Servites

In 1233 seven wealthy Florentine city councillors left their native city to retire outside the gate of Balla in an area known as Cafaggio for a life of poverty and penance. There was at first no thought of founding an order but only a desire for a life in the spirit of the primitive church. These men are known collectively as the Seven Founders of the Servites and were canonized by Leo XIII in 1888. In 1240 the bishop of Florence approved the community under the name Servants of St. Mary, selected because St. Mary was the name of their oratory. They adopted the rule of St. Augustine with some additions from the Dominican constitutions. In 1256 Alexander IV approved them as an order of friars living in corporate poverty. The bull of Benedict XI reconfirmed the approval in 1304.

From the description of Fondo Serviti, 1613-1809. (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 145567778