The Liberation from All Slavery

In the medieval period, the term mercede referred to a concrete form of compassion, directed especially toward those living on the margins of society—in particular, Christians held in captivity in non-Christian societies. Saint Peter Nolasco and his disciples devoted themselves fervently to this cause, founding a religious community dedicated to the liberation of Christian prisoners abroad, in danger of renouncing their faith. For this reason they were called the Friars of Mercy, and their convents were known as “Houses of Mercy.”