis—not of faith in Christ, but of denominational loyalty. Drawn to the Catholic theology and practice that had tethered her in Italy, yet keenly aware of the social cost of conversion, she ultimately chose to be received into the Roman Catholic Church in 1805. The society she was born into could not understand Elizabeth’s conversion; anti-Catholic sentiment pervaded her social circles. Her oldest friends cut ties with her.
Still, Elizabeth persisted. She moved south to Maryland, where Catholicism was more accepted, and opened a school. She founded the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph’s—the first religious community for women established in the United States—and became a nun. Her persistence led to the founding of many schools, orphanages, and hospitals that shaped American Catholic life for generations and laid the groundwork for the parochial school system.
Elizabeth was a motherless mother who buried two daughters, lived with constant financial anxiety, and endured chronic illness. She died in 1821 at age forty-six. But in those relatively few years on earth, she forever changed the scope of American Catholicism. In 1975, Pope Paul VI made her the first American-born saint.
Elizabeth Ann Seton reminds us that God does not wait for our lives to be stable before calling us. Grace meets us in the unraveling—and builds something new from what remains.
— Julia Offinger
Collect for Elizabeth Ann Seton
Give us grace, O God, to love you in all things and above all things; that, following the example of your servant Elizabeth Ann Seton, we might express our love for you in the service of others. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. (LFF p 25)
Desmond Tutu
While he may not be officially canonized, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu exemplifies the Episcopal Church’s definition of a saint: “a holy person, a faithful Christian, one who shares life in Christ.” He serves as a model for following in the footsteps of Christ, inspiring us not to remain silent or become discouraged in the face of injustice. He also demonstrates the power of forgiveness and loving our enemies.
Throughout his life, Desmond Tutu was rooted in the concept of ubuntu, the interconnectedness of human beings. He emphasized that racism was against the will of God and constantly advocated for “the least” (Matt 25:37-40), recognizing that God Ksides with the poor, the oppressed, and the victims of injustice. “The Arch,” as he was known, fought against apartheid in South Africa, first confronting political leaders demanding justice, and when that failed calling for boycotts and sanctions against South Africa.
Desmond was born in Klerksdorp, South Africa. After graduating from college, he taught high school and met his wife, Leah. Following the 1953 Bantu Education Act, which enforced segregation in South African schools, he left teaching to focus on theology. He was ordained as a priest in the Anglican Church in 1960, obtaining his Master of Theology in England in 1966 and teaching theology in South Africa until 1972. In 1975, he was named the Dean of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Johannesburg, the first black man to hold this position, and he became the bishop of Lesotho in 1976. He served as the first black General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches from 1976-1978. In 1985, Tutu became the Bishop of Johannesburg, and in 1986, he was named Archbishop of Cape Town.
Tutu could be prophetic, forceful, and sometimes even offensive in his words, yet his friend Farid Esack reports him saying, “Whether I like it or not; whether he likes it or not; PW Botha [the prime minister and major enforcer of apartheid] is my brother, and I must desire and pray for the best in him.” He was known to spend four hours on his knees each day in silent contemplation and commenced every meeting, no matter who was present, with prayer.
In 1984, Tutu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his role leading the nonviolent campaign to end apartheid. From 1996-1998, he led the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate apartheid-era crimes, establishing a model where truth is the foundation for forgiveness and reconciliation. When he retired in 2010, he was granted the title Archbishop Emeritus. He died in 2021 and lay in state for two days in an inexpensive pine coffin per his request.
— Emily Kiel
Collect for Desmond Tutu
Heavenly Father, Shepherd of your people, we thank you for your servant Desmond Tutu., who was faithful in the care and nurture of your flock; and we pray that, following his example and the teaching of his holy life, we may by your grace grow into the stature of the fullness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
141 comments on “Elizabeth Ann Seton vs. Desmond Tutu”
Bishop Tutu (of course) but I don't think my vote has registered?
This is difficult -- I was just at a dinner where we were discussing Seton last night. But, having met Tutu on a few occasions, I have to favor him this time.
I'd put Desmond Tutu on my bracket, but Julia's writeup reminded me of my homegirl Elizabeth Ann Seton: as a Catholic kid growing up in NYC, "first American born saint" was huge. Decades later I visited her shrine in MD. St Elizabeth, pray for us!
These 2 should have met in a later round.
I agree
I agree
When I saw this competition I immediately said "Well, Tutu, of course". Then I read about Seton and was very impressed with her life. However, reading about Tutu strengthened my resolve that he was a remarkable and beautiful person and deserves my vote. I wish I could follow his example of loving my enemies but I am not there as yet. Wonderful man.
My vote is for the “Arch”, although I was very moved by Elizabeth Ann Seton’s story. I just think that the work that Desmond Tutu did in apartheid gave us such a wonderful model of what truth and reconciliation means. It is an ongoing struggle for Canadians as we deal with truth and reconciliation with our First Nations people. He taught us and did it with such dignity and grace. I was overwhelmed by his ability to love when he spoke to our Diocese many years ago. His work was life changing to the world.
Your post deeply resonated with me. Thank you.
This was a difficult one. I voted for my girl Elizabeth Ann out of loyalty to those amazing Sisters of Charity of New York City - they truly uphold the principles of Mother Seton. Check them out they are always in for Holy Trouble!
