Feast of the Santi Sette Fondatori dell'Ordine dei Servi di Maria

Santi Sette Fondatori dell'Ordine
dei Servi di Maria, orate pro nobis

February 17th is the Feast of the Seven Founders of the Order of Servites, Mystics and Hermits. Amid the civil strife, political upheaval and Cathari heresy plaguing thirteenth-century Florence, seven wealthy patricians, following two visions of the Blessed Mother, mutually donated their worldly possessions to the poor and founded the Order of Servites on Monte Senario. Adopting the Rule of St. Augustine of Hippo, the mendicant friars lived a life of poverty, penance and contemplation with a profound devotion to the Queen of Heaven.

The Seven Founders are Bonfiglio Monaldi, Manetto dell’Antella, Bonagiunta Manetti, Amadio degli Amidei, Uguccione degli Uguccioni, Sostegno dei Sostegni and Alessio Falconieri.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to the Seven Founders of the Order of Servites. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva Santi Sette Fondatori!

Prayer to the Seven Founders of the Order of Servites

O Lord Jesus Christ Who, in order to renew the memory of the sorrows of Thy most holy Mother, hast through the seven blessed fathers enriched Thy Church with the new Order of Servites; mercifully grant that we may be so united in their sorrows as to share in their joys. Who livest and reignest, world without end. Amen.