Confraternity of Our Lady

Named the fifth mendicant order by Pope Martin V, it was founded in 1233 by

• Saint Alexis Falconieri

• Saint Bartholomew degli Amidei

• Saint Benedict dell’Antella

• Saint Buonfiglio Monaldi

• Saint Gherardino Sostegni

• Saint Hugh dei Lippi-Uguccioni

• Saint John Buonagiunta Monetti

They were beatified on 1 December 1717 and canonized on 1887 as The Seven Holy Founders. On the Feast of the Assumption in 1240 the Founders received a vision of Our Lady. She held in her hand the black habit, and a nearby angel bore a scroll reading Servants of Mary Mary told them,

You will found a new order, and you will be my witnesses throughout the world. This is your name: Servants of Mary. This is your rule: that of Saint Augustine. And here is your distinctive sign: the black scapular, in memory of my sufferings.