I voted for Elizabeth Ann Seton. The reason being is that women during that time period had no say in most things, and the fact that she persevered and was so caring - and accomplished so much - that I feel she deserves the honor of a Golden Halo.
I voted for her too and my name is also Renee!
God bless you!
Voting for the ladies again this year even if she jumped ship from Episcopal to Catholic, she was also an educater.
“Whether I like it or not; whether he likes it or not; PW Botha [ ] is my brother, and I must desire and pray for the best in him.”
I consider this a call to prayer: substitute the name of a current politician and follow Bishop Tutu’s example.
Bishop Tutu's words are a powerful reminder that all are created in God's image, though that image may be tragically broken in the case of some, and that we are called to pray for our enemies. And it may be that in our future, America will have need of Truth and Reconciliation to heal our divisions.
I have a cousin who went to Elizabeth Seton College in New York years ago. She gets my vote, not only for that but all the amazing work she did, including giving up her friends. I can’t imagine.
Wow! Today was a difficult choice. Both deserve the vote but Bishop Tutu holds a special place in my heart because he could love the unlovable.
Five children in seven years would automatically qualify Elizabeth Ann Seton for sainthood! But because of his profound influence, I voted for Desmond Tutu
As much as I admire and love Desmond Tutu, I had to vote for Elizabeth Ann Seton. As a woman of her times, she was courageous, faithful, and followed her own path to serve others. Like the spiritual work of many women, it has been overlooked. Thank you for shining a light on her life. Was it really fair to put her up against Tutu? Is it fair to put anyone up against Tutu?
Just finished reading the book of joy and felt inspired by the friendship between the archbishop and the dalai llama.
This is a hard one! I met Archbishop Tutu when he came to my town to receive an honorary degree! I attended a university where we had the Seton Academic Centre named for St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.Yikes!
Oh this is a very personal and hard decision. My 5th(?) great grandmother was Mary Magdalen Seton Wilkes, Elizabeth's first cousin by marriage. When MM died in 1801, her three-year old son was left without a mother. This was about the same time that Elizabeth returned as a widow, and arrangements were made for her to care for Charles (my 4th great grandfather) until he was old enough to go to boarding school. The Wilkes family never cut off relationships with Elizabeth and continued to support her financially for many years. On the other hand, when my husband and I lived in Toronto ON we went to Grace Church-on-the-Hill and were there when they installed a beautiful stained glass window of Desmond Tutu, which was a special event in the life of the parish and of the surrounding community, of which I was then the senior warden. So this is a tough one.... may have to pray about this one all day...
Not an easy choice but I have to go with first American Saint and the woman.
Grew up in Emmitsburg, Md. Gotta vote for Mother Seton.
I voted for The Arch despite him not yet being on any calendars of saints. Not being on any calendars of saints (too bad the Presbyterians don’t use one) has for years been the excuse for excluding The Rev. Fred McFeely “Mister” Rogers (20 March 1928-27 February 2003) whose ministry to children spanned generations and geography through the careful and thoughtful use of television.
As someone for whom as a child Mister Rogers was one of the few gentle adult figures encountered, I do hope he will appear in next year’s bracket. In the meantime I shall be looking for the helpers.
Won’t you be my neighbor and support every child’s best virtual neighbor in a chance at the Golden Halo?
I've nominated Mr. Rogers in the past, even knowing that he doesn't technically meet the criteria. I continue to think of him as St. Fred.
Amen, kzc. God give me the grace and strength!
I suspect this will be a landslide for Tutu, and his quote is similar to one I've used, that I might not agree with your opinion but I'll defend your right to hold it, however my vote is for Seaton. His story is more current, but when I consider the size of the ripples still flowing in her wake, there is no other option.
Two incredible candidates for the Gold Halo and what a difficult choice. The impact of both of their lives has been remarkable. My choice is made based upon both head and heart, and I have voted for Elizabeth Ann Seton. She consciously made the denominational change, anticipating the reaction of her for colleagues. Yet, being accepted into the Roman Catholic Church, her actions have resulted in millions of people being educated in their faith as they attended school. Again, a very, very difficult, but good, pairing of candidates.
Another very difficult choice.
Why no photo of Archbishop Tutu? There are many photos to choose from. I hope one gets added.
I am missing the illustrations that would accompany the write ups for the contests when posted to Facebook too. No pictures on either of the first two contests, just a generic purple background. It's sad. Please bring back the graphics!
I believe in Ubuntu and have been deeply inspired by people I know who carry Tutu’s spirit, but Seaton. Oh. And the good work the Sisters of Charity have done as her legacy, quietly and determinedly, she has my vote. And my son graduated from a Sisters of Charity university, the University of St. Mary, Leavenworth, KS.
Voted for Tutu per “ubuntu” passage, and his commitment to prayer regardless of who is in the room.
Was inspired by Seton’s faith journey, shaped by those who took her in as a poor widow immigrant in Italy.
Having met and heard Bishop Tutu speak on several occasions, I have to vote for him today. A true man of God!
That was tough. They both were amazing in their faith and action.
I thought one of the requirements for inclusion in Lent Madness was to be officially recognized as a saint by at least one church—yet the bio of Desmond Tutu says he has not been officially recognized as a saint by anyone yet. Is that the case? If so, how was he included in the balloting?