As a relatively new Catholic, I continue to discover hidden jewels and treasures within the Catholic Church. One of these is the Servite Order, the founders of which we commemorate on this day (February 17, Novus Ordo).

Most people have not heard of this order so here are the basics in nine easy points:

1. Their official name is Ordo Servorum Beatae Mariae Virginis {Order of the Servants of the Blessed Virgin Mary}.
2. The Servite Order is one of the five “great” mendicant orders recognized by the Second Council of Lyons (1274): Carmelites, Franciscans, Dominicans, Augustinians, and Servites.
3. Seven young rich men in Florence, Italy formed the order: Buonfiglio dei Monaldi, Giovanni di Buonagiunta, Amadeus of the Amidei, Ricovero dei Lippi-Ugguccioni, Benedetto dell’ Antella, Gherardino di Sostegno, and Alessio de’ Falconieri. They are also known as the “Seven Holy Founders.”
4. The Servites make solemn vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience and foster particular devotion to the Mother of God in her her desolation during the Passion of her Divine Son.
5. On the feast of the Assumption (August 15 1233), the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to the seven founders and asked them to live a monastic life. They obeyed and established themselves near the Franciscan monastery at La Camarzia outside Florence.
6. Exactly seven years later (April 15, 1240), the Immaculate Virgin told them to wear a black habit and to follow the Rule of St. Augustine.
7. The Servite Felicianus Capitoni (1577) wrote an explanation of all the passages misinterpreted by Martin Luther.
8. The body of the Servite Saint Peregrine Laziosi remains incorrupt.  
9. In 1910 the order numbered 700 members in 62 monasteries.