Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order

The Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order were wealthy Florentine merchants who renounced the world in the 13th century to form a religious community devoted to prayer, penance, and service under the patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order were a remarkable group of men who came together in Florence, Italy, during the early 13th century, united by their deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and a desire to live more perfectly according to the Gospel. All seven—Bonfilius Monaldi, Alexis Falconieri, Benedict dell'Antella, Bartholomew Amidei, Ricoverus Uguccioni, Hugh Uguccioni, and John Buonagiunta—were prominent members of a lay religious association known as the “Laudesi,” or “Praisers of Mary.”

They were successful merchants and professionals, living in one of the wealthiest and most cultured cities in Europe at the time. However, deeply moved by a vision of the Virgin Mary and the growing tensions in society between secular wealth and spiritual poverty, they chose to abandon their prosperous lives. Around 1233, they withdrew to a life of solitude and prayer on Monte Senario, north of Florence, embracing poverty and dedicating themselves entirely to God.

Together, they founded the Servite Order (Order of the Servants of Mary), formally approved by the Church in 1255. The order emphasized devotion to the Mother of Sorrows, contemplation, communal living, and service to the poor and afflicted. Each of the founders assumed the humble role of servant rather than seeking leadership, and their lives became a model of fraternity, humility, and unity in diversity.

Though they did not initially intend to form a religious order, their sanctity and example attracted followers. Eventually, under ecclesiastical guidance, they accepted the rule of St. Augustine and became one of the prominent mendicant orders in the Church.

The last of the founders to die was St. Alexis Falconieri in 1310, at the age of over 100. The collective holiness of these men was officially recognized when Pope Leo XIII canonized them together on January 15, 1888. They remain unique in Church history as a group canonization and continue to inspire religious vocations and Marian devotion through the Servite Order today.

Feast Day

17-2-

Birth Date

--13th century

Died Date

--13th century

Canonised Date

15-1-1888

Monte Senario, near Florence, Italy

you dedicated your lives to the service of God and the Virgin Mary. Intercede for us that we may always seek to honor God through humility, prayer, and love of neighbor. Help us to imitate your fervent devotion and your unwavering commitment to the pursuit of holiness. May your example inspire us to live with compassion, piety, and a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
SEVEN HOLY FOUNDERS OF THE SERVITE ORDER

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SEVEN HOLY FOUNDERS OF THE SERVITE ORDER

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