THE SEVEN HOLY FOUNDERS OF THE ORDER OF THE SERVANTS OF MARY
February 17
	Today's liturgical feast honors Alexius, Amadeo, Hugo, Benedict, Bartholomew, Gerardino and Juan. A group of merchants who renounced the business life, they left what was necessary for their families, then distributed the rest among the poor. They dedicated themselves entirely to the veneration of the Virgin Mary, going to live on an Italian mountain and later establishing a hermitage for prayer, extreme fasting, and penance. Some time later, at the request of the Supreme Pontiff's delegate, six of the seven were ordained as priests. Brother Alejo, discerning the priesthood as something very consequential for him, decided to remain as a brother. The Congregation was approved in 1304 and the liturgical feast is held on February 17, in remembrance of the last founder's death; Brother Alexius shared a testimony of holiness, both in his own life and in the lives of his fellow companions. 
—Meghan McDonagh