The Vision in the Marketplace
In the bustling streets of 13th-century Florence, seven noblemen moved through the throngs of merchants and townsfolk. The air was thick with the scent of spices and the hum of commerce. These men, known for their wealth and influence, were bound by a shared vision that transcended their worldly status. One fateful day, as they gathered in the marketplace, a divine presence enveloped them, and they felt an irresistible call to leave behind their lives of comfort and dedicate themselves to the service of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Call to Devotion
Bonfilius Monaldi, John Bonagiunta, Manettus dell'Antella, Amadeus of the Amidei, Hugh Uguccioni, Sosthenes Sostegni, and Alexis Falconieri were the seven men chosen by divine providence. United by their deep devotion to the Virgin Mary, they resolved to withdraw from the world and live a life of prayer and penance. They retreated to the solitude of Monte Senario, a remote hill outside Florence, where they established a community dedicated to the contemplation of the mysteries of God and the veneration of the Blessed Virgin.
The Birth of the Order
In their humble hermitage, the seven founders embraced a life of austerity and simplicity. They wore coarse garments, fasted regularly, and spent their days in prayer and manual labor. Their dedication and piety attracted others who sought to join their way of life. Over time, their small community grew, and they became known as the Servants of Mary, or Servites. The Order received official recognition from the Church in 1255, and their mission to spread devotion to the Virgin Mary began to flourish.
Miracles and Ministry
The Seven Holy Founders were known for their miraculous deeds and profound spiritual insights. One of the most famous miracles attributed to them occurred when a severe drought threatened the region. The founders prayed fervently for rain, and their prayers were answered with a downpour that saved the crops and the people. Their ministry extended beyond their hermitage, as they traveled to preach, heal the sick, and comfort the afflicted. Their lives were a testament to the power of faith and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Asking for the Intercession of the Seven Holy Founders
The intercession of the Seven Holy Founders is sought by those who seek guidance in prayer, spiritual growth, and the strength to persevere in faith. To ask for their intercession, one can pray with a heart full of faith and humility. A simple prayer might be:
O Holy Founders of the Servite Order, you who were steadfast in faith and powerful in prayer, we seek your intercession. Inspire us to deepen our relationship with God and to trust in His divine providence. Grant us the strength to persevere in our spiritual journey and to find solace in prayer. Amen.
Believers can also honor the Seven Holy Founders by visiting places dedicated to their memory, such as Servite churches and monasteries, or by celebrating their feast day on February 17th.
The Eternal Legacy
The story of the Seven Holy Founders is one of unwavering faith, miraculous deeds, and a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Their lives serve as an inspiration to all who seek to follow Christ with a whole heart. Through their intercession, believers find strength and guidance, knowing that these humble servants of God continue to watch over them from the heavens.
