# History and Contemporary Devotion to the Virgin of Mercy > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/history-of-the-virgin-of-mercy-and-mercedarian-order > Updated: 2026-09-26T08:10:00.000Z. Sources: 46. Developments: 3. The devotion to the Virgin of Mercy, or Nuestra Señora de la Merced, originated in 13th-century Barcelona following a vision reported to Peter Nolasco, Raimundo de Peñafort, and King James I of Aragon in 1218. This led to the founding of the Mercedarian Order, which was officially confirmed by Pope Gregory IX in 1235. The order’s primary mission was the redemption and liberation of Christian captives held in slavery, particularly during periods of Muslim dominance in the Iberian Peninsula and Mediterranean coasts. Over time, the devotion expanded from Catalonia throughout Spain and into Latin America. In Brazil, the devotion grew significantly during the 17th-century gold cycle, establishing a presence in regions such as Ouro Preto, Rio de Janeiro, and Belém, as well as Minas Gerais, where numerous temples were constructed. Recent celebrations of the feast day have seen widespread observance across several nations. In the Dominican Republic, the holiday is a national non-working day, with thousands of pilgrims gathering at the National Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mercy at Santo Cerro in La Vega. In Santo Domingo, processions included calls for divine intervention regarding social issues like violence and insecurity. In Argentina, festivities occurred in Corrientes, Jujuy, Villa Mercedes, Mercedes, and San Nicolás, focusing on themes of freedom and community unity. In Spain, the Alcázar de San Juan Penitentiary held a commemorative day emphasizing social integration. In Uruguay, religious leaders held masses at the cathedral, reflecting on the historical mission of the Mercedarian Order and the sacrifice of figures like Saint Ramón Nonato. Similarly, in Mexico, patronal masses in the Tanlum colony emphasized that the 808-year-old message of liberation remains relevant to modern spiritual life. ## Claims - new (corroborated by 3 sources) - Tradition states the Virgin Mary appeared to Pedro Nolasco, Raimundo de Peñafort, and King Jaime I of Aragon in 1218. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Order of Mercy was founded on August 10, 1218. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Virgin of Mercy has been the official patron of Barcelona since 1868. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Virgin of Mercy is the patron saint of prisoners. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The title 'Merced' originates from the Latin word 'merces', meaning payment, reward, favor, or mercy. (single source) - Pope Gregory IX confirmed the Order in 1235. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-26: Our Lady of Mercy feast celebrated by religious communities Religious communities in Uruguay and Mexico celebrated the feast of Our Lady of Mercy, honoring the history of the Mercedarian Order and its mission of liberation. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/our-lady-of-mercy-feast-celebrated-by-religious-communities ### 2026-09-24: Religious festivities honor Our Lady of Mercy across multiple regions Religious communities across the Dominican Republic, Argentina, and Spain are celebrating the feast of Our Lady of Mercy with mass, processions, and national holidays. 35 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/virgin-of-mercy-history-and-significance-of-the-september-24-feast-day ### 2026-09-24: Our Lady of Mercy feast day commemorates Mercedarian Order history September 24 commemorates the feast of Our Lady of Mercy, honoring the 13th-century foundation of the Mercedarian Order by Saint Peter Nolasco to redeem Christian captives. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/our-lady-of-mercy-history-of-the-mercedarian-order --- Cite as: History and Contemporary Devotion to the Virgin of Mercy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/history-of-the-virgin-of-mercy-and-mercedarian-order