Several names were considered for the institution that eventually became known as Servite High School. St. Alexis was one. Marian was another. Seven Holy Founders High School was the preferred name. The Servite Order was not well-known in the West. The name ‘Servite’ was given to the school, so that it could become a flagship for the Order and popularize its name. The school was dedicated under the patronage of the Seven Holy Founders, which became the name of the priory.
The selection of Servite High School’s colors and mascot is attributed to Fr. Maurice M. (John) Gillespie OSM, the founding principal. From the beginning, Fr. Gillespie wanted a college preparatory high school and chose to model Servite after another school.
The Friars at the former St. Philip Basilica High School had been longtime rivals of Fenwick High School, a Dominican school in Chicago. At the time, Fenwick was an all-boys, college preparatory school (it is now co-ed). The Fenwick mascot was a Friar. The Dominicans are also considered ‘Friars’. The Fenwick colors are black and white (which are the colors of the Dominican habit). The black habit of the Servite Friars is very similar to the Dominican habit.
The school mascot refers to the title of the Order – The Order of Friar Servants of Mary (Ordo Fratum Servorum Mariae). The Servites are an Order of Friars that is part of the 12th Century mendicant movement in Church history. To date, there are only a few schools in the United States which claim the distinction of having a “Friar” as their mascot. Among them are Servite High School; Fenwick High School and Providence College, which are Dominican Institutions.
