Nuestra Señora de la Merced, or Our Lady of Mercy, is a title given to the Virgin Mary, recognized in the Catholic Church. This title is associated with the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy, founded in the 13th century to rescue Christian captives from Muslim territories. The feast day is celebrated on September 24. The image of Nuestra Señora de la Merced is often depicted wearing a crown and holding the child Jesus. She is venerated in various countries, particularly in Spain and Latin America, where many churches and shrines are dedicated to her.