September 24
Saints of the Day
 

Feast of Our Lady of Mercy or Ransom

     Commemorates the apparition of Our Lady of Ransom and the foundation of the Mercedarian Order. 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.

    On August 1, 1218, the Blessed Virgin appeared to Saint Peter Nolasco, to his confessor, Raymund of Pennafort, and to the king, and through these three servants of God established a work of the most perfect charity, the redemption of captives.

    On that night, while the Church was celebrating the feast of Saint Peter in Chains, the Virgin Mary came from heaven and appeared first to Saint Peter, saying that She indeed desired the establishment of a religious Order bearing the name of Her mercy. Its members would undertake to deliver Christian captives and offer themselves, if necessary, as a gage. Word of the miracle soon spread over the entire kingdom; and on August 10^th the king went to the cathedral for a Mass celebrated by the bishop of Barcelona. Saint Raymund went up into the pulpit and narrated his vision, with admirable eloquence and fervor. The king besought the blessing of the bishop for the heaven-sent plan, and the bishop bestowed the habit on Saint Peter, who emitted the solemn vow to give himself as a hostage if necessary.  

    Saint Peter Nolasco

Additional Information

http://www.magnificat.ca/cal/engl/09-24.htm
http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/mary0013.htm

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