The collect for today, the commemoration of Florence Nightingale (1820-1910), Nurse, Social Reformer (source [1]):
[2]Life-giving God, who alone hast power over life and death, over health and sickness: Give power, wisdom, and gentleness to those who follow the example of thy servant Florence Nightingale, that they, bearing with them thy Presence, may not only heal but bless, and shine as lanterns of hope in the darkest hours of pain and fear; through Jesus Christ, the healer of body and soul, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
The Lesson: Isaiah 58:6-11 [3]
The Gospel: St. Matthew 25:31-46 [4]
Artwork: Francis William Sargent, Florence Nightingale Memorial, 1913. Main Cloister [5], Basilica di Santa Croce [6], Florence. Photograph taken by admin, 17 May 2010.
Florence Nightingale was born in Florence to an English couple touring Europe. Her parents loved the city so much that they gave its name to their daughter.