Join St. John’s and Christians around the world for Lent Madness! Lent Madness is a unique devotional series for the season, which celebrates the lives and ministries of Christian saints through the ages. Like the March Madness basketball tournament, this devotional is a single elimination tournament, where Christians across the world vote online for their favorite saint. It’s a fun way to learn the histories of incredible Christian witnesses throughout this holy season. Lutherans don’t often talk about saints, but their lives can be of beautiful inspiration to all of us. Plus, the tournament style will make this both educational and fun! It all starts on Thursday, March 3.

 This year’s bracket is broken up into four themed quadrants — Martyrs & Mystics, Theologians & Thinkers, Healers & Helpers, and the ever-popular Confusion Corner, which debuted last year. While you may have many favorites among the contestants, there does not appear to be a runaway favorite in this year’s contest. Which means it’s anybody’s bracket to win! Well, you have to be in the bracket. And dead. And a saint…

 The 2022 saints competing for “The Golden Halo” are Stephen, Wenceslaus, Teresa of Avila, Crispin, Perpetua, Cecilia, Juliana of Liege, Blaise, Juana Ines de la Cruz, Gabriel the Archangel, Origen, Hilda of Whitby, Columbanos, Drogo, Mesrop Mashtots, Madeline Barat, Melania the Elder, Hilary of Poitiers, Aloysius Gonzaga, Thomas of Villanova, Felix, Oscar, Thomas Aquinas, Jerome, Emma of Hawaii, Hugh of Lincoln, Jose Hernandez, Constance of Memphis, James Holly, Lydia, Olaf, and Kateri Tekakwitha. “Saintly Scorecards” will arrive soon, which will have information about each of the saints in the tournament and instructions for participation. Once the scorecards arrive, you can pick yours up in the Gathering Area. In the meantime, start choosing your favorite saints! Visit lentmadness.org.