Peter Nolasco
Peter Nolasco was a Catholic nobleman recognized for founding the Royal and Military Order of Our Lady of Mercy of the Redemption of the Captives, also known as the Mercedarians. He established this order with papal approval in 1235 to rescue Christian captives from Muslim raids. Nolasco is primarily remembered as the founder of this religious order dedicated to ransoming slaves.
- Feast Day
- May 6
- Century
- 13th century
- Country Or Region
- Spain
Key Facts
- ›Peter Nolasco founded the Mercedarian Order with papal approval on January 17, 1235.
- ›He was appointed tutor to the young King James I of Aragon after the Battle of Muret.
- ›Nolasco became concerned with the plight of Christians captured in Moorish raids and established the order to help them.
- ›He served as the first Superior and Ransomer of the order, working to free Christian prisoners.
- ›The Mercedarians required a special vow to devote their substance and liberty to ransoming slaves.
- ›The order accomplished approximately 70,000 rescues, with about 2,700 during Nolasco's lifetime.
Pere Nolasc, Pierre Nolasque, Pedro Nolasco
About Peter Nolasco
Peter Nolasco (1189 – 6 May 1256)
Peter Nolasco, also known by his Catalan name Pere Nolasc, French name Pierre Nolasque, and Spanish name Pedro Nolasco, was a Catholic nobleman recognized as the founder of the Royal and Military Order of Our Lady of Mercy of the Redemption of the Captives, commonly known as the Mercedarians. This order received papal approval from Pope Gregory IX on January 17, 1235.
Life and Historical Context
While the exact birthplace of Peter Nolasco is debated, with some sources suggesting France and others Spain, it is established that he was in Barcelona during his teenage years. He participated in military campaigns against the Moors in the Iberian Peninsula and was appointed tutor to the young James I of Aragon. This period was marked by intermittent warfare between Christian kingdoms and Muslim polities, leading to frequent capture and enslavement of individuals on both sides. The threat of capture by pirates or during raids was a constant concern for residents of coastal regions.
Founding the Mercedarian Order
Sources regarding the origins of the Mercedarians are scarce, and much of what is known about Peter Nolasco comes from narratives developed between the 15th and 17th centuries. The order was established out of Nolasco's concern for Christians captured during Moorish raids. He envisioned a well-structured religious order dedicated to the succor and ransom of these captives.
Ransoming Captives
Peter Nolasco began ransoming Christian captives as early as 1203. In 1218, he became the procurator for a lay confraternity for ransoming slaves. Nolasco became the first Superior of the Mercedarian Order in 1230, holding the position of Ransomer. He worked in various regions, including the Kingdom of Valencia and Granada, and undertook journeys to Algiers. The order's distinctive vow required members to devote their substance and liberty to the ransoming of slaves, even serving as hostages. During the founder's lifetime, the order accomplished approximately 2,700 rescues, with a total of around 70,000 rescues recorded.
Veneration and Legacy
Peter Nolasco was canonized by Pope Urban VIII. His feast day is celebrated on May 6, the day of his death. The Mercedarian Order spread widely throughout Spain and into the New World, playing a role in the Reconquista and establishing a missionary presence. The order also flourished in France, England, Germany, and Portugal.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Peter Nolasco?
Peter Nolasco was a Catholic nobleman from the medieval period, known for founding the Royal and Military Order of Our Lady of Mercy of the Redemption of the Captives (the Mercedarians). He was born in 1189 and died on May 6, 1256.
What is Peter Nolasco famous for?
He is chiefly remembered for founding the Mercedarian Order in 1235. This order was established with papal approval to rescue Christian captives from Muslim raids and enslavement.
When and where was Peter Nolasco born?
There is debate about whether Peter Nolasco was born in France or Spain. However, he was in Barcelona as a teenager and was born in 1189.
What was the purpose of the Mercedarian Order founded by Peter Nolasco?
The primary purpose of the Mercedarian Order was the redemption of Christian captives. Members took a special vow to devote their resources and even their liberty to freeing slaves, sometimes acting as hostages.
When did Peter Nolasco die and where is he venerated?
Peter Nolasco died in 1256 in Barcelona. He was canonized as a saint, and his feast day is celebrated on May 6, the day of his death.
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