Saint Peter Nolasco
![[painting of Saint Peter Nolasco]](saintp04.jpg "8kb jpg painting of Saint Peter Nolasco, artist unknown; please do not write to ask about the image")
- Memorial
- 28 January;
formerly 31 January
- Profile
- French nobility.
Pious youth.
His father died when Peter was fifteen, and he inherited a substantial fortune.
When he came of age, he gave away his possessions and moved to Barcelona to avoid the Albigensian heretics.
He later took part in the Crusades against the Albigensians in southern France.
Tutor to King James I of Aragon.
Settled in Barcelona, Spain.
Friend of Saint Raymond Penyafort.
He used his large inheritence to ransom Christians held prisoner by the Moors.
Founded the Order of Our Lady of Mercy (Mercedarians) beginning in 1218, an order devoted to ransoming Christians; the Order received papal approval in 1230.
Peter twice served as a captive in Africa, winning the release of over 400 captives.
In 1249, Peter retired from the Order to spend his remaining days in quiet prayer.
- Born
- 1182 at Mas-des-Saintes-Puelles, near Castelnaudary, Languedoc, France
- Died
- 25 December 1258
- Canonized
- 30 September 1628 by Pope Urban VIII
- Additional Information
-
Catholic Online
Catholic Encyclopedia: Mercedarians
Catholic Encyclopedia: Peter Nolasco
New Catholic Dictionary: Mercedarians
New Catholic Dictionary: Saint Peter Nolasco
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