nolasco 1

Saint Peter Nolasco [1190-1256]... 

founder of the Royal, Celestial and Military... 

Order of Our Lady of Mercy for the Redemption of the Captives... 

was born at Ricaud, near Carcasson, an Episcopal See in Languedoc, France... 

in the year of Christ 1190. 

Francisco Pacheco, Disembarkation of the Captives

His family belonged to the noble house of Nolasco. 

Even when a child, he wept on seeing a poor person... 

and could be consoled only by giving him some alms for the distressed. 

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When he became of age... 

he divided the inheritance bequeathed him by his parents among the poor. 

Without neglecting the practice of virtue, he industriously and perseveringly applied himself to his studies. His anxiety to preserve his baptismal robe unspotted, and to act as a true servant of his Lord, made him avoid the least sin, for he feared that any negligence would dampen his fervor in the service of God, and lead to more grievous sins. 

Having at an early age been deprived of his parents, he withdrew to Spain, to escape the contagion of the Albigensian heresy, which had already devastated many parts of France. 

Jacobus I van Aragon

Senyera

For a long time he occupied the post of tutor to James... 

the heir apparent to the crown of Aragon... 

and while at Barcelona, he wore the livery of Christ beneath the robes of State.

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The miserable condition of the Christians who were in captivity under the Moors and other enemies of the Christian name, as well as their imminent danger of losing the Faith, deeply touched his heart.

He therefore gave up all his goods and possessions for their ransom... 

and expressed his wish to be himself sold for their sakes... 

or held captive in their stead. 

His generosity was rewarded at one time with the liberation of three hundred Christian slaves. 

On the following night, while he was engaged in prayer, and considering how he could rescue others from their sad fate... 

the Mother of God appeared to him, commended [prees] his generosity, and told him that it would be highly pleasing to her Divine Son and to herself, if he would found a Religious Order whose chief aim should be the redemption of captives. 

[bron]