Our Lady of Ransom, and of Mercy

September 24th is the traditional memorial of Our Lady of Ransom, also called Our Lady of Mercy, one which goes back to the twelfth century, invoking the Blessed Mother and her patronage to help free slaves, especially from capture by the Muslims. What is old is new again. For a history of this feast, here is Father Paul Haffner’s fine summary.

Ora pro nobis, Sancta Maria! +