Servants of Mary: the order founded by seven Florentine merchants

The Servants of Mary (Ordo Servorum Mariae, OSM) are a mendicant religious order founded in Florence in 1233 by seven young merchants who abandoned everything to consecrate themselves to Mary. To read more: Servants of Mary.

Os sete santos fundadores

The seven founders—Buonfiglio Monaldo, Alexis Falconieri, Benedeto dell’Antella, Bartolomeu Amidei, Ricardo Uguccione, Gerardino Sostegni, and João de Buonagiunta—are canonized as the “Seven Holy Founders of the Servants.” On August 15, 1233, Mary would have appeared to them and asked that they establish a new religious family around her Sorrows.

Espiritualidade das dores

The specific charism of the Servites is the contemplation of the Seven Sorrows of Mary. The “Crown of Sorrows,” consisting of seven groups of seven “Hail Marys,” meditating on the seven sorrows, is their characteristic devotion. The Stabat Mater was composed in the spiritual environment of the Servites.

Explore mais: descubra a Mariologia, Teologia Mariana, Aparições Marianas e o Mestrado em Mariologia.

Magistério da Igreja

Ordo Servorum Beatae Mariae Virginis a septem mercatoribus Florentinis anno 1233 fundatus est: ipsi, a Virgine Matre inspirati, se totos Mariae servitio dedicaverunt.

• Paulo VI, Epistula ad Priorem Generalem OSM (11 de fevereiro de 1967)

The Order of the Servants of the Blessed Virgin Mary was founded by seven Florentine merchants in the year 1233: they, inspired by the Virgin Mother, dedicated themselves entirely to the service of Mary.

Pós-Graduação em Mariologia

Deepen your formation in Mariology? Get to know the Postgraduate Degree in Mariology from Locus Mariologicus – an academic training that combines theological rigor, spiritual life, and the living tradition of the Church. Learn more at: Postgraduate Degree in Mariology.