A Call From Mary

When he was a young man, Alexis Falconieri received a vision from Our Blessed Mother, inviting him to serve her in a special way.  She even gave him a black habit, which would remind him of her sufferings.  Six other men received a similar vision and bonded together to form a community, later known as the Servants of Mary, or Servites, who were  (and are) dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows.
Although it might seem the ideal way to receive a vocation, so clearly and tangibly, but even these first Servites underwent suffering, truly carrying their cross after Jesus,  and walking as well in the footsteps of Mary and her sorrows.  St. Marcellin's dedication to Mary and the establishment of the Little Brothers of Mary also brought ridicule, rejection and suffering, for it is not possible to avoid the cross in our efforts to do good.  Yet, through the cross and fidelity to Jesus and Mary amazing graces have come to the world through these congregations which promote love of Jesus through Mary and service to the most neglected and forgotten.  Our own daily call, though perhaps not as dramatic, entails some pain, ridicule and rejection, but if we pray daily that we might remain steadfast and faithful as these founders, we too can  be instruments of amazing grace.
Bro. Rene