College History
Discover the rich history that has shaped Servite College, exploring the remarkable journey of community, education, and service.
Community, education & service
The History Of Servite College
The Order of Servants of Mary (OSM), commonly known as the Servites, was founded in Florence, Italy, in 1233 by a group of seven laymen known as the Seven Holy Founders.
These men were devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary and sought to live lives of prayer, simplicity, and service. They dedicated themselves to the contemplation of the Virgin Mary’s sorrows, focusing on her compassion and suffering, particularly during the Passion of Jesus Christ.
The order’s mission of service, humility, and devotion quickly grew, leading to its formal recognition in 1255 by Pope Alexander IV.
Our rich history
Establishing Communities Around The World
Over the centuries, the Servite Order expanded across Europe and beyond, known for its dedication to education, healthcare, and pastoral care. By the 19th and 20th centuries, the Servites had extended their mission globally, including to Australia, where their influence would eventually lead to the establishment of a Servite community in Western Australia.
The Servite Order arrived in Western Australia in 1951 at the invitation of Archbishop Prendiville, who sought to enhance the Catholic presence in the growing northern suburbs of Perth. The Servites began their mission in Australia by establishing a community of priests in the area. In 1958, the Servites established Servite College in Tuart Hill, continuing the tradition of Servite education.
Image: Basilica della Santissima Annunziata, Florence
Servite College today
The Servite Spirit Lives On Strong
A key milestone in the Servite Order’s presence in Western Australia was the establishment of the Priory in Wanneroo, named St. Anthony’s. In the 1970s, the Servite Friars moved to the Wanneroo area to further their mission and establish a centre for prayer, community outreach, and education. The Priory at Wanneroo became a base for the Servite Friars, who engaged in pastoral ministry and served as spiritual leaders within the local community. The Priory also became a place of reflection and spiritual renewal, deeply rooted in the Servite tradition of devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows and service to others.
Today, Servite College in Tuart Hill continues to embody the spirit of the Seven Holy Founders, offering a holistic education that emphasises service, community, and compassion. The presence of the Servites in Western Australia remains strong, fostering a culture of hospitality, prayer, and active service to the wider community.
