The Rosary of the Seven Sorrows is a devotion to Mary and Her suffering through the life and death of Her Son. This rosary is also known as the Servite Rosary which originated in the 13th century when seven noblemen from Florence, Italy founded the order of the Servants of Mary or "Servites". In a vision Our Lady appeared to them holding black garments and said, “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 at the foot of the Cross.” The Feast Day of the Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order is February 17th.
This rosary is handmade and the Seven Sorrows medal and rosary center are hand cast in solid bronze from original vintage pieces. The Ave beads are jet black Czech beads representing the black garments given to the Seven Holy Founders by Our Lady asking them to wear them in memory of her Dolours and Passion of her only Son. The Paters are hand cast bronze circles representing God. The circle has no beginning and no end, it is a never ending form representing God as eternal.
As you meditate on the Seven Sorrows of the Most Holy Virgin and pray this rosary may you find comfort in the tears that Mary shed and know that she is always with you.
The Order of Servites, or Servants of Mary, is an order of friars, who follow the rule of Saint Augustine. It was instituted in Italy in the thirteenth century by seven rich men of Florence, and has for its special object meditation on the Dolours of the most holy Virgin, that its members may feel and share them with her, and propagate this devotion among the faithful.
-C. Kegan Paul
The Feast Day of the Seven Founders of the Servite Order is February 17th.
