The Servite Friars or Servants of Mary are one of the five original mendicant orders. The Servites were founded in Florence in 1233 through a coming together of seven lay men who are known as the Founders. The Founders first lived in an area of Florence known as Cafaggio , thought to be near the present Servite Church of the Santissma Annunziata. In 1245 the friars retreated to the nearby mountain of Monte Senario which remains the mother house until the present day. In 1304 on the 11 February the Order was granted definitive papal approval by Benedict XI in the bull Dum Levamus .

The Seven Founders were canonised on 15 January 1888 and their feast day is celebrated on 17 February. The patronal feast of the Order, however, is the Feast of our Lady of Sorrows on 15 September, recalling that the inspiration to follow the Lord Jesus comes from his mother "Do whatever he tells you."