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Mercedarian

Mercedarian

1 9.9
A member of a Catholic order that rescues Christian captives
  • noun
  • /mɜrˈsɛdəˌriən/
: mercedario
  • A medieval order of monks (the Mercedarians) ransomed Christian slaves.
  • Province of the Mercedarians
  • Mercedarian assistant pastor

Examples

  • The Mercedarians dedicate their lives to rescuing Christians held captive in various parts of the world.

  • Fr. Justin Freeman, O. de M., joined several Mercedarian friars from around the world at a continuing formation week in Rome.

    Blog text (18)
  • No mention was made of Father Caruso or the Mercedarians.

    Academic text (1998)
  • In this case, the Fathers of Our Lady of Mercy (Mercedarians) in Cleveland worked directly under their Roman Province.

    Academic text (1998)
  • As administrators of two Italian parishes and a mission, the Mercedarians were a significant religious and nationalist presence among Cleveland's Italians.

    Academic text (1998)
  • Further testimony at this January 31 meeting illuminated the dynamics of the standoff between Holy Redeemer and the Mercedarians.

    Academic text (1998)
  • In the case of Holy Redeemer, its relationship to another Italian parish under the Mercedarians, Saint Rocco, was crucial to the conflict and the interdict.

    Academic text (1998)
  • In 1930, Italian Consul Gradenigo wrote favorably about the Mercedarian's "precious apostolate of faith and Patria among Italians and Italo-Americans."

    Academic text (1998)
  • Throughout history, the Mercedarians have played a crucial role in advocating for the freedom of enslaved individuals.

  • Many people admire the selfless work of the Mercedarians, who strive to bring hope to those in desperate situations.

Surface Forms

Mercedarian singular
Mercedarians plural

Etymology

Mercedarian is the name for a member of the Order of Mercy, and the word comes from Spanish Merced meaning 'mercy' because the group worked to free people taken as captives. So a Mercedarian is someone who belongs to that order and whose mission was to show 'mercy' by rescuing others.