SEVEN FOUNDERS OF THE ORDER OF SERVITES, RELIGIOUS Today we remember the Seven Founders of the Order of Servites, Buonfiglio Monaldo, Alexis Falconieri, Benedict dellAntella, Bartholomew Amidei, Ricovero Uguccione, Gerardino Sostegni, and John Buonagiunta. As the young noblemen of Florence were gathered in prayer, the Blessed Virgin appeared to them, asking them to devote themselves to her service in retirement from the world. In 1240, with the approval of their Bishop, these zealous Christians who had once been prominent businessmen, withdrew from the city and retired to Monte Senario near Florence for prayer and direct service to God. Their initial difficulty was providing for their dependents, since two were still married and two were widowers. In 1244, under the direction of St. Peter of Verona, O.P., this small group adopted a religious habit similar to the Dominican order, chosing to live under the Rule of St. Augustine and adopting the name Servants of Mary or Servites. Members of the community came to the United States from Austria and settled in New York and later in Philadelphia. The two American provinces developed from the foundation made by Father Austin Morini in 1870 in Wisconsin. Community members combined monastic life and active ministry. In the monastery, they led a life of prayer, work and silence while in the active apostolate they engaged in parochial work, teaching, preaching and other ministerial activities. FEAST DAY PRAYER: Lord, infuse in us the piety of these holy brothers by which they devoutly venerated the Mother of God and led Your people toward You. Amen.
Posted on: Tue, 18 Feb 2014 05:22:19 +0000
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