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Also known as: Our Lady
of Mercy
Commemorates the foundation of the Mercedarian Order and the apparition of
Our Lady of Ransom In this appearance she carried two bags of coins
for use in ransoming Christians imprisoned by Moors. On 10 August 1218,
the Mercedarian Order was legally constituted at Barcelona by King James
of Aragon, and was approved by Pope Gregory IX on 17 January 1235. The
Mercedarians celebrated their institution on the Sunday nearest to 1
August because it was on 1 August 1218 that the Blessed Virgin showed
Saint Peter Nolasco the white habit of the Order. This custom was approved
by the Congregation of Rites on 4 April 1615. On 22 February 1696 it was
extended to the entire Latin Church, and the date changed to 24 September.
Patronage: Barcelona Spain, people named Clemency, Mercedes,
Mercedez or Mercy
Source:
http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/mary0013.htm |
