Saint of the Day February 17: The Seven Founders of the Order of the Servants of Mary
The church commemorates seven Florentine nobles who in the 12th century abandoned worldly life to dedicate themselves to prayer and the Virgin Mary.
The seven holy founders of the Order receiving the religious habit from the Virgin Mary (Wikipedia)
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On February 17, the Catholic Church celebrates the Holy Seven Founders of the Order of the Servants of Mary, seven Florentine nobles of the 13th century who chose to abandon worldly life to dedicate themselves to prayer and the service of the Virgin Mary. Their names are: Bonfiglio Monaldi, Bonagiunta Manetti, Manetto dell'Antella, Amadio degli Amedei, Sostegno Sostegni, Uguccione Uguccioni, and Alessio Falconieri.
These saints founded the Order of the Servants of Mary on Mount Senario, near Florence, adopting a rule inspired by St. Augustine and based on Marian devotion, penance and assistance to the needy. The Order spread rapidly throughout Italy and Europe, leaving an important spiritual legacy.
Of the seven, Saint Alexis Falconieri lived the longest, dying on February 17, 1310 at over a hundred years of age. He was canonized along with the other six by Pope Leo XIII in 1888.
In addition to the Holy Founders, February 17 also commemorates St. Theodore of Amasea, martyr; St. Flavian of Constantinople, patriarch and martyr; St. Bonosus of Trier, bishop; and St. Mesrop, doctor of the Armenian Church.
Why It's Important
The Holy Seven Founders are an example of total dedication to the faith and service of others, still inspiring believers today. Their memory is celebrated with particular devotion in the convents served throughout the world.
