Seven founders

The 7 men that began the Servite Order were all from Florence, Italy. They all belonged to the confraternity (club) of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On the Feast of the Assumption (when Mary was taken into heaven) in 1233, the seven men had gathered for a time of prayer. It was then that Mary appeared to them asking them to form a new religious community called the “Servants of Mary.” The Servite Order, as it was later called, is dedicated to prayer and service. 6 of the 7 founders became ordained priests. The 7th founder, whose name was Alexis Falconieri, humbly chose not to be ordained because he felt he was not worthy of such an honor.