The New Book of Festivals and Commemorations: A Proposed Common Calendar of Saints

About this book

Alongside their pursuit of common lectionary readings Lutherans Methodists Presbyterians and Episcopalians paralleling Roman Catholics have all recently made attempts at reforming and updating their respective calendars to reflect their present understanding of saints and their celebrations. In this comprehensive reference work renowned liturgical theologian Philip Pfatteicher examines these ecumenical efforts as a step toward creating a common calendar that both reflects the present Lutheran and Episcopal calendars and that is fully informed by the other church bodies. New Book of Festivals and Commemorations picks up on renewed interest in the saints and other heroic figures including artists musicians and scientists and such modern men and women as Dag Hammarskjold and Evelyn Underhill whose examples are lifted up for celebration by the whole Christian family. Including Principal Festivals Lesser Festivals Commemorations and Optical Memorials each entry comprises a brief biography and bibliography a related reading and a prayer along with key worship information including hymns biblical readings the appropriate liturgical color and preface and other suggested prayers.