Third Order of Mercy

Third Order of Mercy. The Third Order of Mercy is a lay order of the Catholic Church associated with the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy, a mendicant order founded by Saint Peter Nolasco in the early 13th century in Barcelona. Its members, known as Tertiaries, seek to live the spirituality and charism of the Mercedarian tradition within their secular lives, dedicating themselves to prayer, community, and the works of mercy, particularly the ransom of captives. The order provides a structured path for the laity to participate in the religious life and apostolic mission of the Mercedarian family.

History

The origins of the Third Order of Mercy are deeply intertwined with the foundation of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy by Saint Peter Nolasco under the patronage of James I of Aragon and the guidance of Saint Raymond of Penyafort. Established in 1218 in the Kingdom of Aragon, the primary mission was the redemption of Christian captives from Muslim territories during the Reconquista. Following the model of other mendicant orders like the Franciscans and Dominicans, a third order for lay faithful emerged, allowing those not called to religious vows or cloister to share in the spiritual benefits and works of the community. The rule for tertiaries was formalized over subsequent centuries, receiving approval from various popes and adapting through periods like the Counter-Reformation and the Second Vatican Council, which renewed emphasis on the lay apostolate.

Spirituality and charism

The spirituality of the Third Order of Mercy is centered on the imitation of Jesus Christ through the practice of the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, with a special devotion to Our Lady of Mercy. The charism is fundamentally one of redemption and liberation, inspired by the fourth vow of the parent order to offer oneself as a hostage for captives in danger of losing their faith. This translates for tertiaries into a commitment to free people from modern forms of captivity, such as poverty, addiction, and injustice. Daily prayer, particularly the Liturgy of the Hours and the Rosary, meditation on the Passion of Jesus, and devotion to the Eucharist and the Virgin Mary are essential practices that nourish this missionary spirit.

Organization and membership

The Third Order of Mercy is organized into local groups or fraternities, often affiliated with a Mercedarian monastery, convent, or parish, and is governed by a Moderator General from the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy. Each fraternity is led by a council elected by the professed members and is guided spiritually by a Mercedarian priest serving as a spiritual director. Candidates undergo a period of formation, often called postulancy and novitiate, before making a temporary and then perpetual promise to follow the rule of life. Membership is open to lay men and women, as well as secular clergy, who live according to the principles of the order while maintaining their professional and family commitments.

Notable members

Throughout history, several members of the Third Order of Mercy have been recognized for their holiness and service. Among the most prominent is Saint Mary de Cervellón, a Catalan tertiary who is venerated as the patroness of the Mercedarian Third Order. The order also counts numerous blessed and venerable individuals within its ranks, such as the Blessed Mariano of Roccacasale, known for his humility and care for the poor. In the Americas, figures like the Servant of God Anna María Janer dedicated their lives to education and healthcare, embodying the order's charism. These members often collaborated closely with institutions like the Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico and various Catholic missions.

Works and apostolates

The apostolic works of the Third Order of Mercy are diverse, focusing on the contemporary application of the redemptive charism. Traditional works include prison ministry, support for refugees and immigrants, and advocacy for victims of human trafficking, echoing the historical work of ransom. Many tertiaries are active in healthcare, serving in hospitals inspired by figures like Saint John of God, and in education, running schools and catechetical programs. Other common apostolates involve serving in soup kitchens, visiting the sick and elderly, participating in parish ministries, and supporting global missions of the Mercedarians in countries like Peru, the Philippines, and India. These works are often coordinated through organizations like Caritas Internationalis and local diocesan structures.