Our Lady of Ransom

I tell you, Our Lady wants to be well-known through her various titles!  She knows we need her in a very special way.  Develop your devotion to her now! Today is the feast of Our Lady of Ransom (or Mercy) another beautiful title that we need so much in our day!

In 1218, Spain was under the control of  the Moors (Muslims).  Our Lady of Ransom appeared in 3 separate visions to St. Peter Nolasco, St. Raymond Pennafort and King James.  She asked them to start an order to free the Christians who had been kidnapped and enslaved by the moors.  They were to spend time in prayer and raising money to ransom the slaves of the moors.  They were also to take a vow to give themselves up as hostages should all else fail to ransom the enslaved.  Of course, the worst slavery is the enslavement of sin.  Are we willing to sacrifice ourselves for our enslaved brethren?  Do you have someone special who is enslaved in sin that you pray for, that you sacrifice for?  Our Lady of Ransom, pray for us!  Our Lady of Mercy, protect us!

In the picture above, Our Lady is holding the Scapular of Our Lady of Ransom, which I learned has the image of Our Lady of Ransom on one end and the coat of arms on the other.  In her other hand I would guess she is holding shackles of the enslaved. Some day I will learn more about the picture.