In 1233, seven young merchants of Florence left their prosperous lives to devote themselves to prayer and penance on Monte Senario, united by a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Their community grew into the Order of Servants of Mary, the Servites, dedicated especially to contemplating Our Lady's sorrows at the foot of the Cross. The last of the seven, Saint Alexis Falconieri, died on February 17, 1310, and all seven were canonized together in 1888.
They show that friendship can be a road to holiness: seven companions who encouraged one another to leave everything and seek God together. Their devotion to Mary, standing sorrowful yet faithful beside her Son, speaks tenderly to every family that keeps watch beside someone they love and learns to trust God in grief.
Lord, who called the Seven Holy Founders to serve Your Mother beneath the Cross, teach us to stand faithfully with those who sorrow, and to trust that love is never lost in You. Amen.