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The Servite Path to Holiness

 

The purpose of a Servite is a sacred calling to live in the heart of Mary’s sorrow and the mystery of Christ’s Passion, not as passive observers, but as active participants in God’s redemptive work. It is a path that transforms suffering into love, sacrifice into grace, and sorrow into the hope of resurrection.

 

To be a Servite is to stand with Mary at the foot of the Cross, offering one's life in prayer, reparation, and compassionate service. It is to bear witness to the mystery of salvation by:

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  1. Contemplating the Passion of Christ through Mary’s eyes, uniting personal struggles with His redemptive suffering.

  2. Spreading devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows, helping others find consolation in her maternal embrace.

  3. Serving the suffering Christ in the world, through acts of mercy, intercession, and a life of holiness.

 

This Marian path of discipleship is not for the faint-hearted—it requires perseverance, humility, and deep faith. Yet, it is a road paved with grace, leading those who walk it into an ever-deepening union with Christ.

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Ultimately, the Servite vocation is an invitation to become a vessel of God’s mercy, to console the Sorrowful Mother, and to bring the healing love of Christ to the wounded members of His Body. Through this life of prayer, sacrifice, and service, Servites prepare themselves—and others—for the final Victory of the Resurrection.

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Mary’s words to the Seven Holy Founders continue to echo through the ages:

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"I have chosen you to be my Servants. Take up this habit, the sign of my sorrow, and go forth to bring the memory of my Dolors and the Passion of my Son to the world."

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Will you answer Her call?

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1. Inquiry & Admission

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  • Those interested in joining must express a sincere desire to live out the ideals of the Servite Order and honor the Blessed Virgin Mary in their daily lives.

  • A written request for admission must be submitted to the Council of the Secular Fraternity, which is responsible for reviewing and accepting candidates.

  • Upon acceptance, the Ritual of Admission is conducted, marking the beginning of the candidate’s journey into the Secular Servite way of life.

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2. Period of Probation (Novitiate Formation)

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  • The probation period (novitiate) lasts at least one year, during which candidates deepen their knowledge and experience of Servite spirituality.

  • Candidates engage in:

    • Spiritual Formation: Learning about the Servite charism, the Rule of Life, and the history and spirituality of the Servite Order.

    • Marian Devotion: Studying the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Mystery of Christ and the Church.

    • Community Integration: Participating in fraternity life and growing in prayer, service, and fraternity.

  • The duration of this period may be shortened or extended based on the candidate’s readiness, as determined by the Council.

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3. The Promise (Commitment to Secular Servite Life)

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  • After completing probation, the candidate may request to make The Promise, a solemn commitment to live out their baptismal consecration in accordance with the Servite Rule and Statutes.

  • The request must be submitted in writing and include a report from the formation director.

  • The Promise enrolls the candidate perpetually into the Secular Order of the Servants of Mary, uniting them with the entire Servite family worldwide.

  • The Rite of the Promise is conducted according to the official Ritual of the Secular Servites and is presided over by a Servite religious superior or delegate.

  • Members are expected to remain committed to ongoing formation, prayer, and the fraternity’s apostolic mission.

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*Special Circumstances*

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  • The Council of the Secular Fraternity has the authority to dispense or dismiss a member from their commitment if necessary, after proper consultation and discernment.

The Overall Purpose of a Servite


The Servite vocation—whether lived as a friar, nun, Secular Servite, or member of the Confraternity of Our Lady of Sorrows—is deeply rooted in the mystery of Mary’s compassionate suffering and her intimate participation in the Passion of Christ. The ultimate purpose of a Servite is to console the Sorrowful Mother, unite with Christ’s suffering, and bring His love and mercy to a world in need.

The Servite mission unfolds in three fundamental dimensions:
 

To Stand with Mary at the Foot of the Cross


At its core, the Servite vocation is a call to spiritual solidarity with Our Lady of Sorrows. Just as Mary stood beneath the Cross, sharing in Christ’s suffering, so too do Servites:
 

  • Contemplate the Passion of Christ and the Sorrows of Mary through daily prayer, meditation, and devotion.

  • Offer reparation for sin by embracing personal suffering in union with Christ’s redemptive sacrifice.

  • Live a Marian way of life, seeking to imitate her virtues of humility, patience, and unwavering faith.


The Servite’s first duty is to love and console Mary, because in doing so, they enter deeper into the mystery of Christ’s suffering love for humanity.
 

To Spread Devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows


The Servites are apostles of the Sorrowful Mother, entrusted with the mission of promoting devotion to her Seven Sorrows and the Passion of Christ. This is done through:
 

  • Encouraging the recitation of the Seven Sorrows Rosary, a powerful meditation on Mary’s suffering and Christ’s Passion.

  • Teaching others to unite their sufferings with Christ, offering them as redemptive sacrifices.

  • Organizing processions, retreats, and missions to help others enter into the mystery of the Cross.


By spreading this devotion, Servites help souls find strength, peace, and conversion through the loving heart of Our Sorrowful Mother.
 

To Serve Christ in the Suffering and the Afflicted


A Servite does not remain in contemplation alone; they must go forth and bring Mary’s compassion to the world. Inspired by Mary’s example, Servites serve Christ in the suffering members of His Body by:
 

  • Caring for the sick, grieving, and marginalized, bringing them comfort and hope.

  • Offering intercessory prayer for those in need, especially through the Seven Sorrows devotion.

  • Performing acts of penance and reparation, making atonement for the sins that grieve the hearts of Jesus and Mary.
     

The Servite call is one of self-giving love, where devotion to the Sorrowful Mother naturally leads to serving others with her tenderness and mercy.

Answer The Call

Peace be with you.

Sts. Alexis & Juliana Secular Servite Community

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