“Annunciation to Mary – Call of the Servites and Our Call Today for Justice in Service”

– Luke 1:26-38

Dear students, teachers, and members of the Servite family in Annunciata Priory!

Today, we reflect on the Annunciation to Mary, the moment when the angel Gabriel appeared to a young woman in Nazareth and invited her to say “yes” to God’s plan. This event wasn’t just about Mary becoming the mother of Jesus; it was the beginning of a mission of service, love, and justice—a mission that would one day inspire the very foundation of the Servite Order and, ultimately, our school community today.

Our Servite ancestors, the Seven Holy Founders, received their own “annunciation” in Florence, at a time when the city was filled with conflict, injustice, and distractions. They, too, were invited to say “yes” to God—to leave behind wealth and status and commit themselves to a life of prayer, service, and justice. Their journey led them to the Basilica of Santissima Annunziata, the spiritual home of the Servite Order, dedicated to the mystery of the Annunciation.

As students and staffs of Servite College especially in Annunciata Priory, you are heirs to this great tradition. The same call that Mary received, and the same call that the Seven Holy Founders followed, is the call that is being whispered to you today.

1. The Annunciation and the Basilica of Santissima Annunziata

In Florence, the Basilica of Santissima Annunziata has long been a sacred place where pilgrims come to honour our mother Mary’s “yes”. At the heart of the basilica is a miraculous image of the Annunciation, which, according to tradition, was mysteriously completed by an angel’s hand.

It was in this very church that the Seven Holy Founders gathered in prayer, surrendering their lives to Mary and dedicating themselves to a life of service. They were not priests, theologians, or scholars—they were ordinary people, much like you, who heard God’s call and chose to respond with courage.

This church became a place where people found justice, mercy, and healing. The Servites dedicated themselves to caring for the suffering, defending the dignity of the poor, and being a sign of hope in a troubled world.

Today, as Servite students and staffs, you are connected to this sacred place, this tradition, and this mission.

2. The Jubilee Year: A Call to Renewal

A Jubilee Year is traditionally proclaimed by the Universal Church every 25 years. It is a particular year set aside to encourage the faithful to embark on pilgrimages, to repent of their sins and forgive the sins of others, and to renew a focus on the spiritual life. This year, the Jubilee Year, is a time when the Church calls us to renew our faith, seek justice, and be instruments of God’s mercy. Just as Mary’s “yes” brought a new beginning to the world, and just as the Seven Holy Founders’ “yes” brought new life to Florence, this Jubilee Year is your moment to say “yes” to God’s call in your life.

Think about it: If the Servites had ignored God’s call, if they had chosen comfort over service, the world would have lost a powerful witness of faith. The same is true for you. Your “yes” to kindness, justice, and service matters—because it can change lives.

3. Justice in Service: Your Call as Servite Students

Mary’s “yes” was not just words—it was action. She carried Jesus, who would go on to heal the sick, bring freedom to the oppressed, and restore justice to the world. The Servites took up this mission in their time, serving the suffering and being voices for justice.

Now, it is our turn. Justice in service is not a thing of the past—it is our call today.
• In the school: You are called to be people of inclusion, standing up for those who feel left out.
• In your Priory: You are called to reach out to the poor, the lonely, and the struggling.
• In your faith: You are called to say “yes” to God—not just in words but in how you live your life.
The Servite motto, “Servants of Mary,” is not just about history—it is about the way you choose to live today.

Conclusion: Your Annunciation Moment

The Annunciation wasn’t just Mary’s moment. The Seven Holy Founders had their own Annunciation in Florence. Today, you have yours.
God is calling each of you to something greater—perhaps not with an angel’s voice, but through the opportunities, challenges, and needs around you.

So, I ask you today:
– Will you say “yes” like Mary did?
– Will you follow the path of the Servites, bringing justice through service?
– Will you make this Jubilee Year a time of renewal and transformation in your life?

As we honour Mary, the Servite tradition, and our call to justice in this Jubilee Year, let us pray for the courage to say “yes”—just like Mary, just like the Servites, and just like Jesus himself. Our life in this Servite family itself is an annunciation to all of us. Realising that let us join Mary and say: “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to Your word.” (Luke 1:38) We all have got One life-One chance-One moment and let us live it for our one God.

Amen.