Saint Pedro Nolasco

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St. Peter Nolasco as found in the Generalate of the Mercedarian Order

Pedro Nolasco (1189 – 1256) is a Catholic saint. Born at Mas-des-Saintes-Puelles, France, he became part of an army fighting in Spain and through that he was appointed tutor to the young king, James of Aragon. In 1218 he formed a congregation of men that became the Royal and Military Order of Our Lady of Mercy of the Redemption of the Captives with approval by Pope Gregory IX in 1230.

St. Peter Nolasco was the first Superior and also held the position of Ransomer, the order being concerned with the freeing of Christian prisoners of the Moors. Saint Raymond Nonnatus later succeeded to this position.

He died in 1256, seven years after having resigned as Superior. The order flourished in France, England, Germany, Portugal, and Spain and has had a long and proud history as part of the Catholic faith in many parts of the world.