The Servites, officially known as the Order of the Servants of Mary, is a Roman Catholic religious order founded in 1233 in Florence, Italy. The order was established by a group of seven wealthy merchants who sought a deeper spiritual life and dedicated themselves to the service of the Virgin Mary, known as Our Lady of Sorrows. Members of the Servite order live a communal life, focusing on prayer, contemplation, and service to others. They engage in various ministries, including education, healthcare, and social justice, while promoting devotion to Mary and her compassionate love for humanity.