Servite Third Order

History

 

In 1240, seven noblemen of Florence mutually decided to withdraw from the city to a solitary place for prayer and direct service of God. Their initial difficulty was providing for their dependents, since two were still married and two were widowers.

Their aim was to lead a life of penance and prayer, but they soon found themselves disturbed by constant visitors from Florence. They next withdrew to the deserted slopes of Monte Senario.

In 1244, under the direction of Saint Peter of Verona, O.P., this small group adopted a religious habit similar to the Dominican habit, choosing to live under the Rule of St. Augustine and adopting the name of the Servants of Mary. The new Order took a form more like that of the mendicant friars than that of the older monastic Orders.

Today, 2023, in Arizona, we are endeavoring to reestablish the traditional Servite Order. We observe the Holy Rule, spirituality, customs, Mass and Sacraments as they were observed in the Servite Order before Vatican II.

 

Purpose

 

The purpose will be to offer the Most Holy Trinity reparation for sin through the hands of the Mater Dolorosa. Additionally, the duty of the third order members will be to pray for the priests and religious of the order. Members of the third order will have the privilege of participating in, and benefiting from, the graces received by the community from the daily Mass, Office and Devotions.