Saint Alexis Falconieri

Biography

Saint Alexis Falconieri, also known as Alessio Falconieri, was born in the 13th century in Florence, Italy. He was the son of Bernard Falconieri, a wealthy Florentine merchant and a Guelph. From a young age, Alexis showed a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and this devotion would shape his life in remarkable ways. In around 1225, Alexis joined the Laudesi, also known as the Praisers of Mary, a confraternity dedicated to honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary in Florence. It was within this group that Alexis would meet the other individuals who would eventually become the Seven Founders of the Servants of Mary, also known as the Servites. Although the other members of the Laudesi were ordained as priests, Alexis considered himself unworthy of the priesthood and chose to remain a lay-brother, dedicating himself to supporting the community in any way he could. He tirelessly worked to ensure the material and financial needs of the community were met, often resorting to begging in the streets when necessary. Alexis had a deeply spiritual nature and was known to spend long hours in prayer and contemplation. It was during one such moment that he received a vision of the Virgin Mary on 15 August 1233. This vision further strengthened his devotion to Mary and solidified his dedication to serving her. One of Alexis' significant contributions was his involvement in the construction of the Servite church at Cafaggio. He played a crucial role in overseeing the physical construction of the church, ensuring it became a sacred space for the community. Throughout his life, Alexis lived a life of poverty and simplicity, choosing to identify himself with the poor and marginalized. He considered himself a beggar and pilgrim, embodying the spirit of humility and detachment from worldly possessions. Having dedicated his entire life to the service of God and the Blessed Virgin Mary, Alexis Falconieri witnessed the growth and establishment of the Servite Order. He was the only one of the seven founders still alive when Pope Benedict XI officially approved the Order in 1304. Saint Alexis Falconieri passed away on 17 February 1310 at Monte Sennario, Italy. His selfless devotion and unwavering commitment to the Servite Order earned him a reputation as a saintly figure and a source of inspiration for future generations. In recognition of his holiness and the impact of his life, Saint Alexis was beatified on 1 December 1717 by Pope Clement XI. He was later canonized on 15 January 1887 by Pope Leo XIII, affirming his status as a saint in the Catholic Church. Saint Alexis Falconieri is revered as the patron saint of Orvieto, Italy, a city where his intercession is believed to be particularly powerful. His representation as a beggar and pilgrim serves as a reminder of the virtues of humility, poverty, and devotion that defined his life and spirituality. The life of Saint Alexis Falconieri stands as a testament to the transformative power of faith, devotion, and selfless service. His unwavering commitment to the Blessed Virgin Mary and his tireless efforts in establishing and supporting the Servite Order continue to inspire and guide individuals seeking a deeper connection with God.