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According to tradition, the date for this feast is the anniversary of
the death of the best known of the Seven Founders, Alex Falconieri (+
1310). The seven men in question were from prominent families in the city
of Florence and they were all members of the Confraternity of the Blessed
Virgin Mary.
As they progressed in the spiritual life, they became more and more
detached from the world. With permission of the bishop they moved to a
location outside the city of Florence with the intention of leading an
austere eremitical life. In due time there were so many visitors that the
seven founders moved to a much more solitary and wild location. They
refused to accept any new members at that time.
When he visited the group, the bishop of Florence told them that their
life was too rugged and their asceticism too severe. Moreover, they should
admit those who wished to join them. They took the bishop's advice and in
1240 they donned a black habit and adopted the Rule of St. Augustine.
Their style of life also changed; with less emphasis on the eremitical
observances, they came to resemble the mendicant friars, with great
emphasis on poverty.
In due time all but one of the original seven founders were ordained to
the priesthood. They adopted the name Servants of Mary and are popularly
known as Servites. However, they were not approved by the Holy See until
1259 and it was not until 1304 that they were canonically approved.
The seven founders were canonized in 1888 by Pope Leo XIII. The one and
the same sepulcher on Mount Senario contains the relics of those who in
this life were united by the bond of fraternal char$¤Ļo
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