(Founded 1233) Today commemorates Saints Alexis Falconieri, Bartholomew degli Amidei, Benedict dell’Antella, Buonfiglio Monaldi, Gherardino Sostegni, Hugh dei Lippi-Uguccioni, and John Buonagiunta Monetti. On August 15, 1240, the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, each of these founders received a vision of Saint Mary giving them their name, the Servants of Mary, the rule of Saint Augustine, and the black scapular as their habit. They devoted themselves to Mary under the title of Mother of Sorrows. Modern-day Servites give missions, teach, care for souls, and promote the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows.
The Order of the Servants of Mary was one of the original mendicant orders, which referred to religious who took a strict vow of poverty and relied on the generosity of others for their livelihood while travelling, preaching, and evangelizing. Are you too tied to material things? What role do poverty, chastity, and obedience play in your recovery?
“Mary is the safest, easiest, shortest, and most perfect way of approaching Jesus” (Saint Louis de Montfort).
Reflection by Brad Farmer