The
Servite Order is one of the five original Catholic
mendicant orders. Its objects are the sanctification of its members, preaching the Gospel, and the propagation of devotion to the
Mother of God, with special reference to
her sorrows. The members of the Order use
O.S.M. (for
Ordo Servorum Beatae Mariae Virginis) as their
post-nominal letters. The male members are known as
Servite Friars or
Servants of Mary.