🔥 IT IS THE PENULTIMATE DAY OF LENT MADNESS 🔥 Which means tomorrow at noon we go LIVE 🎥 Join us for our Livestream Watch Party on Facebook Live as we meet bloggers, vloggers, and the amazing people who make Lent Madness happen and love it just as much as you do. We will see you tomorrow at 12:00pm 👀
But first… yesterday 😏 The tournament is almost complete and we have our final Faithful Four matchup to decide who will face Constance and her companions in the Golden Halo final. The martyrs of Memphis just sent all the Lutherans to Heartbreak Hotel 🎸 after defeating Martin Luther 69.68% to 30.32%
But that was yesterday…Today’s matchup is our toughest choice yet 🔥
First up, the man who wrote the rule of life, shaped monasticism, transformed worship, and built a legacy of discipleship across the world ⛪
It's... Benedict of Nursia!!!
vs
A man who lived the Golden Rule, stood against injustice, and helped transform a nation, a communion, and the world ✝️🌍
It's...Archbishop Desmond Tutu!!!
Two giants of the faith. One final spot in the Golden Halo. Who will meet Constance and her companions in tomorrow’s final… you decide
Desmond Tutu
It’s been an honor to have Archbishop Desmond Tutu as a companion on this Lenten journey. As I reflect on his life, words, and works several themes have emerged:
Many historical saints did not have to consider issues like economic sanctions, mass media, and the gaze of the entire globe. Watching how Desmond Tutu dealt firmly and graciously with the modern context encourages us as we seek to live faithfully in an increasingly complicated and connected world.
He points us toward the need for silence and stillness with God. When we are overwhelmed and striving, he calls us to return and sit with the “unruffled One” who is the source of our joy.
Archbishop Tutu models courage by breaking culturally ingrained barriers and not shying away from hard truths in search of justice and healing. Whether it was being the first black general secretary of the South African Council of Churches or naming the hurts of apartheid, Desmond Tutu did not lose sight of God’s vision for dignity and reconciliation for all people.
His interfaith work displays an openness and willingness to collaborate with other religions, focusing on them at their best and working together to create a better world.
His development of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the model it created demonstrate that forgiveness does not involve denying pain and damage, but it involves facing each other as fellow human beings, acknowledging the truth, and making the choice to forgive in light of that truth.
Desmond Tutu contributed to black theology and African theology, bringing attention to how African history and context can add to our understanding of God, especially with his concept of interconnectedness, ubuntu.
He used the gifts God gave him in service of God’s kingdom, nurturing a spirit of joy and laughter. He was insistent to include prayer in his day-to-day life and emphasized the centrality of God’s presence in his work.
He modeled how to be an advocate for those who are oppressed. He spoke firmly, loudly, and with action to proclaim God’s truth when power was used to denigrate and persecute.
The Arch’s life exemplifies the characteristics of a saint and models what holiness can look like in today’s context. Since he does not hold the title of a canonized saint, awarding him the Golden Halo declares he deserves to be called Saint Desmond Tutu for his work to further God’s Kingdom. May we all leave this Lenten season reflecting on the companionship of saints like Archbishop Tutu and sing together “I Sing a Song of the Saints of God” (the hymn by Lesbia Scott), “They were all of them saints of God, and I mean, God helping, to be one too.”
— Emily Kiel
Benedict of Nursia
When I received my Benedict of Nursia assignment, I must admit that where I initially thought my writing on Benedict would go and where it has gone are different. I thought I would be writing about a renowned Saint associated with a protection medal. Instead, I have come to hold a deep respect for Benedict. My biggest personal takeaways are Ora et labora, Benedict’s steadfast resistance to the corrupt world surrounding him, his compassion towards others, the wisdom with which he spoke, and the way he lamented even for those who sought his death.
I now understand why so many people are drawn to him, his life, and Rule: it is because of the wisdom he imparted in the Rule and through the only biography we have on him, written by Gregory the Great. Both writings strongly emphasize his balance of prayer and work—Ora et labora, as it is famously known. Being the “Father of Western Monastic Life”, Benedict’s Rule, highly influenced Thomas Cranmer’s writing of The Book of Common Prayer. The Rule continues to influence laypeople, consecrated religious orders, and countless ordinary individuals. Its wisdom has weathered the test of time and remains a quintessential work of Western monastic literature.
While Benedict was born into wealth, he rejected the life corrupt society set before him, living on his own for several years before founding monasteries. His monasteries embodied community and were life-giving for people within and outside the monastery’s walls. He welcomed Goths into monostatic life as well as talking with these outsiders beyond the monastery. He also provided financial help for people in the surrounding area when needed. Remarkably, he held no ill will to the multiple people who tried to kill him; when one of those men died, he even lamented his passing. Benedict welcomed and treated everyone at the monastery as Christ would have, leading by example rather than by words alone. He was a man of action.
