serviam

Serviam is a Latin motto that translates as “I will serve” or “I shall serve.” The phrase comes from the verb servire, “to serve,” and the form serviam is the first-person singular future active indicative, expressing intention or a vow rather than a statement of present action.

In religious contexts, serviam has been adopted as a founding vow by various Catholic religious orders and congregations, as well as by educational institutions. It is frequently found on insignia, crests, or seals of schools, chaplaincies, or parishes, signaling a commitment to service of God and neighbor. The motto emphasizes service as a guiding principle for life, often linked to vows associated with religious formation or to service to the poor and community in missionary or charitable communities.

Historically, serviam appears in Latin religious literature and devotional practice across centuries rather than tied to a single founder or group. Its usage reflects the broader Christian ideal of service as central to vocation and daily life.

In modern contexts, serviam continues to be used beyond strictly canonical settings, appearing in youth ministries, parish programs, and schools with Catholic heritage, as well as in secular organizations that prize service as a core value. The Latin expression is typically presented in its traditional form, sometimes accompanied by translations to aid understanding.