February 17 – Seven Founders of the Servite Order
Nationality: Italian
Vocation: religious
Attributes: black habits, honoring the Blessed Virgin
Canonization: 1887 by Pope Leo XIII
Born in Florence to prominent families, these seven men joined the Confraternity of the Blessed Virgin between the years 1225 and 1227 during a time of political and moral chaos in their city.
The names of the seven were Buonfiglio Monaldo, Alexis Falconieri, Benedict dell’ Antella, Bartholomew Amidei, Ricovero Uguccione, Gerardino Sostegni, and John Bonagiunta.
In 1240, they all received a vision of Our Lady calling them to withdraw from the world and live for God alone. Holding a black habit in her hand, she said, “You will found a new order, and you will be my witnesses throughout the world. This is your name: Servants of Mary. This is your rule: that of Saint Augustine. And here is your distinctive sign: the black scapular, in memory of my sufferings.”
In response, the new Order of Servites wrote a rule based on St. Augustine’s Rule and the Dominican Constitutions. They adopted the black habit of an Augustinian monk, and lived as mendicant friars, preaching the Gospel and fostering devotion to Mary. The Holy See officially approved the Servite order in 1304.
Six of the seven were ordained priests except St. Alexis Falconieri, who, in his humility, wished to remain a lay brother.
Their feast day is Feb. 17 because tradition holds that Saint Alexis, the longest surviving of the seven, died on that day in 1310.
Founders of the Servite Order, pray for us.