Benedict spent considerable time alone in caves and monasteries, sitting in prayer with Jesus. This practice allowed him to go out and serve the many communities he touched, while forming other monks through wisdom gained from prayer, experience, and service. He often spoke kindly and reasonably in highly emotional situations, offering a powerful example for our own lives. We too can step away from distractions: go outside, turn off screens, and intentionally make time for prayer, even if only for 5 minutes at first, allowing that time to grow over time. In Benedict’s own words, “Prefer nothing whatever to Christ.” Especially during this Holy Week, unplug, and spend time with Jesus and reflect on what His life, death, and resurrection mean for this world and for you.
— Sara Kay Hill
56 comments on “Desmond Tutu vs. Benedict of Nursia”
I voted for the underdog, Benedict! I predict that Tutu will win this round -- and maybe, The Golden Halo.
Same. I voted for Benedict only because Tutu really doesn't thrill me. I'm sure Tutu will win the halo though.
While I'm a big fan of Benedict's in the end this one was easy. Tutu for the win.
I heard Abp. Tutu speak at Riverside Church. The idea that actual saints with a capital S walked the earth during my lifetime continues to stun me.
It gives me hope.
Tutu all the way for me. I have read The Book of Joy, a conversation between Tutu and the Dalai Lama. The book has inspire me in so many ways especially my respect for Tutu. I am praying he wins the Golden Halo.
You wrote my thoughts exactly. Tutu is “the man”!
Benedict - doubtful Tutu would be Tutu without St. Benedict
I respectfully disagree. The times may make the man or woman, but if a person is a seeker and a reformer, they must be true to themselves and God. This man made choices, and those choices made him my choice.
This is going to be so close tomorrow. Not today's vote two two has that wrapped up. But tomorrow's vote. Can't wait.
Sorry in a hurry.Tutu.
tomorrow is a coin flip
Thank you to Emily! What a wonderful tribute to a wonderful saint of God! It is my personal experience of his wonderful smile that compels me to vote for the Arch.
As a South African, many outside the country know only one carefully preserved version of Desmond Tutu. Yes, he played an influential role in the anti-apartheid struggle, but people should be careful not to flatten him into a one-dimensional saint. Many of us who lived with the consequences of South African politics remember a far more complicated legacy: how politically selective he could be at times, how controversial some of his later positions became, and how internationally he is often presented as almost untouchable.
By contrast, there is little dispute about the significant and lasting legacy of Saint Benedict of Nursia. His influence on prayer, education, ordered community, and the shaping of Western civilization and Christianity remains profound to this day. For me, that makes the comparison difficult.
What a match-up! But it was easy for me to vote for Archbishop Desmond Tutu, especially given the comment which suggests he deserves to be Saint Desmond Tutu, to which I wholeheartedly agree.
While I try to live the rule of Benedict, I have learned to love like archbishop Desmond Tutu. I have voted for both men throughout the tournament but today my vote goes to Tutu. I recently read the book of joy and am inspired by his friendship with the Dalai Lama, his sense of humor and playfulness. Not a grim historical figure but a remarkable, admirable man of our time. Desmond Tutu deserves the golden halo!
I'm on my way to the SSJE Monastery for Holy Week, and the monastic tradition has blessed me deeply. But ... I had to vote for the Arch who has also blessed me, the church, and the world in so many ways.
With complete respect for Benedict and his Rule, I’ve been pro-Arch throughout! He’s way ahead so early that I’m guessing he’s a shoo-in today, but tomorrow will be the killer for me. I’ve been a fan of Constance and her Companions since learning about them a few Lent Madnesses ago.
I had 12 years of awesome Catholic sisters, whose French order has been recognized as Righteous Among the Nations for hiding Jews during the Holocaust, and I was blessed to see Abp Tutu speak in Amherst years ago…a tiny man who paced a huge stage and owned it!
Oh, how I’d love to see a Golden tie this year! I don’t know how I will vote tomorrow.
Oh, a tie would be an absolute miracle!
Miracles happen, Tully!
In honor of the monks at nearby Christ in the Desert, who live and share the Rule everyday, my vote is for Benedict.
I am going with the originator of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission model, which inspired the one we had here in Canada to process some of the hurt and grief, and bring some accountability, from our harmful "Indian Residential Schools" system. That Commission kickstarted a bunch of good things, and set us on a road . . . a bumpy one, but we're on it, toward justice and reconciliation. Tutu for the halo for me.
Joanne, I agree with you. Now, how do we get Murray Sinclair nominnated for the 2027 Golden Halo chase?
I met Bishop Tutu on a couple of occasions and got to hear him speak several times. Truly a saint!
I voted for Benedict . However, when I first saw the Lent Madness lineup I thought, looking at all the names, Desmond Tutu will probably be the winner of the Golden Halo. He is certainly winning today!
