On this Leap Day, on which no official saint is commemorated, I would (jokingly) lobby with indefatigable yet imaginary fortitude that the church remember a beloved saint: Saint Elmo of the Fire, Muppet and Delighter of Children.

Saint Elmo of the Fire has been known to dance and jiggle to the delight of many, usually brought on by tickle matches and the shocking current of more batteries than should be necessary for a muppet of their size.

More than curious, Saint Elmo of the Fire has been known to ask the right question at the right time for a humanity that, while valuing answers more than questions, really wants someone (or some muppet) to care, you know?! Saint Elmo of the Fire cares.

With high voice and red fuzz, Saint Elmo of the Fire has engaged screen watchers and toy buyers for over 43 years with joyful jaunts through imagination and inspiring messaging. More cautious than Grover and yet as loving as Big Bird, Saint Elmo of the Fires bridges the muppet opinion divide by bringing all sides together in a furry-crimson embrace that all souls need but so few acknowledge.

Saint Elmo’s of the Fire is also a weather phenomenon of plasmic proportions. And an endearing 80’s movie that has a seriously underrated soundtrack.

Saint Elmo’s of the Fire is a reminder for me, and should be for the whole church, that though we pine for answers, sometimes all we truly want is to have someone curious about our lives…even if that someone is fuzzy and has no discernible feet.

-historical bits from nowhere in particular

-icon written by AI (I think?)