The St. Peregrine Laziosi Parish and Diocesan Shrine joyfully celebrated the Solemnity of the Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order last February 17, 2026, with a 6:00 PM Mass presided over by the Very Rev. Fr. Paul Martin Ma. Gapuz, OSM. The celebration marked the culmination of a deeply enriching nine-day Novena, during which parishioners and devotees gathered in prayer and reflection to honor the seven men who founded the Order of Servants of Mary and whose lives continue to inspire a spirit of unity, service, and devotion to Our Lady.

In his homily, Fr. Paul highlighted the profound spiritual foundation of the Servite Order, reminding the faithful that “founded by seven men, the Order of Servants of Mary should take upon itself the gift of unity that Jesus proposes to us in the Gospel. But at the same time, it is worthy of note that Jesus did not just say ‘that all may be one,’ but rather, ‘that all may be one as Thou, Father, art in Me and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us.’” He went on to reflect on the modern world’s pursuit of unity, noting that while society often praises human solidarity, “without the unity of the Trinity at its core, secular brotherhood will not survive the test of time. It has become clear to us then that true unity, true peace among peoples can only come from God – outside of whom searching for unity is in vain.” Fr. Paul emphasized the true mission of the Seven Holy Founders, saying, “The seven holy men came not to form a fraternity first and foremost, but to honor God through Our Lady.”

The solemn celebration brought together members of the Servite family, devotees of St. Peregrine, and parishioners who share in the mission and spirituality rooted in the Servite tradition. It served as a powerful reminder that genuine unity flows from God Himself and that the path toward lasting peace is found in living a life centered on prayer, humility, and service, inspired by the example of the Seven Holy Founders. Their legacy continues to guide the faithful toward deeper communion with God and greater compassion toward one another, strengthening the Servite identity within the parish and beyond.

May the Seven Holy Founders continue to intercede for us and guide us toward deeper unity with God and with one another.