Confraternity of Our Lady's Sorrows II

The image of Mary at the foot of the cross has lon gbeen an inspiration to people who want to be close to Jesus. Many people have felt the powerful influence of Mary's prayers in their lives and have united themselvs to her in her sorrows. In order to increae devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows, the Servite Order has established societies known as confraternities.

History of the Confraternity

"The order of Friar Servants of Mary, known as Servites, was founded in Italy in 1233. Today the Order is world-wide and consists of mendicant priests and brothers, cloistered nuns, apostolic sisters, and member of secular institutes and secular order communities. The Servite confraternity's roots reach back to the first century on the Order's existence."

"In the 13th century groups of faithful were living near the first communities of the Friar Servants of Mary. Since they wanted to share the Order's spirit, Marian inspiration, and devotions, they formed various types of Marian associations."

"By 1374 the prior general, Andrew of Faenza, called the brothers and sisters enrolled in these groups "our society" or "our association." He permitted them to share in teh spiritual works of the Order."

"In 1607 Pope Paul V {pictured above} promulgated new regulations for the various confraternities which existed at that time. He granted permission to the prior general of the Servite Order to erect the "Society of the Habit," as it was frequently called, because the members received a small scapular which recalled the black habit worn by the friars. Since these groups promoted devotion to the seven sorrows of Mary, Pope Innocent X {pictured below} officially designated them in 1645 as the Confraternity of Our Lady of Sorrows."

"Many people wish to belong to the Servite confraternity, but they do not live in the area where it has been officially established, or they are unable to attend the monthly prayer hours. The Confraternity of Our Lady of Sorrows, established for over a hundread years at the Basilica of Our Lady of Sorrows in Chicago, has been reorganized so that it might meet the needs of such people."
(Source: Pamphlet entitled The Confraternity of Our Lady of Sorrows, published by the Order of Friar Servants of Mary. Chicago, IL)

If you wish to join, here is the contact information:

Br. Michael Callary, OSM.

The Servite Confraternity of Our Lady of Sorrows

3121 West Jackson BLVD.

Chicago, IL 60612

Next posts: Purpose of the Confraternity, Obligations and Benefits!