A congregation founded at Barcelona in 1218 by Saint Peter Nolasco, especially devoted to the ransom of captives from the Moors, and following the rule drawn up by Saint Augustine. The development of the order was immediate and widespread throughout France, England, Germany, Portugal, and Spain. As the Moors were driven back, new convents of Mercy were established at Montpellier, Perpignan, Toulouse, and Vich. Columbus brought some members of the Order of Mercy with him to America, and they founded houses in Mexico, Cuba, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and Ecuador, and took an active part in the conversion of the Indians. Toward the end of the 18th century the Mercedarians erected houses for the training of missionaries, and in the beginning of the 19th century they undertook elementary teaching in their convents. The mother-house is in Rome. Notable Mercedarians include
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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