Servita

Servita is a term with several uses in religion, language, and names. In Catholic religious contexts, it is associated with the Servite Order, officially the Order of Servants of Mary (Ordo Servorum Beatae Mariae Virginis). The Servites are a mendicant order established in Florence in the 13th century by a group of lay men aiming to live a life of prayer and service devoted to Mary. The order emphasizes contemplation and works of mercy, including parish ministry, education, and charitable activity, and it maintains communities worldwide. Members take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience and follow constitutions approved by the Holy See. In English usage, the typical designation for a member is Servite; historical or non-English texts may reflect language-specific forms, but “servita” is not the standard English term for a member.

In linguistic contexts, servita appears in Italian as the feminine past participle of servire, meaning “served.” It can function as an adjective or, in certain phrases, as a noun, but it is not used as a standard independent noun in modern Italian outside specific historical or dialectal contexts.

As a surname, Servita occurs in some cultures but is not widely documented as a major or well-known family name. In encyclopedia-style usage, the term is most commonly encountered in relation to the Servite Order and, less commonly, as a linguistic form or surname. See also: Servite Order, Servant, Mary, Italian language.