The Most Influential Catholic Of 2010

It's that time again - the 2nd Annual Most Influential Catholic of the Year.

Here are the basic rules:

1. Leave your nominations in the comments box.
2. There are two divisions - the Thomas More Division and the Richard Rich Division. Include a short reason why you're nominating the person. No "I nominate X for Richard Rich Division because he/she is a jerk" or statements similar to that. Try to be specific.
   
3. You can nominate one person for each division.
4. Nominations are open to ALL Catholics (not just Americans) - except Pope Benedict. He be exempt. (maybe I should rename this 'Most Influential Catholic not named Benedict?)
   
5. Eligibility of the nominees are subject to the discretion of the AoftheA Editorial Staff.

Nominations will be accepted until Friday December 17th (Midnight EST), and voting will take place from December 18 through December 30 (I'll have a poll in the sidebar), with the winners being announced on December 31.

This isn't an exercise in judging others - this is merely a reminder that there are a few Catholics who excelled in defending the Church and her teachings this past year, and that there are others who sought to undermine her authority - and it's important to recognize the difference. And then we all get to pray for them as well.

I have my nominees in mind, but I'll wait until the 17th before submitting them, should no one else do so. Have fun!

Last year's winners: Archbishop Chaput (Thomas More Division) and Father Jenkins (Richard Rich Division). Last year, over 100 folks voted. Maybe that'll double this time...