08/11/2026
Today is the lesser feast of Clare of Assisi (Monastic, d. 1253) and tomorrow is the lesser feast of Florence Nightingale (Nurse, d. 1910).
~ O God, whose blessed Son became poor that we, through his poverty, might become rich: Deliver us from an inordinate love of this world, that we, inspired by the devotion of your servant Clare, might serve you with singleness of heart and attain to the riches of the age to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
~ O God, who gave grace to your servant Florence Nightingale to bear your healing love into the shadow of death: Grant to all who heal the same virtues of patience, mercy, and steadfast love, that your saving health may be revealed to all; through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
In the Episcopal Church lesser feasts are days of optional observance in which we commemorate saints, martyrs, and other notable figures in Christian history who are not already marked by major holy days (principal feasts). They are compiled in the liturgical resource text _Lesser Feasts and Fasts_ to enrich daily prayer and weekday worship. You can see the lesser feasts embedded in the lectionary calendar (Sundays, Principal feasts, and other Holy Days) at https://www.episcopalchurch.org/lectionary/.
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