I voted for Benedict. The Israeli Knesset just voted to hang Palestinian prisoners. The death penalty for Muslims but not for Jews. Jews wearing hangman noose pins drank champagne and gloated. We have talked a lot this LM season about confronting one’s institutional past and about embodied serving. Who would stay? Who would put one’s body on the line? Augustine said “Lex iniusta non est lex.” In the face of such entrenched hate and barbarity, enforced through propaganda and ideological capture, I tried to think which of these two figures better represented a Christian response to the evil being waged currently. We live in a rotting empire threatening to send soldiers to their deaths as cover for its own catastrophically stupid (but highly profitable) actions. I recognize my choice is not necessarily obvious. The Benedictine monasteries at their height were wealthy landowners. The South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission is a much cited model, but it did not address needed land reform. Benedict’s rule says you stay rooted in your community, and you serve with your body. We face global recession and climate collapse, due to policies that benefitted the rich. I think the model of staying put and serving one’s neighbor, one’s brother, imagined globally, is key. And that is true prayer.
I hope that Constance and her Companions won yesterday because they deserved to win, not because of any bias - American or otherwise.
So Constance won yesterday. American bias, I say, I bet us Europeans voted for Martin.
Anyway, on to the final, and let's crown a saint who is neither American nor European.
I do enjoy Lent Madness, and find myself learning more than I expect to. Thanks to all who researched the saints and broadcast the news.
have to go for Desmond, he came to our church for the dedication of his window, gathered all the children around him and danced on the stage outside
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Desmond Tutu would not have been silent when religious leaders are prevented from celebrating mass in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. My vote can only go to this exemplar of love, joy, and justice.
Professor Farid Esack, a personal friend of the Archbishop:
“We and the Palestinians have lost an indomitable fighter, a courageous leader and a moral icon without equal. We are bereft of a prophet who consistently warned against ideas of cheap peace which may come without justice. I am immensely grateful for having travelled and worked with the Archbishop in the struggle against Apartheid in South Africa, in solidarity with the Palestinians against Israeli occupation and in supporting various other causes. His boundless love, his wit and humour and his unflinching and principled commitment to a better world will always inspire us”.
Benedict for me! Ora et labora... Seek balance, live in the world where God has placed you. The church and the world would look very different without him!
I feel like this part of Lent Madness, from a contest point of view, is like voting for the same person either way. Benedict was Tutu and Tutu is the modern Benedict. So much of their way of dealing with what it was like to be a saint was so similar, it is only the times in which they lived that make the difference in how they outwardly and inwardly demonstrated their faith. I decided to vote for Desmond Tutu simply because the way he lived resonates more with me as a person of this time period. But either of them lived and behaved in ways that clearly show they had similar approaches to life and the living and human relationships with God.
As scripture notes, we often underestimate those of our "home town" --- those right in front of us in our own times.
I bumped into Desmond Tutu in his pajamas one day, getting up for morning coffee... a simple smiling man, coming 'round the corner, who made you happy just to be with.
St Augustine said that a saint should be "a head to foot Hallelujah" That describes Desmond Tutu perfectly, the saint of joy.
OK, I called it at the beginning of Lent Madness: Bishop Tutu would win the Golden Halo. And he deserves it. But now, I think I want the Martyrs of Memphis to win. And THEY deserve it, too! Whatever will I doooo?
I did actually really appreciate the writeup on Benedict of Nursia and his practice of "Ora et labora." When the world is going to Hades in a handbasket and nothing makes sense, work and pray. (And if you're like me, take your ADHD and anti-depression meds regularly to make it easier to focus on working and praying.)
Sorry--*Archbishop* Tutu. I've been calling him Bishop Tutu since I first heard of him in 1986, when I was in high school in the US and he was Bishop of Joburg.
I’m sticking w/Bennie since I started w/him & I think Connie can get the Halo tomorrow, but Tutu his best.
As one who tries to live by the Benedictine Rule, I have nothing but love and admiration for benedict of Nursia. However, as one living in the present-day and having seen the profound effects of Desmond Tutu's work in this unsettled world, my vote goes to him.
I admit that part of the reason is that Tutu gave us the model of Truth and Reconciliation to bring about an end to the pain and exclusion wrought by 400 years of colonialism in North America and, using the guidelines set out bythe late Murray Sinclair, who headed the Canadian Truth and Reconciliation Commission, we here in Canada are working on restoring realtions between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians.
By the way, how does one go about niminating a person for the 2027 Lent Madness? I'd like to nominate the Hon. Murray Sinclair.
Yet again, apologies for typos.
I love your idea to nominate Murray Sinclair!
If the nominations are done the way they have been, I think there will be a notice by email for people to submit a nominee a bit later this year.
Wonderful write-ups for both! Made my decision to vote for Tutu more difficult.
After I voted yesterday and read the comments I wondered if Constance and her group, Living in Memphis, Tenn during Jim Crow days would pass the 21st century tests for inclusion. I'm sure they nursed everyone, at least I hope they did. But I think it is a mistake to hold people who lived hundreds of years ago to the standards we expect today.
Benedict gave us so much, but I am hungry to see a leader from our era on this planet who has led with truth, justice, fairness, dignity, and joy. I must vote for Archbishop Tutu, as a statement that it's possible to lead in Jesus's way in our world.
We need so much to remember that it is always possible to walk away from the worst storms of the world, the worst temptations and the most misguided priorities, and center our lives on Christ instead. Benedict, I doubt you'll win at this point, but i still think you should. Every monastic thanks you for your legacy.