Religious Congregation Order of the Servants of Mary Australia

The Religious Congregation Order of the Servants of Mary Australia (ABN: 80900235572RR0001) is a Roman Catholic religious institute operating in Australia as part of the global Servite Order (Ordo Servorum Beatae Mariae Virginis), one of the five original mendicant orders of the Catholic Church[2]. Established to promote devotion to the Virgin Mary, particularly through reflection on her sorrows, the congregation focuses on spiritual guidance, pastoral care, and sacramental ministry[4].

As a registered charity, the organization provides religious services, including the Eucharist, and prepares individuals for sacraments such as baptism and marriage[4]. Its activities align with the broader Servite mission of community-oriented worship, education, and outreach[2][3]. The global Servite Order, founded in 1233 in Florence, Italy, emphasizes friars, contemplative nuns, and lay groups dedicated to Marian devotion and Gospel preaching[2].

In Australia, the congregation operates under the umbrella of Catholic Religious Australia (CRA), which represents nearly 150 religious institutes engaged in ministries ranging from education to social services[5]. Details regarding its founding year in Australia and specific regional initiatives remain unclear, though its charitable status reflects adherence to national guidelines for religious nonprofits[1]. The global Servite Order has faced scrutiny over historical abuse allegations, though no Australia-specific cases are detailed in available records[2].

The organization maintains ties to the international Servite network headquartered in Rome, upholding traditions of communal living and mendicant spirituality[2][3]. Its work forms part of Australia’s broader Catholic infrastructure, contributing to sacramental preparation and pastoral support[4].

[1] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/e6b90a40-39af-e811-a95e-000d3ad24c60 [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Servite_Order [3] https://www.servite.org.au/servite-history [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/1e9eeedc-2daf-e811-a95e-000d3ad24c60 [5] https://www.catholicreligious.org.au/member-congregations