Our Lady of Ransom – Short History
Our Lady of Ransom, also known as Our Lady of Mercy (Nuestra Señora de la Merced), is a title of the Blessed Virgin Mary closely associated with the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy (Mercedarians). In 1218, according to tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Peter Nolasco, encouraging him to establish a religious order dedicated to rescuing Christians who had been captured and enslaved during conflicts between Christian and Muslim kingdoms.
The Mercedarian friars took a unique Fourth Vow, pledging to offer themselves as hostages if necessary to secure the freedom of Christian captives. Inspired by Mary’s compassion, they ransomed thousands of prisoners, bringing hope to those suffering in captivity.
Today, devotion to Our Lady of Ransom reminds Catholics that Christ came to redeem humanity from the slavery of sin. Through Mary’s loving intercession, the faithful pray for freedom from sin, protection from evil, perseverance in faith, and the grace to live as true disciples of Christ.
The feast of Our Lady of Ransom is celebrated each year on September 24.
What is the Our Lady of Ransom Novena?
The Our Lady of Ransom Novena is a nine-day Catholic devotion seeking the Blessed Virgin Mary’s intercession for freedom from sin, spiritual protection, mercy, perseverance, and other special intentions.
Who is Our Lady of Ransom?
Our Lady of Ransom is a title of the Blessed Virgin Mary that honors her role in inspiring the Mercedarian Order to rescue Christians held in captivity. She is also widely known as Our Lady of Mercy.
When should I pray the Our Lady of Ransom Novena?
You may pray this novena at any time during the year. Many Catholics begin it before the Feast of Our Lady of Ransomon September 24.
What can I pray for during this novena?
You may pray for:
- Freedom from sin
- Protection from evil
- Strength during trials
- Peace in your family
- Conversion of loved ones
- Deliverance from spiritual bondage
- Perseverance in faith
- Any special intention
Why is Our Lady of Ransom important?
This Marian title reminds us that Jesus redeemed humanity from the bondage of sin, and that Mary continually intercedes for her children, leading them to the freedom found in Christ.
Is devotion to Our Lady of Ransom approved by the Catholic Church?
Yes. Devotion to Our Lady of Ransom has been part of Catholic tradition since the 13th century and is closely connected with the Mercedarian Order, which was officially approved by the Church.
Can I pray this novena for someone else?
Yes. You may offer this novena for family members, friends, those who are suffering, those struggling with sin or addiction, prisoners, or anyone in need of God’s mercy and Mary’s intercession.
How do I pray the Our Lady of Ransom Novena?
Begin with the Sign of the Cross, pray the novena prayer each day for nine consecutive days, present your personal intention, and conclude with one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be.
| Novena Begins: | September 15 |
| Feast Day: | September 24 |
Patron Saint of Spain, Barcelona, Mercedes
Day 1 – Our Lady of Ransom Novena
Let us begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, who through the most glorious Mother of Your Son were pleased to give new children to Your Church for the deliverance of Christ’s faithful from the power of the heathen, grant, we beseech You, that we who lovingly honor her as the Foundress of so great a work may, through her merits and intercession, be delivered from all sin and from the bondage of hell.
Through the same Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Our Lady of Ransom, pray for us.
(Mention your request here…)
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Day 2 – Our Lady of Ransom Novena
Let us begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, who through the most glorious Mother of Your Son were pleased to give new children to Your Church for the deliverance of Christ’s faithful from the power of the heathen, grant, we beseech You, that we who lovingly honor her as the Foundress of so great a work may, through her merits and intercession, be delivered from all sin and from the bondage of hell.
Through the same Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Our Lady of Ransom, pray for us.
(Mention your request here…)
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Day 3 – Our Lady of Ransom Novena
Let us begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, who through the most glorious Mother of Your Son were pleased to give new children to Your Church for the deliverance of Christ’s faithful from the power of the heathen, grant, we beseech You, that we who lovingly honor her as the Foundress of so great a work may, through her merits and intercession, be delivered from all sin and from the bondage of hell.
Through the same Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Our Lady of Ransom, pray for us.
(Mention your request here…)
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Day 4 – Our Lady of Ransom Novena
Let us begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, who through the most glorious Mother of Your Son were pleased to give new children to Your Church for the deliverance of Christ’s faithful from the power of the heathen, grant, we beseech You, that we who lovingly honor her as the Foundress of so great a work may, through her merits and intercession, be delivered from all sin and from the bondage of hell.
Through the same Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Our Lady of Ransom, pray for us.
(Mention your request here…)
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Day 5 – Our Lady of Ransom Novena
Let us begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, who through the most glorious Mother of Your Son were pleased to give new children to Your Church for the deliverance of Christ’s faithful from the power of the heathen, grant, we beseech You, that we who lovingly honor her as the Foundress of so great a work may, through her merits and intercession, be delivered from all sin and from the bondage of hell.
Through the same Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Our Lady of Ransom, pray for us.
(Mention your request here…)
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Day 6 – Our Lady of Ransom Novena
Let us begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, who through the most glorious Mother of Your Son were pleased to give new children to Your Church for the deliverance of Christ’s faithful from the power of the heathen, grant, we beseech You, that we who lovingly honor her as the Foundress of so great a work may, through her merits and intercession, be delivered from all sin and from the bondage of hell.
Through the same Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Our Lady of Ransom, pray for us.
(Mention your request here…)
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Day 7 – Our Lady of Ransom Novena
Let us begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, who through the most glorious Mother of Your Son were pleased to give new children to Your Church for the deliverance of Christ’s faithful from the power of the heathen, grant, we beseech You, that we who lovingly honor her as the Foundress of so great a work may, through her merits and intercession, be delivered from all sin and from the bondage of hell.
Through the same Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Our Lady of Ransom, pray for us.
(Mention your request here…)
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Day 8 – Our Lady of Ransom Novena
Let us begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, who through the most glorious Mother of Your Son were pleased to give new children to Your Church for the deliverance of Christ’s faithful from the power of the heathen, grant, we beseech You, that we who lovingly honor her as the Foundress of so great a work may, through her merits and intercession, be delivered from all sin and from the bondage of hell.
Through the same Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Our Lady of Ransom, pray for us.
(Mention your request here…)
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Day 9 – Our Lady of Ransom Novena
Let us begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, who through the most glorious Mother of Your Son were pleased to give new children to Your Church for the deliverance of Christ’s faithful from the power of the heathen, grant, we beseech You, that we who lovingly honor her as the Foundress of so great a work may, through her merits and intercession, be delivered from all sin and from the bondage of hell.
Through the same Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Our Lady of Ransom, pray for us.
(Mention your request here…)
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Leave us your prayers…