The Servites

THE GLORIOUS ROOT OF SERVITES

The foundation of our Congregation, the Mother of Sorrows, Servants of Mary was established by a young Tamil woman named Maria Soosai Nathathiram in Tiruchy, Tamil Nadu. Maria Soosai Nathathiram, the sixth child in a devout family from the parish of Dharmalingapuram, Tiruchy, was dedicated to Our Lady of Seven Dolours and had a profound desire to dedicate her life to God.

Maria Soosai Nathathiram was inspired by her brother Michael, who had joined the Congregation of the Sanyasis of Our Lady of Seven Dolours in 1850. Despite initial resistance from her parents due to societal norms, the disproved of unmarried women Maria Soosai Nachitram persisted. She shared her aspirations with like-minded friends who also felt called to a life of complete devotion to God. Together, they made a firm decision to forgo marriage, despite objections from their parents.

Under Maria Soosai Nathathiram's leadership, the group of girls remained steadfast in their commitment. Through prayer and perseverance, they eventually convinced their parents to allow them to pursue their religious calling. With their parents' blessing, the six young women approached Fr. Peter Meccati to express their desire for a religious life and the challenges they had faced. Fr. Meccatti then brought their intentions to Mgr. Alexis Canoz.

Despite facing setbacks and the tragic loss of one member, Muthamma, in January 1854, the group persevered. Finally, in 1854, Mgr. Canoz entrusted the small group of women to Fr. Meccatti and officially recognized them as a religious congregation on December 8, 1854.