February 12: Saint Buonfiglio Monaldi

Whilst wars were raging, and the bloodstained cities
Wept in bereavement, brother slaying brother,
Mary the Virgin shewed herself a Mother,
And gave sweet respite.


In her compassion, seven faithful servants
Called she to witness to the crucifixion,
To Jesus' passion, and her seven dolors,
Unto all mankind.


Not hesitating, they obeyed their Lady;
Leaving their mansions, and their wealth and kindred,
Solitude sought they, hiddenness with Mary,
On Mount Senario.

Here they did penance, and made reparation,
For sin and bloodshed; and as there they pleaded
That in repentance men would seek salvation,
God shewed his mercies.


Mary their Mother gave them many favors,
Gave them the habit which betokened mourning;
And God gave increase both in grace and numbers,
With great signs following.


Great was the wonder of their holy vineyard,
Which in the winter bore its fruits and flowers;
Great was the wonder when mere babes did call them
Mary's own servants.


Now to the Father give we adoration,
To the Begotten praise be, with thanksgiving;
To the blest Spirit likewise be all honor;
Now and for ever. Amen.

Today, February 12, we celebrate the feast of Saint Buonfiglio Monaldi (died 1261), the eldest of the Seven Holy Founders of the Servants of Mary, and the first superior of the Servite Order. The feast day of the Seven Holy Founder is celebrated next week, on February 17, the feast of Saint Alexis Falconieri. For more information on the Servants of Mary, visit here.

We know little about the life and childhood of Saint Buonfiglio Monaldi, other than he came from a noble family in Florence, and together, with six other men of similar nobility and privilege, gave up his influential life, fortune, and marriage, to consecrate himself to Our Blessed Mother, and serve others at her direction. The names of these Seven Holy Founders were Buonfiglio Monaldo, Buonagiunta Manetti, Manetto Antalli, Amadeo de Amidei, Uguccio de Uguccióni, Sosteneo de' Sostenei, and Alexis Falconieri.

After receiving a vision of Blessed Mother (described here), Saint Buonfiglio was inspired to take up a life of solitude and prayer. Together, the seven men lived an austere life at a hermitage on Monte Senario, eventually adopting the name “The Servites of Mary.” Ordained along with five companions, Saint Buonfiglio was appointed first superior of the order, and under his direction, many houses and foreign missions were established. Saint Buonfiglio served as prior from 1240, until his death in 1251. His body is buried with the relics of the other Holy Founders.

Tomb of the Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order

The Servite Order continues their work today, devoted to the Blessed Mother, and her sufferings. Spreading devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows through prayer and the wearing of the Black Scapular, and following the Rule of Saint Augustine, the Servite Order continues to work throughout the world. For more on Our Lady of Sorrows, see here and here.

Saint Buonfiglio Monaldi and his holy colleagues were granted the privilege of a vision of the Blessed Mother, specifically giving them direction on where to move the course of their lives. This, of course, happened only after they had committed themselves to the Lord, and given up the ties to their earthly lives—including possessions and even wives! While this may seem extreme to us, the influence of their sacrifices remains today in the flourishing Servite Order, begging us to ask the question: what might we accomplish if we turn from our material ties and focus our lives on God? How might we better serve Him and each other?

Eternal Father, we offer Thee the Blood, the Passion, and the Death of Jesus Christ, the sorrows of Mary most holy, and of Saint Joseph, in satisfaction for our sins, in aid of the Holy Souls in Purgatory, for the needs of holy Mother Church, and for the conversion of sinners. Virgin most sorrowful, pray for us!

Father in heaven,
May the life of
Saint Buonfiglio help us
understand that we will
never be alone since
you are always with us.
We ask this through Christ
our Lord.Amen.


Year 2: Day 43 of 365
Prayer Intentions: Turning from worldly offerings and focusing on the Lord.
Requested Intentions: Employment for a son (C); Successful attainment of an important appointed position (J); Recovery from cancer for a friend (Z); For a family’s freedom from sin (M); For a daughter with Diabetes (A); Reconciliation of a marriage (D); Assistance with a legal matter, financial freedom (R); Healing for a friend (M); For a son in medical school (H); Financial assistance (M); Successful employment (N): Freedom from mental illness for a friend (L); For successful marriage (N); For friends having and recovering from surgery; for the reduction of a brain tumor (L); For resolution of a housing crisis (P); For a brother who is struggling financially, for a son who is struggling academically (B); For financial security for a friend (C); Success in business; familial happiness and health (J); Health and recovery of a sister (I); Healing of a father following stroke (S).