The Mercedarians have been saving Christians from captivity for more than 800 years and continue to play an important role in the world.
While the Mercedarians may be one of the lesser known religious orders in the world, they have a remarkable story featuring heroic tales of redemption that have inspired poets and singers for centuries.
The order was founded in 1218 by St. Peter Nolasco, and is officially known as the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy.
Our Lady in this title has many names: Our Lady of Mercy, Our Lady of Merced, Our Lady of Ransom, etc.
In 13th-century Spain, Christians were frequently captured by the Moors, leading to various kings and religious trying to discern the best course of action to get them back.
After fervently praying, St. Peter Nolasco had the idea of establishing a religious order in which the members would take the corporal work of mercy to "ransom the captive" quite literally, freeing Christians from the hands of the Moors.
What was unique about the order was that they set out to free these Christian captives and would offer themselves, if necessary, as ransom. They were willing to undergo harsh treatment and imprisonment if it meant that someone else would be freed from captivity.
Then on the feast of St. Peter the Apostle in Chains, the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Peter Nolasco and to his confessor, St. Raymond of Penafort. She asked that there would be a new religious order dedicated to ransoming the captives and that it be named after the name of her mercy. This confirmed everything that he was feeling drawn to and officially established the order.
'Mercy, Ransom, Redepmtion'
Larry Peterson, known for his many articles on Aleteia, set out to chronicle the history of this order by highlighting stories of saints who were part of it. He has released a book, Mercy, Ransom, Redemption: The Mercedarian Order and Their Mission to Set the Captives Free.
He includes stories from the lives of, St. Peter Nolasco, St. Maria de Cervellon, St. Peter Paschal, St. Raymond Nonnatus, and St. Serapion of Algiers.
In addition to these saints, Peterson provides engaging vocation stories of modern-day Mercedarians and how they continue to "ransom the captive" in today's world.
The book is perfect for those who are interested in the Mercedarians, but also anyone who is considering a vocation to the priesthood or religious life. And for anyone who is fascinated by some of the tales of heroism in the Church's history.
After 800 years, the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy continue to be a beacon of hope in the world, imitating Jesus Christ and his self-offering for others.
