Our Lady of Ransom

The Order of Our Lady of Mercy, which was founded at Barcelona (Spain) in 1233 by St Peter Nolasco, St Raymond of Penyafort and King James of Aragon, for the ransoming of Christians from Saracen captivity, instituted this feast in thanksgiving to Our Lady. It was gradually adopted in Spain and France, and in 1696 was promulgated by Pope Innocent XIII for observance in the Universal Church. Mary is particularly invoked under the title of “Our Lady of Ransom” or “Our Lady of Mercy” for the re-conversion of England (“Our Lady’s Dowry”), from false religious teaching. She is also the compassionate ransomer of living sinners from Satan’s grasp, and of the suffering souls in Purgatory.