Amadeus of the Amidei, Italian saint

The Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order

The Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order, also known as the Order of Friar Servants of Mary (Latin: Ordo Servorum Beatae Mariae Virginis, OSM), represent a unique and inspiring chapter in Catholic history. These seven devout men – Bonfilius, Alexis, Manettus, Amideus, Hugh, Sostene, and Buonagiunta – were prominent citizens of 13th-century Florence, Italy, who shared an extraordinary spiritual bond and a profound devotion to the Virgin Mary. Their collective journey led them to renounce worldly life and dedicate themselves entirely to serving God and spreading devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows, forming a new religious order that continues its mission today.

The Genesis of a Spiritual Friendship

In the vibrant, yet often tumultuous, mercantile city of Florence during the early 1200s, these seven individuals, hailing from leading noble and merchant families, found themselves drawn together by a shared spiritual fervor. Initially, they were members of a lay confraternity dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, reflecting a widespread spiritual awakening and a growing desire for personal holiness among the laity of the era. Their friendship deepened through common prayer, works of charity, and a mutual aspiration for a more ascetic and contemplative life. This spiritual fraternity laid the groundwork for their unified response to a divine call.

The Divine Summons and the Foundation of the Order

A pivotal moment in their lives occurred on the Feast of the Assumption in 1233. According to tradition, each of the seven men, though initially unaware of the others' experiences, reportedly shared a profound vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In this celestial manifestation, the Mother of God called upon them to "Leave the World, the Better to Serve Almighty God." This powerful and synchronistic divine instruction deeply resonated with their existing spiritual inclinations, urging them towards a complete renunciation of their secular lives, their wealth, and their social standing. In response to this clear mandate, they retired to Monte Senario, a secluded mountain north of Florence, to live a life of poverty, penance, and contemplation, thus formally laying the foundations of the Servite Order, focusing on devotion to the Sorrows of Mary.

Profiles of the Seven Holy Founders

Each of these holy men brought unique qualities to the nascent order, cementing their collective legacy:

Bonfilius of Florence (Bonfiglio dei Monaldi)

Born Bonfilius Monaldi, he was a member of a prominent Florentine family. He became the first prior general of the Servite Order, guiding its early development with wisdom and spiritual insight.

Alexis of Florence (Alessio Falconieri)

Born Alexis Falconieri in 1200, he lived an exceptionally long life, passing away on February 17, 1310. Alexis is often considered the most well-known of the founders, distinguished by his profound humility, unwavering faith, and his steadfast refusal to be ordained a priest, preferring to remain a simple lay brother throughout his life. His dedication to manual labor and his exemplary piety served as an inspiration to many.

Manettus of Florence (Benedetto dell'Antella)

Born Benedict dell'Antella, he was known for his administrative abilities and his efforts in establishing the order's presence in various locations.

Amideus of Florence (Bartolomeo degli Amidei)

Born Bartholomew Amidei, he was a key figure in the initial stages of the community. Amideus died in 1266, being the first of the founders to enter eternal rest, further inspiring his brethren to holiness.

Hugh of Florence (Ricovero dei Lippi-Ugguccioni)

Born Ricovero Uguccioni (also known as Hugh dei Lippi Uggucioni), he was noted for his spiritual fervor and deep contemplative prayer life.

Sostene of Florence (Gherardino di Sostegno)

Born Gerardino Sostegni, he contributed significantly to the practical organization and communal life of the early Servites.

Buonagiunta of Florence (Giovanni di Buonagiunta)

Born John Manetti, Buonagiunta was recognized for his eloquent preaching and his zeal in spreading the message of the Servite Order.

Legacy and Veneration

The collective holiness and unwavering dedication of these seven men were formally recognized by the Catholic Church when they were canonized together as saints by Pope Leo XIII on January 15, 1888. Their feast day is celebrated annually on February 17th, commemorating not only their individual sanctity but also their profound spiritual unity and their foundational role in the Servite Order. Today, the Servants of Mary continue their mission globally, living out the charism entrusted to them by their holy founders: to serve God and humanity with a special devotion to the Mother of God, particularly under the title of Our Lady of Sorrows, reflecting on her steadfastness at the foot of the Cross and offering spiritual comfort and service to others.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Seven Holy Founders

• Who are the Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order?

  They are Bonfilius Monaldi, Alexis Falconieri, Benedict dell'Antella, Bartholomew Amidei, Ricovero Uguccioni, Gerardino Sostegni, and John Manetti, all from Florence, Italy, who together founded the Servite Order.

• When was the Servite Order founded?

  The Servite Order (Order of Friar Servants of Mary) was founded in 1233, following a shared vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary experienced by the seven men.

• What was the "vision" the founders shared?

  On the Feast of the Assumption in 1233, each of the seven men reportedly received a vision of the Virgin Mary, who instructed them to "Leave the World, the Better to Serve Almighty God" and dedicate themselves to a life of prayer and service, especially in devotion to her sorrows.

• When were the Seven Holy Founders canonized?

  They were collectively canonized as saints by Pope Leo XIII on January 15, 1888, recognizing their exemplary lives and the enduring impact of the Servite Order.

• What is the feast day of the Seven Holy Founders?

  Their feast day is celebrated annually on February 17th.

• What is the primary focus of the Servite Order?

  The Servite Order's charism centers on a life of community, prayer, and service, with a particular devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, especially under the title of Our Lady of Sorrows (Mater Dolorosa), reflecting on her compassion and steadfastness.