Our Lady of Mercy

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title, "Our Lady of Mercy". Another title for "Our Lady of Mercy" is  "Our Lady of Ransom" given in the medieval times by the Mercedarian religious order who freed the slaves and prisoners by paying a ransom to the pirates and the moors. In the icons of our lady we see her with a wide open mantle and all her devotees are protected under her mantle. 
Today is also a special day the Sisters of Mercy who were founded by Mother Catherine McAuley of Ireland in 1827, to serve and educate the poor.  I wish all the Sisters of Mercy a happy feast day and also to all those who are educated by this order including my daughter!
Our Lady of Mercy, pray for us!