Anecdotes about the Virgin Mary

«La Merced, capitana del mar peruano»

Permanently

The devotion to Our Lady of the Mercedes, the Virgin of the Merced, came to Peru by the Order of the Merced, founded for the redemption of captives, and cast deep roots from the early times of evangelization. It is one of the oldest and most venerated Marian asvocations in the country, especially dear on the north coast and among the people of the sea.

The Merced is invoked as a protector and, in Peruvian tradition, is honoured with titles linked to the homeland and the weapons: the people recognize it as patron of the armies of Peru, the result of a long military and popular devotion. His feast is held on September 24, the date of the Virgin of the Merced throughout the world, with processions, masses and romaneries.

It is appropriate to honestly distinguish the documented from the traditional. The early merchant presence in Peru and the age of veneration are well attested; however, the details of specific local accounts vary according to the sources, and the details that do not appear in firm documentation should be taken as a pious tradition rather than as a proven fact. Where there is no certainty, it is fair to say that it does not know.

The scapular of the Merced and the Marian prayer accompany this devotion, and the Rosary is a natural part of the celebrations, as in every Marian piety of Peru, without a unique episode that specifically lists this advocation with the origin of the Rosary.