Tomorrow, Tuesday, March 18, is the traditional celebration of the Marian title – Our Lady of Mercy. Although I have written on this title in the past, based on the writings of Pope St. John Paul II, I wanted to get back to writing on Our Lady within this series, and I can’t think of a more appropriate time than to focus on this title of mercy.

The title “Our Lady of Mercy” (“Maria de Mercede” in Latin) finds its origins in Spain during the 13^th century. It is believed that Our Lady appeared to St. Peter Nolasco, St. Raymund of Penafort, and King James I of Aragon on August 1, 1218. During the apparition, Our Lady told them to organize a religious order that would focus on rescuing Christians who were being held in captivity by Islamic forces within the region. The order that the three men founded were known as the Mercedarians – the Royal and Military Order of Our Lady of Mercy and the Redemption of the Captives. Many in the order gave their own lives in exchange for those who were being held captive.

So, why is the title “Our Lady of Mercy” so important for Catholics?

First, it is through the Immaculate Conception that we see her as the first receiver of God’s infinite mercy. In her conception, within the womb of St. Anne, God keeps her from being affected by Original Sin and allows her to have a special grace that will not taint her soul. Not to twist your brain into knots on this Monday morning, but the grace Our Lady receives at her conception, comes from the act of Christ’s passion and death on the cross, while Our Lady stands beneath the cross alongside St. John the Apostle.

Second, this title of Mercy reminds us as Catholics that Mama Mary, as the Mother of God, and the spiritual mother of humanity, will always intercede for us to her Divine Son. The mercy she extends to us mirrors the infinite mercy of God allowing us to touch the compassion of Christ Jesus on the cross. As the “Mother of Mercy” she plays an essential part in the coming of Jesus Christ, the second person of the Holy Trinity with her Fiat (“Yes”) at the Annunciation.

Since she participated freely in the Incarnation, she is always willing and ready to lead us to Jesus Christ. She did this during her earthly life, most notably, at the Wedding Feast of Cana, but even today as she sits as the Queen of Heaven, and through many of the apparitions approved by the Church, she brings us closer to Jesus as we deepen our relationship with her.

Finally, this title should also be a rallying cry for us as Catholics. Following the example of Jesus Christ and Mother Mary, it should encourage us to be compassionate and merciful channels of God’s mercy in the world today. As we model ourselves on Our Lady of Mercy, we should seek to be kind, forgiving, and aid those we encounter in our communities, displaying the love of Christ.

Our Lady of Mercy…Pray for Us.

350th Blog Post.