Seven Founders of the Order of Servites

The Seven Holy Founders were a group of men from Florence, Italy. They lived in the 1200s. They were all laymen at first, not priests or monks. They were successful in business and lived comfortable lives. But they felt called to leave everything and follow Jesus.

Their names were Bonfilius, Alexis, Benedict, Bartholomew, John, Gerard, and Ricoverus. Today, we remember them as the founders of the Order of Servants of Mary. This group is also called the Servite Order. The Servites live a life of prayer, service, and devotion to Mary, the Mother of Jesus.

The Seven Founders left their homes and wealth to live a simple life. They wanted to serve God together. They moved to a quiet place outside the city called Monte Senario. There, they prayed, did penance, and grew closer to God. Others came to join them, and their way of life became a new religious order.

The Church honors them together as saints. This is unusual. Most saints are honored one at a time. But the Church saw their unity and shared purpose. They lived and worked as brothers. Their bond and shared mission were strong.

Pope Leo XIII beatified them in 1888. Pope Leo XIII also canonized them in 1888. Their feast day is celebrated on February 17. This date reminds us of their common life and their love for Mary and the Church.

The story of the Seven Holy Founders shows how people can follow Jesus in community. It shows the power of prayer, friendship, and service.

In the 1200s, Florence was a rich and busy city. Trade and banking brought wealth. Many people lived well. But there were also many problems. The city was often divided. Families and political groups fought each other. There was much pride and anger. It was hard to find peace.

The Church was very important in daily life. Most people went to Mass. Many gave money to the poor. But even in the Church, some leaders were caught up in wealth and power. Some forgot the simple call of the Gospel. Many laypeople—those who were not priests or monks—wanted to live their faith in a deeper way.

At that time, new groups began to form. These groups were made up of laypeople. They prayed together and helped the poor. They wanted to follow Jesus more closely. Some lived simple lives of service. Others joined together to live in community. The Seven Holy Founders were part of this movement.

Marian devotion was strong in Florence. People prayed to Mary for help. They saw her as a mother who cared for them. There were many groups that honored her. The Seven Founders were part of one of these groups. It was called the “Laudesi.” They prayed and sang hymns to Mary. Their love for her helped lead them to a new way of life. They wanted to serve her by serving others.

The faith of the people, the troubles of the city, and their love for Mary all helped shape the lives of the Seven Founders. They wanted peace, prayer, and a life that pleased God.

The Seven Holy Founders were once busy men. They had money and good jobs. Some were merchants. Some worked in banking or trade. They were respected in Florence. But they began to feel that something was missing. They wanted a life that was closer to God.

One day, each of them had a strong sense that God was calling them to change. We do not know every detail, but something moved them deeply. They began to meet together to pray. They asked Mary, the Mother of Jesus, to guide them. They wanted to leave behind their riches and live simply.

At first, they stayed in Florence. They gave away their wealth. They spent time in prayer. They cared for the sick and the poor. People began to notice them. Some thought they were holy. Others did not understand. Some even mocked them. But the seven men stayed faithful to their new way of life.

They soon saw that city life was full of noise and distraction. They wanted more quiet. They wanted more time to pray. So they made a bold choice. They left the city and walked to a place outside Florence. It was a mountain called Monte Senario. There, they began a new life of prayer, fasting, and work. They lived in a small house, wore simple clothes, and shared everything. They became like brothers.

This was the beginning of their new path. They did not plan to start a religious order. They only wanted to live for God. But their way of life began to grow. Others came to join them. The seed of the Servite Order had been planted.

Monte Senario was quiet and far from the busy city. The seven men went there to live in peace. They built a small house. They slept on the ground. They ate little food. They spent most of their time in prayer. They also worked with their hands. They wanted to live like Jesus and Mary—simple and poor.

Their life was centered on Mary. They called themselves the Servants of Mary, or Servites. They saw Mary not only as the mother of Jesus but also as their own mother. They prayed the Rosary. They thought often about the sufferings of Mary during the life and death of Jesus. They called this devotion “Our Lady of Sorrows.”

Others began to visit them. Some men asked to join their way of life. The seven founders welcomed them. They taught them to live in prayer, work, and service. The small house became a growing community. It was not planned, but it was clear that God was blessing their way of life.

In time, Church leaders noticed them. At first, there were some questions. Was this a real religious group? Could laymen start something like this? After some time and study, the Church gave them approval. They were allowed to live as a religious order. They took vows and wore a black habit. Their order continued to grow, spreading to other places in Italy and beyond.

This small group of men, who only wanted to serve Mary and live simply, became founders of a new religious family in the Church. Their example shows how God can work through simple people who are willing to listen and follow.

The Seven Holy Founders had a deep love for Mary. They were drawn to her sorrows. These are the sad events Mary lived through as the mother of Jesus. The Servites began to focus on these sorrows in their prayer. They called Mary “Our Lady of Sorrows.” They thought often about her pain at the cross. This helped them stay close to Jesus, who also suffered for us.

Learn more about Our Lady of Sorrows and the 7 Sorrows Devotion here.

They did not live alone. They lived in community. They shared everything. They prayed together, worked together, and helped each other grow in faith. Their life was simple, but full of love and care. This way of living was part of their witness. It showed people that peace and joy can come from a simple life with others.

The Servites also served the Church. They preached, helped the sick, and comforted the poor. Some of them became priests, but many were lay brothers. They tried to bring the peace of Mary into the world. Their prayer and work helped people find hope during hard times.

Their love for Mary spread to many others. The Servite Order helped grow Marian devotion in many countries. They helped people pray to Mary not just as a queen, but as a mother who understands pain and walks with us. The Seven Holy Founders left behind more than a religious order—they left a way of life that still continues today.

The Seven Holy Founders were honored by the Church many years after they died. People remembered their holy lives. The Servite Order kept their story alive. Over time, more people began to pray through their intercession. Many believed they were in heaven with God.

In 1888, Pope Leo XIII beatified them. That means the Church said they lived holy lives and were blessed. Later that same year, he also canonized them. That means the Church declared them saints. This was special because they were canonized as a group, not one by one.

Their feast day is February 17. On this day, the Church remembers how they lived and what they gave up for God. They are honored as the founders of the Servite Order and as examples of friendship, faith, and service. The Church also calls them the patron saints of people who want to live in community and serve together.

Today, their story still matters. Many people want to live simply and serve others. The Seven Founders show that it is possible. They remind us that we do not have to do it alone. We can follow Jesus together, like they did, with prayer, work, and love for Mary.

Stronger Together

The seven founders of the Servants of Mary heard God’s call—not alone, but together. Instead of going off on their own, they chose to follow that call as a team. Their shared purpose and unity led to a life of prayer, service, and lasting impact.

When we team up with others to follow God, something beautiful happens. Like the Servites, we can support each other, grow together, and do more than we ever could alone. God works powerfully through people who say yes—especially when they say yes together.

Devotion to the Sorrowful Mother

This small book on the Sorrowful Mother is a great way to learn more about Mary’s sorrows. It includes simple prayers, a novena, and short stories from saints and Scripture. The black and white pictures help bring the devotion to life. It’s small enough to carry in a purse or bag, so it’s easy to take with you. The book also gives a short history of the devotion. It’s perfect for daily prayer, travel, or as a gift. Many Catholics will find it helpful and easy to use as they grow closer to Mary through her sorrows.