In the 1870's, Memphis, Tennessee experienced an epidemic of yellow fever which so depopulated the city that it lost its charter for fourteen years. Almost everyone who could afford to do so left the city and fled to higher ground away from the river. In the city were several communities of nuns, both Episcopal and Roman Catholic, who had the opportunity to leave, but chose to stay and nurse the sick. Thirty-eight were killed by the fever. One of the first to die, Constance, head of the Episcopal Community of St. Mary, did so on this date in 1878.
We give you thanks and praise, O God of compassion, for the heroic witness of Constance and her companions, who, in a time of plague and pestilence, were steadfast in their care for the sick and the dying, and loved not their own lives, even unto death. Inspire in us a like love and commitment to those in need, following the example of our Savior Jesus Christ; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever.