Check out the complete #JesuitMadness Bracket.
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Voting closes at midnight EDT April 5
| St. Jean-Francois Regis, SJ (1597-1640) Update: Regis soundly defeated Brebeuf in an epic back and forth battle during the first round. Neither Bellarmine nor Rodriguez proved much of a contest in the last two games, but Canisius fights right down to the final seconds. Is Regis ready for the Flying Dutchman? Jean Francois was born in the south of France in 1597 and entered the Jesuit novitiate at age 19. His enthusiasm for the faith was contagious and he strived for the conversion of the French Huguenots. He is a major player thanks to his courageous work with people suffering from bubonic plague. His skill as a preacher and evangelist were second to none, and he was known to convert entire crowds to the faith in one fell swoop!Regis should not be overlooked because of his skinny and often infirm constitution. He is fiery, courageous, and “has heart,” which makes him a serious threat to those more established/well known saints. He’s got a horse in this race, and you’d better believe it! |
St. Peter Canisius, SJ (1521–1597) Update: “Dutch is Clutch” indeed! Canisius squeaked past Miki by just 3 votes in the first round and then edged out Xavier by a mere 11 votes, but there was no need for a last second miracle against Gonzaga, Canisius had all the momentum. Peter has certainly earned his spot in the Championship Game. Peter has been proving that there’s “no land like the Lowlands” since 1521. He was born in the Netherlands but took his “A-game” all over Germany, Austria, and Bohemia. In fact, he was the first Dutchman ever to enter the newly minted Society of Jesus in 1543. He is a Cinderella story for the ages. When the Protestant reformation was in full-court press, Canisius battled back with renowned preaching, several Catechisms, and care for plague victims… talk about a triple threat! This humble approach won the “Apostle to Germany” not only big-time street cred but many converts as well. He was canonized in 1925 for his efforts.Here’s a guy who never gives up. When Reformation theological debates were at their hottest, Canisius urged those around him to remember that argumentation would not win any admirers. When the pressure was on he helped launch the first Catholic printing press… talk about ice cold! As if that wasn’t enough, the slipper was proven to fit this Cinderella’s foot when death came knocking at his door. He survived a near-death stroke in 1591 and lived for six more years devoted to writing and takin’ care of bidniss. He might not seem like a favorite at first glance…but Canisius has proven time and time again that “Dutch is Clutch.” |
