The feast of Our Lady of Mercy (or Our Lady of Ransom) commemorates the founding of the Mercedarian Order in 1218. Saint Peter Nolasco, with the support of King James I of Aragon and Saint Raymond of Peñafort, established the order to ransom Christian captives from the Moors. The Blessed Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to Saint Peter Nolasco, encouraging him in his work.
This commemoration reminds us of the merciful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the importance of working for the freedom and salvation of others. It highlights the Christian duty to aid those in captivity, whether physical or spiritual, and to show compassion to the suffering. The Mercedarian charism of ransoming captives serves as an enduring example of radical charity.
O God, who by the Blessed Virgin Mary willed to bring new children to your Church for the deliverance of Christ's faithful from the power of the pagans, grant, through her intercession, that we may be set free from all our sins and serve you with perfect liberty. Amen.