The Indulgences and Spiritual Benefits of Being a Servite Member

The Treasury of Grace: Indulgences in Servite Devotion

To be a Servite, whether as a friar, a Secular Servite, or a member of the Confraternity of Our Lady of Sorrows, is to enter into a mystical exchange of divine mercy, where the merits of Christ, Our Lady, and the saints are applied to one’s soul through the gift of indulgences.

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Indulgences, granted by the Church, remit the temporal punishment due to sins already forgiven, allowing one to draw closer to the divine freedom and purity of Heaven. In the Servite tradition, these indulgences are deeply connected to the Seven Sorrows of Mary, offering the faithful the opportunity to console Our Lady and be consoled by her in return.

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Plenary Indulgences for Servite Members

A plenary indulgence (remission of all temporal punishment due to sin) is granted to members of the Confraternity of Our Lady of Sorrows and the Secular Servites under the following conditions:

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1. On the Day of Admission to the Confraternity or within Seven Days After

   • Upon joining the Confraternity of Our Lady of Sorrows, members can receive a plenary indulgence if they go to Confession and Holy Communion, and pray for the intentions of the Holy Father (Pope Paul V, February 14, 1607).

2. On the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows (September 15)

   • A plenary indulgence is granted on this feast or any of the seven days following, provided members visit a Servite church or chapel and fulfill the usual conditions.

3. On the Feast of the Seven Holy Founders (February 12)

   • Granted to members who visit a Servite church in honor of the Seven Holy Founders, the men chosen by Mary to spread devotion to her Sorrows.

4. During a Solemn Procession or the Recitation of the Seven Sorrows Rosary

   • A plenary indulgence is granted to members who attend a monthly solemn procession in honor of Our Lady’s Sorrows or, if unable, pray the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows in a Servite church.

5. On Passion Sunday (The Sunday Before Palm Sunday)

   • From First Vespers (Saturday evening) until midnight Sunday, members receive a plenary indulgence if they:

     • Visit a Servite church or chapel,

     • Meditate on the Passion of Christ and the Sorrows of Mary,

     • Go to Confession, receive Holy Communion, and pray for the Pope’s intentions. (Pope Innocent XI, September 1, 1681

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Partial Indulgences: A Daily Path of Grace

A partial indulgence (remitting part of the temporal punishment due to sin) is granted to Servite members who:

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• Pray the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows

• Wear the Black Scapular of Our Lady of Sorrows with devotion

• Visit a Servite church or chapel on any feast of Christ or Mary

• Make acts of reparation for the sins that grieve the Sorrowful Mother

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These indulgences can be applied to the souls in Purgatory, allowing members to console the Sorrowful Mother by aiding her suffering children in their purification.

The Spiritual Benefits of Being a Servite Member

Beyond indulgences, membership in the Servite Order, the Confraternity of Our Lady of Sorrows, or the Secular Servites brings immense spiritual benefits:

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1. A Share in the Prayers of the Servite Order

   • Members receive the spiritual support of the Servite friars, nuns, and Secular Servites around the world, who pray daily for their intentions.

2. The Special Protection of Our Lady of Sorrows

   • Just as Mary stood by Christ in His Passion, she stands by the side of her Servants in their trials, sufferings, and death, bringing consolation and strength.

3. The Grace of a Holy Death

   • Servite tradition holds that those devoted to the Sorrows of Mary will receive her presence and intercession at the hour of death, ensuring final perseverance.

4. Union with Christ’s Passion

   • By meditating on Mary’s Sorrows, Servites are drawn deeper into the mystery of Christ’s suffering, leading to greater love, humility, and holiness.

5. The Promise of Mary’s Intercession

   • Mary has revealed to mystics that those devoted to her Sorrows receive:

     • Contrition at the hour of death,

     • Strength in all afflictions,

     • The imprint of Christ’s Passion on their hearts,

     • Final perseverance and eternal joy.