There were no, what came to be called, “lesser feasts” in the American Prayer Book until 1979. Quite honestly, I was surprised early this morning to discover that the commemoration of Catherine of Siena, who died on this date, April 29, in the year 1380,[1] was included in the first edition of the book we commonly call Lesser Feasts and Fasts, published in 1963.[2] There are only two commemorations in that calendar that are included with no description, unlike for example, Saint Luke the Evangelist or Francis of Assisi, Friar. One is Saint Joseph, the other, Catherine of Siena.[3]
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