Optional Memorial of the Seven Founders of the Order of Servite, Religious

The Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order were seven laymen from Florence who, in 1233, responded to a deep call to conversion in the midst of political unrest and moral decline. They were prosperous merchants and members of a Marian confraternity, but they felt drawn to leave behind their wealth and status to live a life of prayer, penance, and fraternity. Seeking solitude and deeper union with God, they withdrew to Monte Senario, a mountain outside Florence, where they dedicated themselves to the Blessed Virgin Mary, especially meditating on her sorrows at the foot of the Cross. From this small community grew the Order of the Servants of Mary — commonly known as the Servites — whose charism centers on compassion, community life, preaching, and devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows. The seven founders — Bonfilius Monaldi, Bonajuncta Manetti, Manettus dell’Antella, Amadeus of Siena, Hugh of Florence, Sostene of Florence, and Alexis Falconieri — were canonized together in 1888 by Pope Leo XIII, highlighting their unity in holiness. They are honored as the patron saints of the Servite Order and are invoked particularly for perseverance in community life and fidelity to Mary in times of suffering. Their feast day is celebrated on February 17, and their witness reminds us that renewal in the Church often begins with a small group willing to surrender everything for Christ.

REFLECTION:

Back in 2019, Pope Francis approved a change in the Italian translation of the words “lead us not into temptation” in the Our Father. Of course, that stirred conversation. But what it brought to the surface is something important: God does not tempt us to sin.

St. James reminds us: “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God… tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire… Blessed is the one who remains steadfast under trial… he will receive the crown of life.” (James 1:12–14)

Temptation does not come from God. It arises from within us. Yet James also tells us that there is blessing in remaining steadfast under trial.

God does not tempt us — but He does send us into a world where temptation exists. He does not remove us from struggle. Jesus says, “In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” We are not taken out of the world; we are strengthened within it.

And tomorrow, we begin Lent with Ash Wednesday.

Lent is not about escaping the world. It is about entering more intentionally into the spiritual battle. Through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we allow God to strengthen us. We face our weaknesses honestly. We confront the desires that pull us away from Him. Not because God is trying to trap us — but because He wants to free us.

A loving parent does not lock a child away to prevent all hardship. Instead, the parent prepares the child to face life with wisdom and courage. God does the same with us. He does not cancel our trials. He gives us grace to overcome them.

When we pray, “Lead us not into temptation,” we are really praying: “Lord, do not let me be overwhelmed. Give me the grace I need in the test.”

Lent begins tomorrow. The ashes will remind us that life is fragile. But they also remind us that grace is real. We are not sheltered from every trial. But we are never abandoned in them. And if we remain steadfast, there is a crown of life waiting.