Do You Know What a Religious Order’s Charism Is?
Supreme Court’s Abortion Decision Sheds Light on Mercedarian Founder’s Zeal
Now that the U.S. Supreme Court has struck down the infamous Roe v. Wade abortion decision, tens of thousands of preborn babies will receive the gift of life rather than succumb to the death sentences of abortionists.
The decision, which reversed the court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling, was consoling news to Christians and people of good will around the world.
It is also clear that the persevering and relentless work of pro-lifers around the country sheds light on a similar zeal for lives and souls as shown in the life of the Mercedarian founder, St. Peter Nolasco.
Redeeming Lives in Danger
St. Nolasco began his work in Spain in the 1200’s to redeem the lives of Christians whose faith was in danger due to their being taken captive by Muslims. St. Peter and his companions would travel to the cities and countries held by Muslims and bargain with the captors, offering to exchange funds, or even their own lives if necessary, in exchange for Christians who sometimes chose to embrace Islam rather than die by the sword.
St. Nolasco was motivated with the zeal Our Savior Jesus Christ, following the Lord’s example of redemptive love in giving his life as a ransom for the human race. This redemptive love for souls is at the heart of the Mercedarian charism.
Another prominent saint of the Order is St. Raymond Nonnatus, often invoked by expectant mothers since he was delivered from his mother’s womb by Cesarean section. St. Raymond is the patron of the Mercedarian Novitate in the United States, of those falsely accused, of expectant mothers, of Christian family life, and of the unborn.
We encourage you to pray along with us our "Prayer for Christian Family Life to St. Raymond Nonnatus" which laments the assaults on the family and asks St. Raymond that, through his intercession, all homes “may ever be modeled after the Holy Family of Nazareth.”
Hidden Work of Pro-Lifers
Thus, we must thank the many pro-lifers whose unrelenting and often hidden work promoted the sanctity of life for all those years, as well as provided material help for those in need. These include lobbyists working with legislatures, pregnancy center volunteers, sidewalk counselors, and of course those many faithful Christians sending fervent prayers to heaven. These people can only be hailed as noble and selfless workers for Christ and for society.
Of course, their work is not over, as many states have insidiously codified Roe into statutory laws, allowing abortionists and their cohorts full sway over the lives of innocent mothers and their unborn babies. Pro-lifers and all of the faithful must continue their work, and pray that a respect for human life and the integrity of the traditional family be honored in our country.
Here again is the video prayer, “Prayer for Christian Life to Saint Raymond Nonnatus.”
The Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy encourages and supports a sincere devotion to Mary and to the Eucharist.
St. Peter Nolasco and St. Raymond Nonnatus, pray for us!
To find out more, contact the Order of Mercy at the addresses below:
Why not join the celebration for life and give thanks to God for the Supreme Court's decision by commenting on one of our social media channels below? (It will help us get the word out!)
Facebook: MercedarianFriarsUSA
Twitter: 4thvow
Instagram: mercedarianfriarsusa
YouTube: Mercedarian Friars USA
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About the Author
Kevin J. Banet is a journalist and publicist. He provides marketing for religious communities, non-profits and healthcare services. Kevin and his family live in the Chicago area. His website is VocationPromotion.com.
