Servant Friars
Named the fifth mendicant order by Pope Martin V , it was founded in 1233 by
Saint Alexis Falconieri
Saint Bartholomew degli Amidei
Saint Benedict dell’Antella
Saint Buonfiglio Monaldi
Saint Gherardino Sostegni
Saint Hugh dei Lippi-Uguccioni
Saint John Buonagiunta Monetti
They were beatified on 1 December 1717 and canonized on 1887 as The Seven Holy Founders. On the Feast of the Assumption in 1240 the Founders received a vision of Our Lady. She held in her hand the black habit, and a nearby angel bore a scroll reading Servants of Mary Mary told them,
You will found a new order, and you will be my witnesses throughout the world. This is your name: Servants of Mary. This is your rule: that of Saint Augustine . And here is your distinctive sign: the black scapular, in memory of my sufferings.