La Merced, una historia de redención y liberación de cautivos

The Diocese of Segorbe-Castellón de la Plana shared a reflection on the history and mission of the Mercedarian Order, which was founded in Barcelona in 1218 by Saint Peter Nolasco. Nolasco established the order to rescue Christians held captive by Muslims and placed the group under the protection of the Virgin of Mercy.

The diocese noted that while the order originally focused on physical captives, its mission now addresses modern forms of slavery. These include human trafficking, addiction, violence, social exclusion, and other conditions that threaten human dignity or faith.

Mercedarian priests continue to serve people facing physical, moral, or spiritual captivity. This pastoral work includes serving people in prisons throughout the world and within the local diocese.