The Servite Order was founded on the Feast of the Assumption in 1233. The seven founders of the Servite Order dedicated themselves to praying to Our Lady about her sorrows. Based in Monte Senario, Italy, the legend states that the founders were inspired by the repentance of the Brothers of Penance. Allegedly, Mary appeared to the seven and asked them to consecrate themselves to her service. In the year 1240, they left busy lives in Florence, Italy to lead lives of prayer and service to Mary. When at Monte Senario, Mary visited them once more and the Servite Order was formed.
By 1244, under the direction of St. Peter of Verona, they donned religious habits similar to those of the Dominicans and lived under the rule of St. Augustine. Before the end of the fourteenth century, the order ran over one hundred abbeys throughout Europe, India, and Crete. The Servites always dedicated themselves to the Seven Sorrows Rosary.
Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows 