Servite Order

The Church celebrates the Memorial of the Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order. These seven men began their journey as hermits who had a particular devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Later on, they preached throughout Tuscany and founded the Order of Servites of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Holy See approved the Order in 1304. This date is chosen for their memorial because it is the death date of one of the founders, Saint Alexis Falconieri (Magnificat, 254). The readings for Mass are appropriate for this memorial. In the letter of James, 2:14-24, 26, we listen that faith and works go hand-in-hand. As one passage states, "You have faith and I have works. Demonstrate your faith to me without works, and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works." In conclusion we hear, "For just as a body without a spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead." That is what we have been listening to these past several days, we need to live our faith to the fullest and one aspect of that is putting our faith into action. Back up your faith! Don't say that you are going to do one thing and then turn around and do another. We can live our faith with words but action is also required. Like the gospel, Mark 8:34-9:1, faith allows us to follow the will of God in our lives. As Jesus says, "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me." Do not be afraid to answer the call of discipleship. Pick up your cross and follow the Lord. That is what the founders of the Servite Order did and we are called to do the same. May those founders intercede for us as we live our faith and carry our cross each day! Blessings to You!!!