The Servite Order is one of the five original Catholic mendicant orders. Founded in 1233, its objectives are the sanctification of its members, preaching the Gospel, and the propagation of devotion to Mary, the Mother of God, with particular reference to her sorrows. The Order of Servants of Mary (Servites) religious family includes friars, contemplative nuns, a congregation of active sistes, and lay groups. Its male members are known as Servite Friars, while female members of the order are Servants of Mary, or the Servite Sisters. Affiliated with the First Order of men are the cloistered nuns of the Second Order, and the Mantellate is a Third Order of women founded in 1284. The Secular Order of the Servants of Mary, or the Servite Secular Order, is a Catholic organization of lay men and women, as well as diocesan priests, living their faith in the world, without being cloistered. There is also a confraternity of Seven Dolours. The Servites live in community, much like the Dominicans and Franciscans. The Order was founded when a group of cloth merchants in Florence, Italy left their city, families and professions to retire to Monte Senario, a mountain outside of the city, to live a life of poverty and penance. Known as the Seven Holy Founders, they were canonized by Pope Leo XIII in 1888. The Bishop of Florence approved the Servites as a religious Order in the 1240s. The Servites decided to live by the Rule of Saint Augustine, adding this Rule to their own expression of devotion and dedication to Mary. The Order was suppressed by the Second Council of Lyons in 1274, which was made official by declaration of Pope Innocent V in 1276. Pope John XXI reinstated the Order, although it was not officially approved as an order until Pope Benedict XI did so in 1304. Servites make solemn vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. The fasts of the Order are Advent, Lent, and the vigils of certain feasts.
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Friar Servants of Mary, USA Province
Formed by seven prosperous men who came together in Florence, Italy in the 1200s, the group became known as the Friar Servants of Mary, which was approved by the Bishop of Florence as the Friar Servants of Mary, and by the Holy See in 1304. The presence of the Order in the United States began in 1852. A history of the Order and Province is set forth, and its locations within the provincial jurisdiction are posted.
http://www.servite.org/
Order of Friar Servants of Mary, UK-Ireland
The Servite Order was created in 1233, and is one of the original mendicant Orders of the Catholic Church. A history of the international Order and its presence in Ireland and the United Kingdom is put forth, including a biography of Saint Peregrine, to whom masses for the sick are held at venues around England, Ireland and Scotland. An overview of the community, its vocations, and code of behavior are discussed.
http://www.servitefriars.org/
Secular Order Servants of Mary
The Servite Secular Order is a Catholic organization of lay men and women, as well as diocesan priests, who support the charism and ministries of Servites in between taking care of their own household chores, employment, and familial obligations. The requirements of membership, formation process, ministries and role in the Servite Family are put forth, along with contacts and other resources.
http://www.secularservites.org/
The Catholic community of women religious is based in Ladysmith, Wisconsin, and part of the international Servite Order, which includes priests, brothers, sisters, and lay men and women. Its history, charism, ministries, and way of life are outlined, including testimonies of some of the Servite Sisters, a schedules of programs and events, contacts, and the ability to contribute to the Order online.
https://servitesisters.org/
Servants of Mary, American Province
The Order of Servants of Mary was founded in 1233, and the American Province has its Motherhouse at Our Lady of Sorrows Convent in Omaha, Nebraska. A history of the Order, Congregation, and Province are given, along with a list of Servite missions in the United States, and an overview of their programs and ministries. Its vowed membership, associate program, and staff are posted.
http://www.osms.org/
Maintained by the Order of Servants of Mary, prayers to Saint Peregrine may be requested, with or without an offering included. Its online shopping area offers cards for a variety of holidays, Our Lady of Sorrows medals and scapular, rosaries, books, a statue of Saint Peregrine, oil blessed in honor of the saint, and several other OSSM items. Purchases may be made through the site.
http://www.servitedevelopment.org/
