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Good morning. On this day two years ago, I was installed as the 133rd Bishop of London in St Paul’s Cathedral. On this day 200 years ago, Florence Nightingale was born. In the crypt of St Paul’s Cathedral there is a memorial plaque to Florence, remembering her simply for her Mercy. Florence is still best known as the doyenne of the nursing profession. She is less known for her contribution to hospital reforms and public health, for her statistical innovation and pioneering work on infection control which underpins modern medical practice. Today we see modern-day Nightingales who follow in her footsteps using their skills, intellect and compassion to overcome a modern-day infection, Covid- 19. Like Florence in the Crimea and many nurses in war they go to the frontline with real concerns for their own safety and the safety of their family. But they go anyway, with the same courage which shaped Florence’s dedication to her patients. We have heard stories that despite their personal protective equipment nurses continue to convey deep compassion to people in their care. Even under a face mask a smile can still be seen in the eyes. Like Florence our present-day nurses recognise that systems need to foster empathy and that small touches matter. They carry out their work with a depth of care and professionalism which she would have recognised. Florence made no secret that she had a call from God, a ‘call to service’. Her work was profoundly shaped by her Christian faith. Like Florence my vocation as a nurse was motivated by my faith and like Florence, I believe that rather than just praying for relief from disease we are to work tirelessly both for its relief and its prevention. Several of the hospitals built to increase NHS capacity in recent weeks have been named in Florence Nightingale’s honour. Her faith remains an inspiration to me as do the words on her memorial in St Paul’s Cathedral “Blessed are the Merciful”. Each Thursday evening we clap for our carers, who embody that mercy. We are celebrating their dedication and sacrifice, and they tell us that they find this deeply moving. But we are also recognising that what they do now they have always done: care for the sick with unwavering compassion and professionalism whatever the circumstances. Just as Florence Nightingale’s legacy has influence far beyond the crisis of the Crimea so does the impact of present-day nursing reach far beyond the crisis of Covid-19.