Mercédaires

The Mercédaires are of the monks, members of the Ordre of Mercy , (or about Our-Lady-of-the-Thank you).

This order was founded with Barcelona (Spain) in 1218 by Pierre Nolasque (1180 with Saint-Papoul, Languedoc - 1245) and Raymond de Peñafort for the repurchase of the Christian prisoners held by the Moslems (60 000 up to 1779).

The Pape Gregoire IX approved it in 1235 while giving him for rule that of Augustin saint. It is composed then of monk and knights who illustrate in the conquest of the Balearic Islands in 1229, and of Valence (Spain) in 1238.

Starting from 1317, it becomes a comparable clerical order in 1690 with an order begging.

The Mercédaires pronounced four wishes: poverty, chastity, obedience and being ready to deliver themselves as an hostage if it were the only means of achieving their engagement. Indeed, of many Christians were captured, often sold like slaves to the Moslems of Africa, and that until piracy disappears.

It then became an order missionary and caritative.

In 1980, the Order counted 780 monks in 149 houses.

Saints belonging to the Order

Saint Pierre Nolasque
Holy Raymond Nonnat
Saint Pierre Armengol

Internal bond

Religious orders alphabetically

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