On the Anglican calendar of "saints" today is the observance of the life of Florence Nightingale.

Here is a lecture given on the first observance of this day, in 2001, by Barbara Dosey:

http://www.dosseydossey.com/barbara/floranceLecture.html

One section stood out to me:

. . . . there is that strange modern tendency to revise the glowing legacies that have been left by great figures in history. It is as if we cannot tolerate heroes and heroines any more; we cannot stand in their light; we must bring them down to our level. There is, therefore, a current tendency among some biographers to emphasize the failings of great persons instead of focusing on their majestic contributions. Surely we should tell the entire story of Nightingale, but we should not judge her by impossible standards. Those who attempt great things make great mistakes. And what human has not fallen short? As Browning said, “our reach should exceed our grasp, or what's a heaven for?” So today we recognize Nightingale's accomplishments as well as her imperfections. She was one of us. But that is why we can relate to her, why we love her, and why she still lives in our hearts.

Where are we headed in healing, and how can Nightingale help us get there? Today, nurses and others involved in healing are challenged to rediscover our essence and to emerge as true healers. Nightingale's example is a source of strength from the past. Through it we can find the vision and strength to assert ourselves in a very difficult moment in history. Nightingale's message moves us towards the integration of the scientific, moral, political, aesthetic, spiritual, and metaphysical aspects of nursing, and invigorates our profession with a sense of calling.