implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided...
September 24
Feast of Our Lady of Ransom
Or, Our Lady of Mercy.
Today's feast of Our Lady is primarily celebrated in South American countries and in Spain. It is the titular feast of the order of friars known as the Mercedarians, founded by St. Peter Nolasco. St. Raymond Nonnatus was also a member of this order, founded to ransom Catholic slaves held captive by Muslims.
Unlike today, when there is no bargaining with terrorists, in those days ransom would be paid to free those held captive. St. Raymond exchanged himself for such and was enslaved for a time. The Saracens pierced his lips with a padlock to prevent him from speaking about the Catholic faith. He himself was later ransomed by his fellow Mercedarians.
Things do not seem to have changed much with Muslim-Christian relations...
Another interesting factoid about devotion to Our Lady of Ransom - or Our Lady of Mercy as she is known since Vatican II: During the English persecutions under the reign of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, devotion to Our Lady of Ransom enjoyed a greater fervor in the hopes of bringing the Church of England back into "Our Lady's Dowry".
In our day it seems to me it would be good if the devotion was revived and given greater attention, considering the continued threats of terrorism, and above all, the ongoing persecution of Christians in Muslim lands. Our culture is faced with many moral afflictions as well, such as addictions to vice and various obsessive-compulsive disorders. Our Lady of Ransom would seem to be an efficacious title one might use to implore the Blessed Virgin's help to obtain freedom from those sins which most ensnare us.
"Implore the Blessed Virgin's help to obtain freedom from those sins which most ensnare us."
"In our day it seems to me it would be good if the devotion was revived and given greater attention, considering the continued threats of terrorism, and above all, the ongoing persecution of Christians in Muslim lands."
ReplyDeleteI agree wholeheartedly, Terry but I think we see obstacles for such a call. Many in the Church and those non-members, would consider it politically incorrect and offensive.
I do not see it that way because what is glaringly true is what is seen on the plains of Nineveh, in the desolate towns and villages of Syria, in the rape and slaughter of so many of God's children and peoples sold into slavery.
I will try to remember to pray for her special intercession under this beautiful title of Our Lady of Ransom. I like the other title the Holy Father is devoted to, Our Lady Undoer of Knots.
Well said, Terry! In doing deMontfort's preparation for Total Consecration I have come to know Mary under the title of Our Lady of Wisdom. And in this age we need leaders with real wisdom if we are to ever chnage the current course of action.
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