The Mercedarians, officially known as the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy, is a Catholic religious order founded in 1218 by Saint Peter Nolasco in Barcelona, Spain. Their primary mission was to rescue Christian captives from Muslim territories during the Middle Ages. The order emphasizes the values of mercy and charity, dedicating themselves to helping those in need. Members of the Mercedarian order take a special vow to offer themselves as hostages if necessary to secure the freedom of captives. Over the centuries, they have expanded their work to include various forms of social service, education, and pastoral care, continuing their commitment to mercy and justice in modern times.